2 October 2024

CFLPA Executive Director Job Posting

The Canadian Football League Players Association (the CFLPA) was established in 1965 with the goal of establishing fair and reasonable working conditions for the players in the Canadian Football League (the CFL). The CFLPA office is based in Mississauga, Ontario and is led by a five-member Executive Board of Directors. Each of the nine member teams elects two player representatives who vote to elect members of the Executive Board. The Executive Board is supported by an administration team, advisory board, and additional consultants, led by the Executive director. The CFLPA represents every player in the nine-team league (approximately 540 players) and negotiates the collective bargaining agreement on behalf of its membership.

The CFLPA is seeking a new Executive Director. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and leads a team of staff administrators. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the CFLPA, including implementing Board policy to align with the mission of the CFLPA, handling grievances and other issues with the CFL, and developing partnership opportunities for the players. The Executive Director is the spokesperson for the CFLPA and will also establish, maintain, and grow relationships with the players and player representatives, the Board, staff, the CFL, professional advisors, sponsors, and alumni. Additionally, the Executive Director attends all CFL meetings on behalf of the CFLPA and serves as the primary spokesperson with media, government stakeholders, and other player associations and professional leagues.

The successful candidate joins the CFLPA with deep experience working within the Canadian labour union environment, preferably with a legal or business background in the sports or entertainment sectors. The candidate should have experience with collective bargaining, grievance processes, and acting as a spokesperson for a high-profile not-for-profit organization. Experience working in professional sports and/or a background in team sports and an understanding of football, is strongly preferred. The successful candidate requires advanced business acumen and natural leadership skills with a demonstrated capacity to engage stakeholders and collaborate effectively with the Board, staff, and membership.

Interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter in confidence to CFLPA@alexanderwhitehead.com by December 1, 2024.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Finalist candidates will undergo third-party psychometric testing, professional reference checks, and a comprehensive criminal, academic, and professional accreditation verification process.

Compensation Salary Range is $150,000 to $200,000 plus comprehensive benefits. Final salary will be based on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Location and Travel Requirements: The Executive Director can be based in any Canadian community and can work in a remote location environment. The successful candidate is expected to be comfortable working in a virtual and dynamic office environment and will be provided with the necessary technology and support to effectively execute their duties regardless of location.

The Executive Director is required to travel frequently – up to 35 percent depending on their place of residence – to maintain profile with the membership.

The CFLPA provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local law. In addition, the CFLPA welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Alexander Whitehead Executive Search is a boutique executive search firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Since our inception in 2013, Alexander Whitehead has completed over 500 executive and senior management search assignments for private and public sector organizations across North America.

2 October 2024

CFLPA launches search for new Executive Director 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

October 2, 2024

CFLPA launches search for new Executive Director 

Mississauga, ON. - The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) has officially launched its search for its new Executive Director.  

“The CFLPA Executive Director position is an important part of our team,” said CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian. “We are looking for someone who is fearless and motivated, collaborative and passionate about people and sport. I’d like to encourage all qualified candidates, who are serious about leading growth and creating positive change and advocacy on behalf of others, to apply.”  

Led by Canadian-based executive search firm Alexander Whitehead Executive Search, the CFLPA is seeking an experienced senior leader and collaborator with a powerful vision who has a strong track record working within or with intimate understanding of the Canadian labour union environment, including strategic planning experience leading collective negotiations.  

The ideal candidate will possess strong business and legal acumen, the ability to build and cultivate relationships across industries and will have relevant experience in the sports and/or entertainment sector. 

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and leads a team of office staff administrators and other support staff. The CFLPA represents more than 540 members in the Canadian Football League. 

Qualified candidates should inquire for details and/or send their resume and cover letter to Alexander Whitehead at cflpa@alexanderwhitehead.com before December 1, 2024. 

About Alexander Whitehead 

Alexander Whitehead Executive Search was established in 2013 and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. We specialize in executive placements in the public and private sectors and work with enterprises operating regionally, nationally, and internationally. 

About the CFLPA 

The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships and works diligently for the betterment of its membership. Find us online at cflpa.com. 

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For more information: Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office, b.heisler@cflpa.com  (647)-453-4848

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