Executive Director, NASAA Investor Protection and Education Foundation

Foundation Overview

The NASAA Investor Protection and Education Foundation, established in 2025, is dedicated to empowering investors through education, research, and advocacy. We strive to be an industry leader in equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed investment decisions, safeguard against investment fraud, and promote evidence-based securities regulation. By fostering transparency and trust in the investment markets, we aim to help investors build secure financial futures. Position Summary: In this inaugural position, the Executive Director (ED) will have a unique opportunity to bring their creative nature to lead the development and growth of the Foundation from the ground up and to shape the Foundation as a leader in investor protection and education. The ED will be accountable to the Board of Directors (Board) for the Foundation’s overall strategic direction, operational performance, and organizational development. The ED will play a key role in developing and implementing the Foundation’s strategic plan, ensuring effective internal controls and processes, and building the organizational structure and relationships necessary to fulfill the Foundation's mission. The ED will set the tone for the organization, creating, promoting, and sustaining a collaborative, innovative environment. This role demands passion for the Foundation’s mission and a commitment to the values and needs of the investor education community. The ED will have support from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) Corporate Office to assist in the fulfillment of certain responsibilities. The Board will work with the ED to establish clear expectations regarding the anticipated activities and time commitment of the role, as well as the level of support from and engagement with the Board. Compensation is expected to be in the range of US$110,000 to $120,000 and is negotiable based on experience. Specific benefits offerings may vary by location, and employment status, and are subject to eligibility requirements under applicable federal, state, provincial and local law. Responsibilities: Organization Mission and Strategy * Lead the Foundation in a passionate manner that supports and guides its vision, mission and values as defined by the Board. * Lead the overall strategic planning process to advance the vision, mission, and goals. * Serve to creatively shape, promote, and develop the Foundation to be as an industry thought leader in promoting best practices in investor protection. * Develop the Foundation’s annual budget and multi-year business plan for Board approval, in conjunction with the Treasurer. * Work with the Board and staff to develop and execute operational plans and performance monitoring initiatives that support the strategic plan. * Ensure day-to-day operational efficiency and alignment with the Foundation’s vision, mission, and goals. * Provide the Board with regular and timely progress reports of accomplishments in relation to the approved business plan.

Board Governance * Work with the Chair, Board and Board committees to advance the Foundation’s mission and strategic objectives. * Prepare for and attend all Board and assigned committee meetings. * Report, in a timely manner, accurate information related to operational progress, issues, financial status and all other information of interest needed for the Board and its committees to function properly and to make informed decisions. * Perform other duties as assigned by the Board.

Financial Performance and Viability * Responsible for the Foundation’s fiscal integrity, including development of a proposed annual budget and submission of quarterly financial statements which accurately reflect the financial condition, in conjunction with the Treasurer. * Responsible for fiscal management and operating within the approved budget, ensuring maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the Foundation in a positive financial position, in conjunction with the Treasurer. * Responsible for securing revenue, fundraising, and developing other resources necessary to support the Foundation’s mission and ensuring the financial health of the organization, in conjunction with the Board. * Ensure compliance with funding agreements, reporting requirements, and applicable legislation. * Oversee and implement appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the Foundation are effective and efficient.

Organization Operations * Oversee the Foundation’s operations to ensure efficiency, quality, and cost-effective management of resources. * Develop policies and risk management plans for board approval. * Establish, review, and enforce policies that align with the Foundation’s goals and values. * Ensure consistent application and compliance with all policies and procedures. * Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations. * Ensure website, social media platforms and other IT systems are maintained and secure. * Establish and maintain key relationships with Foundation partners and stakeholder groups, encouraging maximum participation. * Review and sign all notes, contracts, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the Foundation as per designated signing authority assigned by the Board.

Human Resources * Develop and recommend to the Board the overall structure and staffing of the Foundation to ensure that it can fulfill its mission and achieve its goals. * Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff. * Provide leadership and supervision to staff, fostering a positive, mission-driven work environment. * Foster a culture of excellence and teamwork. * Provide effective management, supervision, and professional development to direct reports.

Professional Qualifications

* Significant leadership experience in a comparable senior operations role. * Experience building or scaling an organization, program, or initiative in an early-stage or startup environment is valued but not required. * Reputation for integrity and honesty, the ability to generate and maintain confidence with the Foundation’s stakeholders. * Demonstrated success in strategic planning and business development. * Demonstrate independence, sound business judgment, and leadership. * Exceptional decision-making, analytical, and critical thinking skills. * Strong background in financial management, human resources, and organizational operations. * Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation. * Solid budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting. * Experience with grant writing, peer reviewing, deployment of education research programs is valued but not required. * Work effectively with others and manage conflict constructively. * Proven accomplishments in negotiation, problem solving, and leading others to consensus. * Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity. * Post-secondary education degree or diploma, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. * Experience and expertise in the securities regulation and financial services industry is valued but not required. * Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking ability. * Strong technology skills. * A creative mind and a good sense of humour.

Application Instructions

If you are interested and can demonstrate how you meet our requirements, please apply with cover letter and resume addressed to Chair, HR Committee and send to foundation@nasaa.orgby Thursday, December 31st, 2026. Only those who are invited for an interview will be contacted. This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the only standards for the position. Employees will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties that may be required. The Foundation has the right to revise this job description at any time. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience and education, as well as peer compensation and market comparisons. Specific benefits offerings may vary by location, and employment status, and are subject to eligibility requirements under applicable federal, state, provincial and local law.