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Job Opportunity: Executive Director, Canada-ASEAN Business Council

Job Description: Executive Director – Canada

Organization: Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC)

Location: Canada (Hybrid; major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, or Vancouver.

  • Travel within Canada is required, occasional travel to Southeast Asia (once or twice a year) is expected


Reports to: CABC Board of Directors and Managing Director



About the CABC


The Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) is the leading voice of the Canadian private sector in Southeast Asia and the ASEAN business community in Canada. As Canada’s first ASEAN-accredited entity, the CABC’s mission is to grow trade and investment in the Canada–ASEAN economic corridor through policy advocacy, networking events, and thought leadership. Founded in 2012, the CABC represents leading Canadian and ASEAN companies committed to deepening economic integration and supporting a rules-based, inclusive, and sustainable trading environment.



Position Summary


The CABC is looking for a full-time Executive Director – Canada to lead operations of the CABC’s office in Canada. Working closely with the CABC’s headquarters in Singapore and the team in ASEAN, the role will focus on:

  • Establishing and managing the CABC’s presence and activities in Canada,

  • Driving membership, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement across government, private sector, and institutional partners,

  • Advancing CABC’s policy, advocacy, and thought leadership work in Canada,

  • Representing CABC in Canada’s trade and investment ecosystem.


This position requires an entrepreneurial, strategic, and relationship-oriented leader who can operate autonomously, build networks, and deliver results.



Key Responsibilities


1. Leadership & Strategic Management

  • Lead the growth and overall operations of the CABC’s Canada office.

  • Develop and implement annual business and strategic plans aligned with CABC’s priorities.

  • Manage budgets, financial reporting, and operational resources to ensure sustainability.

  • Coordinate closely with the Managing Director and team on joint projects, communications, and member services.

  • Recruit, mentor, and supervise interns, volunteers, and staff as the Canada office expands.



2. Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including securing support from government programs, members/ corporate sponsors, and institutional partners.

  • Prepare funding proposals, grant applications, and sponsorship packages.

  • Build long-term relationships with members and partners and ensure accountability in reporting outcomes.


3. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

  • Build strategic relationships with Canadian government departments (e.g., Global Affairs Canada, TCS, provincial agencies, crown corporations), business associations, and academic partners.

  • Represent CABC at official events, business missions, and policy dialogues across Canada.

  • Collaborate with ASEAN embassies and trade offices in Canada to promote bilateral business opportunities.

 

4. Policy Advocacy & Thought Leadership

  • Support and contribute to CABC’s advocacy priorities, such as advancing the Canada–ASEAN FTA, ICA-CEPA, and broader engagements with ASEAN.

  • Coordinate CABC’s policy dialogues, roundtables, and consultations in Canada.

  • Contribute to research reports, surveys, and publications that elevate the CABC’s visibility and credibility.

 

5. Membership Growth & Business Development

  • Lead membership outreach and retention efforts with Canadian companies interested in ASEAN.

  • Identify opportunities for joint projects and partnerships with the private sector.

  • Deliver high-quality events, briefings, and networking sessions to provide value to members.

 

6. Communications & Events

  • Lead CABC’s communications and brand presence in Canada (media, social media, website contributions).

  • Co-develop event programming with HQ, including forums, roundtables, and delegation visits.

  • Manage logistics, sponsorship, and partnership arrangements for events held in Canada.



Qualifications and Experience


  • Minimum 5-7 years of experience in international business, public affairs, or trade policy roles.

  • Bachelor’s degree in international business, public policy, political science, or related field (Master’s preferred).

  • Bilingual proficiency in English required. Proficiency in French and any Southeast Asia language is an asset.

  • Strong understanding of Canada’s trade, investment, and Indo-Pacific strategy.

  • Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and partnership development.

  • Proven leadership and operational management skills, ideally in a non-profit or business council environment.

  • Excellent communication, presentation, and networking abilities across corporate, government, and diplomatic circles.

  • Ability to work independently in a lean, entrepreneurial environment and coordinate effectively with a global team.


Compensation

Competitive and commensurate with experience. Includes performance-based bonus.

 

How to Apply

Submit your CV and cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation to support@canasean.com with the subject line Application: Executive Director – Canada Application

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