ABOUT FORAC

The Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC) has partnered with MDR Strategy Group Ltd. and RegulatoryJobs.org to recruit its next Executive Director to support the organization’s continued evolution as Canada’s national federation of provincial optometric regulatory authorities.

FORAC is the national organization representing provincial optometric regulatory authorities across Canada, and supports collaboration, coordination, and information sharing among member jurisdictions while advancing issues of national importance to the profession and the public interest. The organization plays an important role in credentialing, supporting regulatory dialogue, labour mobility discussions, and broader conversations affecting optometric regulation across Canada.

As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, FORAC is entering an important period of organizational transition and growth, with increasing interest in stronger national coordination, strategic alignment, and shared Canadian regulatory initiatives.

THE OPPORTUNITY

FORAC is seeking a permanent, part-time Executive Director with an anticipated commitment of approximately one to two days per week. Reporting to the FORAC Board of Directors, the Executive Director will support organizational operations, governance coordination, strategic initiatives, credentialing activities, relationship management, and national collaboration efforts across jurisdictions. Executive Director will also support national policy analysis, policy development, and strategic regulatory coordination on issues affecting optometric regulation across Canada.

The role requires an individual who is equally comfortable supporting governance processes, facilitating complex interjurisdictional discussions, coordinating national initiatives, and managing operational and administrative responsibilities within a lean organizational structure.

The position currently operates with limited dedicated staffing support and requires a leader who is comfortable working in a highly hands-on environment.

The Executive Director will work closely with regulatory leaders from jurisdictions across Canada and play an important role in helping FORAC continue evolving as a stronger national strategic partner within Canadian optometric regulation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development

• Support implementation of FORAC’s strategic priorities and organizational objectives
• Advance national initiatives identified by the Board and committees
• Identify opportunities to strengthen FORAC’s national role and organizational value
• Support long-term organizational sustainability and operational growth
• Assist in clarifying and communicating FORAC’s value proposition to member colleges

Governance and Board Support

• Support effective governance processes and Board operations
• Coordinate Board and committee meetings, agendas, materials, and follow-up actions
• Improve decision tracking, accountability, and organizational follow-through
• Help maintain organizational momentum by supporting implementation, coordination, and follow-through across national initiatives and organizational priorities
• Provide strategic advice and operational guidance to the Board
• Support organizational alignment and collaboration across jurisdictions

Credentialing Program Coordination

• Support operational oversight and coordination of FORAC’s national credentialing program
• Act as the primary liaison to the Credentialing Program Manager

• Manage operational coordination associated with credentialing activities, national examinations, and related processes
• Support reporting, communications, scheduling, and organizational coordination related to credentialing activities
• Support committees and initiatives associated with credentialing and national assessment processes

Stakeholder and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with member colleges and regulatory leaders across Canada
• Support collaboration and consensus-building among jurisdictions
• Facilitate discussions involving differing regional priorities, legislative frameworks, operational realities, and organizational perspectives
• Represent FORAC professionally in meetings, discussions, and external engagements as appropriate
• Support relationships with external regulatory and professional organizations

Operational Leadership and Administration

• Manage FORAC’s operational and administrative activities directly within a lean organizational structure
• Support organizational planning, communications, and coordination
• Manage records, reporting, scheduling, and organizational logistics
• Support committee operations and project coordination
• Assist with financial administration and budget coordination in collaboration with the Board

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Senior leadership experience within a regulatory, governance, association, or public-interest environment
• Strong understanding of professional regulation and governance systems
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions, organizations, or stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated experience supporting Boards, committees, or federated governance structures
• Strong organizational leadership and operational coordination abilities
• Experience advancing strategic initiatives and organizational change
• Excellent facilitation, relationship management, and communication skills
• English/French bilingualism preferred
• The ability to establish credibility and trust quickly within a national leadership environment

Experience within professional regulation, healthcare regulation, or federated governance environments will be considered a strong asset.

Leadership Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Diplomacy and professionalism
• Consensus-building and facilitation skills
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
• Organizational leadership and initiative
• Accountability and follow-through
• The ability to navigate complexity and competing priorities
• Comfort working within evolving organizational environments
• Confidence, credibility, and leadership presence

STRUCTURE AND COMPENSATION

Compensation for the role is anticipated to be approximately $60,000 annually, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience, qualifications, and the part-time nature of the position.

APPLICATION PROCESS

For more information, contact us at apply@regulatoryexecutive.ca to receive an Executive Brief.

Applications will be reviewed as received and the posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Interested candidates are requested to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their qualifications and interest in the position by clicking APPLY NOW.

FORAC thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.