The organization
For more than a decade, Esplanade Québec has played a leading role in advancing impact entrepreneurship in Quebec. The organization supports businesses, cooperatives, organizations, and entrepreneurs seeking to generate positive social and environmental impact while ensuring their economic viability.
Through support and acceleration programs, advisory services, and networking initiatives, Esplanade helps innovative organizations emerge, grow, and thrive over the long term as they work to address major societal challenges. Recognized for its expertise, collaborative approach, and extensive network of partners across the public, private, philanthropic, and community sectors, the organization acts as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable transformation.
Driven by the belief that a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy is possible, Esplanade Québec brings together key ecosystem stakeholders to champion impact entrepreneurship and amplify positive outcomes for communities across Quebec.
The role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director holds overall responsibility for Esplanade Québec and embodies its mission, vision, and values. As the organization’s strategic leader and public face, the Executive Director is responsible for strengthening the business model, diversifying revenue streams, developing strategic partnerships, and further positioning Esplanade as a leading force in impact entrepreneurship in Quebec. Building on the existing strengths of the leadership team and the organization, the Executive Director engages the Board of Directors, staff, and partners around shared priorities, while providing strong external leadership in advocacy, funding, business development, and organizational visibility.
The right fit
- University degree in business administration, management, entrepreneurship, innovation, economic development, public relations, or another relevant field. A graduate degree is considered an asset;
- Minimum of eight years of experience in leadership, organizational development, or strategic management roles, ideally within a non-profit organization, business support organization, incubator, or innovation-driven environment;
- Demonstrated experience identifying, developing, and securing revenue-generating partnerships, including sponsorships, strategic alliances, commercial agreements, and institutional or philanthropic funding;
- Demonstrated ability to build, engage, and leverage a network of decision-makers, partners, funders, business leaders, and institutional representatives to support organizational objectives;
- Significant experience working with a Board of Directors, including preparing decision-making materials, facilitating strategic discussions, and supporting governance processes;
- Experience representing an organization within complex ecosystems, including government, institutional, media, or industry relations;
- Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic plans that have contributed to organizational growth, transformation, or repositioning;
- Knowledge of entrepreneurship, social innovation, business support, and economic development, as well as the challenges and realities faced by organizations that support entrepreneurs;
- Experience leading and engaging managers and highly skilled professionals in environments that foster collaboration, accountability, and collective intelligence;
- Strong budget management experience, including budget development and monitoring, expense control, and financial reporting;
- Demonstrated experience securing, renewing, and growing public funding;
- Established network within the business and entrepreneurial communities, including funding and public-sector institutions;
- Entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial experience is highly desirable, including business creation or development, growth, revenue diversification, organizational transitions, business transfers, or the winding down of operations. Such experience is considered a strong asset.
