The Organization:

Summit Search Group has been retained by the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba (WeMB) on the recruitment of their next Chief Executive Officer. The Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba (WeMB) has been a vital force in Manitoba’s entrepreneurial landscape for over 30 years. As the first federally funded Women’s Enterprise Initiative in Western Canada, WeMB has helped thousands of self-identifying women+ take bold steps toward owning, operating, and expanding successful businesses. Our commitment to empowerment, inclusion, and innovation fuels our mission to foster sustainable economic participation for women+ across the province.

Backed by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) and other partners, WeMB offers a dynamic blend of advisory services, business training, and financing programs specifically tailored to meet the needs of women+ entrepreneurs — including cis, trans, two-spirit, and gender-diverse individuals. At our core, we believe in building a stronger future through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and collaboration. Our approach centers around the principle of building together — #ToGetHerStronger — and is rooted in values of trust, accessibility, respect, and impact. Whether through educational workshops, one-on-one coaching, or loans for business start-up and growth, WeMB serves as a trusted guide and partner on the entrepreneurial journey.

Operating as a non-profit, WeMB is at the intersection of innovation, economic development, and social impact. We are now seeking a visionary and community-centered CEO to lead the next chapter of our organization’s evolution. This is a high-impact opportunity for a dynamic leader who understands the power of inclusive entrepreneurship to shape more equitable and prosperous communities across Manitoba.

The Position:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WeMB is a transformational leadership role at the heart of Manitoba’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization while ensuring its long-term sustainability, operational excellence, and mission alignment. This leader will serve as the public face of WeMB, building and maintaining strong relationships with community partners, entrepreneurs, funders, and all levels of government. The CEO must bring a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing women+ in business and demonstrate the ability to lead an inclusive, innovative organization that adapts to the evolving economic landscape.

In this role, the CEO will oversee a skilled and committed team, fostering a collaborative, empowering workplace culture that encourages personal growth, equity, and excellence. They will ensure WeMB’s programs, services, and funding strategies are impactful, data-informed, and aligned with the organization’s strategic goals. This includes identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and partnership while continuously improving organizational processes and client outcomes. The CEO will also be a key voice in regional and national discussions around women’s entrepreneurship, advocating for policies and funding that support inclusive economic development.

WeMB is looking for a visionary leader who combines strategic insight with practical execution, and who can engage authentically with both grassroots entrepreneurs and institutional stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead the strategic direction of the organization by collaborating with the Board of Directors and staff to establish and execute WeMB’s long-term goals and priorities.
• Foster strong government relations and advocacy to influence public policy and secure sustainable funding sources aligned with women’s entrepreneurship.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of WeMB’s programs and services, ensuring they remain responsive, innovative, and client centered.
• Build and maintain a collaborative and high-performing team by promoting a respectful, inclusive, and purpose-driven workplace culture.
• Provide sound financial oversight, including budgeting, funding strategy, risk management, and reporting to ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for WeMB, cultivating relationships with entrepreneurs, government, community leaders, and corporate partners.
• Maintain open and effective communication with the Board, ensuring accountability and alignment with governance policies.
• Champion WeMB’s values and brand through active community engagement and public representation at local, provincial, and national levels.

Qualifications:

• Proven executive-level leadership experience within a non-profit, entrepreneurial, or economic development context.
• Strong understanding of business development, including financing, strategic planning, and operational oversight.
• Demonstrated experience in working with boards, funders, and government partners.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Financial literacy and experience in budgeting, funding proposal development, and reporting.
• Experience in advocacy, sponsorship development, and community engagement.
• A post-secondary degree in a relevant field such as business, public administration, or economics, or equivalent experience.

For more information, or to submit your resume, please reach out to Jessica Willis, Partner and Senior Recruitment Consultant at Summit Search Group, Jessica.Willis@summitsearchgroup.com

Summit Search Group has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. We strive for continuous development, modeling, inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias throughout our process.