Executive Director (Management & Executives)

Full Time

  Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada

  Flexible (within Canada), North America, Worldwide Regions

The Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC)  is seeking an enthusiastic individual to provide strategic and operational leadership as an Executive Director. Founded in 1908, the Institute is the largest and oldest national forestry organization in Canada - serving as the Voice of Forest Practitioners, the CIF-IFC represents foresters, forest technologists and technicians, ecologists, biologists, educators and many others with a professional connection to the forestry sector.

The successful candidate will be working cooperatively with a small team of staff, and accountable to a National Board of Directors while working collaboratively with a wide contingent of committees and regional sections throughout Canada.

Reporting to a volunteer Executive Committee, the Executive Director’s Responsibilities are to:

  • Implement the Institute’s Vision; facilitate the development of planning priorities and establish performance indicators.
  • Manage a small team (of presently three staff) in a busy office, in addition to contractors and a large contingent of volunteers.
  • Provide advice on governance and policy options to the National Board of Directors while engaging and supporting the Institute’s volunteers.
  • Develop greater revenue programs through increased membership, sponsorship and grant opportunities.
  • Accomplish the goals and objectives set by the National Board of Directors including financial results, marketing and membership growth, program management, publications as well as educational programming.
  • Be responsible for advocacy on national forestry issues.
  • Manage and develop existing and new membership services including government and public relations, education and publications.

Position Requirements

  • Relevant university degree with Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation preferred;
  • Five years experience in association management and policy governance. Knowledge of the forestry sector is highly desirable;
  • Excellent communication skills (written, spoken) and negotiation skills;
  • A successful track record in government relations and advocacy on behalf of an association (e.g., to allied organizations, educators, higher education and government agencies.);
  • Prior success in engaging members and prospective members through inclusive communication strategies and effective outreach;
  • In depth knowledge of financial strategies and finance-related performance metrics;
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful strategic plans;
  • Experience spearheading and collaborating with national team-based initiatives;
  • Bilingualism in both Canadian official languages is preferred, it is not a requirement;
  • Personable, progressive and adaptive;
  • Extensive national travel will be required, as well as the ability to work remotely as necessary, and to liaise with a National office presently located in Mattawa, ON.

Individuals with the requisite experience are invited to apply, by submitting their resumé, a detailed cover letter precisely stating how they meet the position requirements, and also include a statement of compensation expectations.