Job Description

ACTA, Canada's premier Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors, has partnered with PSG Leadership to identify a strategic leader to guide its future. This is a chance to make a significant impact on the Canadian travel industry. We seek a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success in travel, tourism, or related sectors, and a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of the Canadian market. The retiring President leaves behind a legacy of strong organizational health and growth, creating an exceptional platform for the incoming leader. Reporting to the ACTA Board of Directors, this role will be instrumental in shaping and executing the organization's strategic vision.

The Organization

Driving the success of Canada's travel industry, (ACTA) is a vital not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering travel agencies and advisors. ACTA provides unparalleled advocacy, ensuring the industry's voice is heard at the highest levels of government and with key travel suppliers. Through innovative education, rigorous certification, and impactful networking events, ACTA elevates professional standards and cultivates a thriving community. By championing the expertise of travel advisors, ACTA strengthens consumer confidence and inspires the next generation of travel professionals. With a membership encompassing approximately 1,000 agencies, 10,000 advisors, and esteemed Travel Supplier Partners, ACTA's 12-strong, geographically dispersed team operates seamlessly as a modern, remote workforce.

Position Overview

The President of ACTA serves as the organization's visionary leader and principal spokesperson, spearheading strategic initiatives and ensuring operational excellence. This pivotal role demands a dynamic individual who will champion ACTA's mission to elevate Canadian travel agencies and advisors, cultivate robust industry partnerships, and solidify the organization's position as an indispensable advocate and resource within the dynamic travel sector. As the foremost voice representing Canadian travel professionals, the President will also extend ACTA's influence globally, leveraging its founding membership in the World Travel Agent Associations Alliance (WTAAA) to shape the international travel landscape.

General Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership Direction and Influence:

Provide dynamic leadership in shaping and executing a forward-thinking strategic vision, rooted in our mission and values. Masterfully guide the organization through the complexities of the travel industry, leveraging foresight to capitalize on emerging trends and mitigate potential challenges. Forge and nurture powerful relationships with key stakeholders, including travel agencies, government officials, and industry partners, solidifying ACTA's position as a leading force.

Strategic Advocate and Voice:

Act as the preeminent advocate for ACTA members, tactfully and forcefully representing their interests before government agencies, regulatory bodies, and travel suppliers. Champion transformative policies and initiatives that directly empower Canadian travel agencies and advisors. Serve as the principal spokesperson, engaging proactively with media and the public to amplify the indispensable value of professional travel advisors and ACTA's impactful initiatives.

Pioneering Professional Development:

Lead the strategic development and delivery of cutting-edge education programs, rigorous certification tools, and transformative professional development opportunities for travel advisors. Forge strategic alliances with industry visionaries to ensure training programs are not only current but also anticipate and address the evolving demands of the future travel market.

Strategic Brand Advocacy:

Orchestrate impactful campaigns to illuminate the unparalleled value of booking travel through expert advisors, driving consumer preference. Champion the travel advisor profession as a dynamic and fulfilling career, cultivating strategic partnerships with academic institutions, industry organizations, and the public to inspire the next generation of travel professionals.

Operational Leadership:

Empower ACTA's team through visionary leadership, cultivating a dynamic culture of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering accountability. Ensure robust financial stewardship, safeguarding the organization's fiscal health and long-term sustainability. Orchestrate exceptional Canadian and international events, including conferences, immersive training programs, experiential learning initiatives, and premier networking opportunities, delivering unparalleled value to ACTA members.

Desired Expertise and Experience:

• Strategic Leadership: A seasoned leader with a proven track record of driving success within the travel, tourism , or and related sectors, possessing a deep understanding of the Canadian travel market.
• Advocacy and Influence: Demonstrated mastery in stakeholder engagement, industry education, and public relations, with the ability to effectively champion causes and build strong relationships.
• Exceptional Communication: A compelling communicator and relationship builder, capable of inspiring and influencing diverse audiences to achieve shared goals.
• Board Exposure: Direct participation on a Board or extensive experience reporting to one.
• Organizational Acumen: Proven experience in organizational management, encompassing strategic planning, financial stewardship, and the cultivation of high-performing teams.
• Association Leadership (Preferred): Experience leading a non-profit or association is highly valued.
• Passionate Advocate: A genuine passion for the travel industry, coupled with an unwavering commitment to elevating the profession of travel advisors.
• French Fluency: An asset
• Travel Required: Mainly National and at times international travel is required, approximately 25% of the time.

Leadership Competencies:

Strategic Decision-Making: Demonstrates the ability to drive impactful outcomes through informed, inclusive, and timely decisions.

Navigating Complexity and Change: Effectively leads through volatility, ambiguity, and uncertainty, ensuring organizational agility in a dynamic business landscape.

Cultivating Vision and Alignment: Inspires and builds collective commitment to the company's vision, values, and strategic goals through clear and compelling communication.

Empowering Talent Development: Fosters a culture of growth by providing constructive feedback and coaching, maximizing individual potential and driving sustained performance.

Strategic Planning and Execution: Formulates and translates strategic visions into actionable business plans, ensuring successful implementation and achievement of organizational objectives.

Driving Innovation and Creative Solutions: Champions original thinking and creativity, developing innovative approaches and presenting ideas with compelling impact.

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