We are seeking a highly accomplished Executive Director | Chief Executive to lead a respected professional association representing over 5,500 members who work with key decision-makers and stakeholders in Ontario communities who are making choices today, for tomorrow. 

The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) is the recognized voice of Ontario’s planning profession. Its members work in government, private practice, universities, and not-for-profit agencies in the fields of urban and rural development, community design, environmental planning, transportation, health, social services, heritage conservation, housing, and economic development. 

This is an opportunity and an exciting time to build on a strong foundation. OPPI is launching a refreshed brand and is about to embark on an exciting new strategic plan. The successful candidate will shepherd the achievement of strategic priorities that will strengthen the legitimacy and value of the planning profession; be a principled and strategic advocate for the planning profession; build professional capacity and confidence; cultivate belonging, trust, and meaningful engagement across a diverse membership. 

The retiring Executive Director has played a pivotal role in strengthening the organization, its culture, and its standing. The governing Council is now seeking a skilled successor who will sustain momentum, guide a capable staff team, and further expand the organization’s influence, relevance, and value to members.

The Role
Reporting to Council, the Executive Director | Chief Executive serves as the Association’s chief staff executive, strategic leader, and public face. The role combines advocacy, organizational leadership, member engagement, and operational oversight. The successful candidate will be expected to have the experience and knowledge to execute from day one, while also shaping OPPI’s next phase of growth and influence.

Key Responsibilities:
Advocacy & Government Relations

• Lead and strengthen government relations, advocacy efforts, and policy influence.
• Build trusted relationships with elected officials, senior public servants, and political staff, forging alliances with partner organizations.
• Represent the planning profession credibly and confidently in public, political, and stakeholder forums.
• Advance legislative and policy priorities, including professional recognition and the authority of Registered Professional Planners (OPPI has the right to grant the RPP designation).
• Communicate government relations activities clearly and transparently to members.
  Advocate for the profession with government, employers, partners, and the public.

Member Engagement & Value

• Foster a strong sense of professional community and belonging.
• Ensure responsive, transparent, and effective communication with a diverse membership.
• Clearly articulate and promote the Institute’s value proposition.
• Balance vision with realism, prioritizing initiatives within available resources.

Organizational Leadership

• Lead, support, and retain a capable and committed staff team of 12.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-trust organizational culture.
• Demonstrate strong people-management, HR, and leadership practices.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement.

Strategy & Operations

• Translate strategic priorities into clear, measurable outcomes.
• Set priorities and ensure disciplined execution that recognizes resource realities.
• Provide oversight of programs, education offerings, and revenue-generating activities.
• Support the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the organization.

Governance Partnership

• Work effectively with a strong, engaged Council, and volunteers at the Committee and District levels.
• Respect and support governance roles while empowering staff execution.
• Demonstrate diplomacy, sound judgment, and political acuity.

Qualifications & Experience
The ideal candidate will bring:

• Executive Director or senior-level executive experience.
• Demonstrated success in advocacy and government relations.
• Strong strategic thinking paired with execution discipline.
• Experience leading membership organizations with diverse stakeholders.
• Comfort in a highly public-facing role (present, facilitate, represent).
• Knowledge of professional bodies with a regulated (right to title) membership.
• Excels at working collaboratively.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and reconciliation.
• Direct experience working with the planning profession is a significant asset.
• A post-secondary degree in a relevant discipline.
• CAE and/or RPP professionals in good standing preferred.

Leadership Attributes 
OPPI is seeking a leader who is:

• Passionate about the planning profession, its public value, and the mission and values of OPPI.
• Confident and credible.
• Politically astute, diplomatic, and relationship-oriented.
• Highly emotionally intelligent and inclusive in leadership style.
• Adaptable, pragmatic, and open to new ideas and perspectives.
• Comfortable setting priorities and reporting on measurable results.
• Openness to a balanced environment that enables staff success is important to the organization.

Please direct applications and/or questions to:
The Portage Group
Attn: Jack Shand, CAE, FCMC
oppi@portagegroup.com 

As an equal opportunity employer, OPPI does not discriminate based on disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law. OPPI actively seeks to break down barriers that stand in the way of any individual achieving their full potential and succeeding on their own merit. OPPI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.