Executive Director

Employment type: full time Employment Opportunity: Executive Director Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada (WPEFC) Status: Full-time employee (40 hours/week) Location: Remote, based in British Columbia or Alberta, with periodic travel. Preference given to candidates based in the Kootenay region or Alberta Rockies. Compensation: $40-45 per hour, depending on experience Vacation: Three weeks annually Benefits: Employee benefits package after 6 months Closing Date: November 29th, 2026 About WPEFC The Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and recovery of whitebark and limber pine ecosystems across western Canada. WPEFC works collaboratively with federal and provincial governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, researchers, industry, nurseries, conservation organizations, land managers, practitioners and volunteers to advance science-based recovery and restoration. The organization has grown considerably in recent years, with a diverse portfolio of multi-year restoration projects, government and industry partnerships, education and outreach activities, and an expanding network of partners across British Columbia and Alberta. The Opportunity WPEFC is seeking a collaborative, strategic and highly organized Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of WPEFC, including organizational strategy, financial oversight, fundraising and revenue development, staff leadership, program oversight, partnerships, governance support and organizational operations. The ED works closely with WPEFC's staff, Board and partners to translate the organization's strategic direction into effective programs and measurable conservation outcomes. This position requires someone who can comfortably move between big-picture leadership and practical nonprofit management . On any given week, the ED may be developing a multi-year funding proposal, reviewing organizational finances, supporting staff, meeting with a government or industry partner, advising the Board on organizational risk, reviewing a funding agreement, or representing WPEFC externally. The successful candidate does not need to be the organization's primary technical expert on whitebark and limber pine. Rather, they must be an effective organizational leader who can support technical staff and partners while ensuring WPEFC has the people, funding, systems and relationships necessary to accomplish its mission. Key Responsibilities Organizational Leadership & Strategy Provide overall leadership and direction for WPEFC, implementing the organization’s strategic priorities, policies, and Board direction in collaboration with the Board of Directors. Translate organizational strategy into annual priorities, workplans and objectives. Identify emerging organizational opportunities, challenges and risks and provide recommendations to the Board. Support the continued development and long-term sustainability of WPEFC. Represent WPEFC professionally and effectively with partners, funders and the broader conservation community. Fundraising & Revenue Development Lead the organization's fundraising and revenue-development strategy. Identify and pursue government, foundation, corporate and other funding opportunities. Develop high-quality funding proposals, budgets and workplans. Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective funders. Ensure fundraising activities align with WPEFC's mission, values and strategic direction. Financial Management & Organizational Sustainability Work with the Treasurer, Finance Committee and bookkeeper to oversee financial status. Develop and monitor annual organizational and program budgets. Monitor revenues, expenditures, cash flow and organizational financial position. Maintain strong financial controls and administrative systems. Support annual financial reporting and regulatory requirements. Forecast future operational needs and organizational capacity. Ensure WPEFC maintains appropriate financial records and documentation. Program & Project Oversight Provide executive oversight of WPEFC's portfolio of conservation, restoration, research, outreach and capacity-building initiatives. Work with staff and contractors to establish workplans, budgets, timelines and deliverables. Monitor project progress and identify emerging risks. Support coordination across WPEFC's British Columbia and Alberta programming. Ensure funding agreements, contracts and reporting requirements are effectively managed. Review major interim and final reports to funders. Support continuous improvement and evaluation of WPEFC programs. Staff Leadership & Human Resources Lead, support and supervise WPEFC employees and contractors. Build a positive, collaborative, accountable and sustainable organizational culture. Establish clear roles, priorities, workplans and expectations. Conduct regular staff check-ins and performance reviews. Identify staffing and organizational-capacity needs. Lead recruitment and onboarding in collaboration with the Board and HR Committee. Partnerships & External Relations Develop and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities and organizations, industry, researchers, conservation organizations, nurseries, practitioners and other partners. Represent WPEFC at external meetings, working groups, committees and events. Identify opportunities for collaboration, funding and program development. Serve as a senior spokesperson for WPEFC when appropriate. Governance & Board Relations Serve as the primary operational liaison between staff, operations, and the Board of Directors. Provide the Board with timely information required for governance and decision-making. Participate in Board meetings and support preparation of reports and supporting materials. Support the Annual General Meeting, elections and other governance