General Manager - Community Futures South Fraser

About the search

Connext Staffing Solutions has been retained by the Board of Directors of Community Futures South Fraser to lead this confidential executive search.

About the organization

Community Futures South Fraser helps entrepreneurs and small business owners in Chilliwack and Abbotsford to start, stabilize, and grow. Since 1997 we have provided developmental lending, free business advisory, mentorship, and self-employment support, especially where traditional financing is not an option. We are a not-for-profit, part of the national Community Futures network, funded by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), and governed by a volunteer Board of local business leaders.

The role

Reporting to the Board, the General Manager is CFSF’s senior operational leader. You will set the pace for a small, collaborative team and be accountable for organizational performance, financial sustainability, and community impact.

You will lead developmental lending and the investment fund, business advisory and mentorship, community economic development, funded programs, finance, human resources, partnerships, and day-to-day operations. You will be the primary operational liaison to the Board and the public face of CFSF with municipalities, chambers, funders, lenders, educators, Indigenous communities, and economic development partners.

What you will do

• Turn the strategic plan into annual operating plans, budgets, and measurable results, and keep the Board informed with clear operational, financial, lending, and program reporting.
• Maintain the PacifiCan relationship and compliance with Community Futures agreements, and pursue aligned municipal, provincial, and federal funding.
• Lead budgets, cash flow, forecasting, and reporting; work with external accountants and auditors; and look for earned-revenue and partnership opportunities that fit the mandate.
• Oversee the investment fund and developmental lending: portfolio risk, arrears, due diligence, security, and fund sustainability, while supporting staff and lending committees on complex files.
• Oversee advisory, training, mentorship, and community projects, including supports for youth, women, Indigenous entrepreneurs, newcomers, and others facing barriers.
• Represent CFSF across the South Fraser region and build referral and partnership networks.
• Recruit, coach, and develop a small team, and model a positive, accountable, inclusive culture.
• Maintain sound controls, privacy, cybersecurity, continuity, and risk practices.

What you bring

• Post-secondary education in business, commerce, economic development, finance, public administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least five years of progressively responsible management or senior leadership, including work with a volunteer governance board.
• Experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, small-business support, or community development. Lending, credit assessment, or investment-fund management is a strong asset.
• A record of building and running strategic, operating, and financial plans, and comfort with financial statements, budgets, and forecasts.
• Experience with funded programs, contribution agreements, proposals, and partnerships across government, business, and community.
• Knowledge of the South Fraser and Fraser Valley business environment is a strong asset. Familiarity with the Community Futures network is an asset.

How we work

We look for leaders who model courageous leadership, ethical integrity, community-centred innovation, respectful collaboration, and mentor-driven leadership. Occasional evening and weekend events. Valid Class 5 licence and reliable transportation. Satisfactory criminal record check required.

How to apply

Send a resume and a short cover letter outlining your leadership experience and why this role fits to brad@connextstaffing.com, feel free to contact us at 604-378-1792 if you have any questions

Community Futures South Fraser is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve.