Executive Director

Description:

Wilderness International, a global conservation network dedicated to the permanent protection of pristine wilderness areas, is seeking a passionate and visionary Executive Director to lead its Canadian branch — Wilderness International Canada. This role is ideal for a dynamic leader with a deep commitment to conservation, strong strategic management skills, and the ability to build and nurture partnerships across sectors and borders.

The Executive Director will drive the organization’s mission to safeguard temperate rainforests and other critical ecosystems on Canada’s West Coast through strategic leadership, fundraising, advocacy, and community collaboration. You will represent Wilderness International Canada publicly, work closely with sister organizations in Germany and Peru, and oversee operations, partnerships, and conservation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide overall leadership, direction, and vision for Wilderness International Canada in alignment with global objectives.

• Represent the organization in Canada and internationally with media, government, corporate partners, and conservation stakeholders.

• Collaborate with Wilderness International Germany and Peru to align strategies and strengthen global impact.

• Guide organizational development and strategic growth while maintaining transparency and integrity in all operations.

Conservation & Advocacy

• Lead Canadian conservation projects focused on the permanent protection of temperate rainforests.

• Advocate for sustainable environmental policies and collaborate with partners to promote wilderness conservation.

• Share knowledge, data, and outcomes across the global Wilderness International network.

Partnerships & Fundraising

• Develop and maintain long-term corporate partnerships aligned with sustainability and conservation goals.

• Secure diverse funding streams through grants, sponsorships, and donor engagement.

• Design innovative cooperation models to empower partners to showcase their environmental commitments transparently.

• Collaborate with communications teams to elevate organizational visibility in the public and private sectors.

• Support the Board of Directors in ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Build and nurture relationships with Indigenous communities, donors, and local stakeholders.

• Oversee communication strategies, events, and outreach initiatives that foster community participation.

• Represent Wilderness International Canada at conferences, media engagements, and conservation forums.

Organizational Management

• Manage budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation in compliance with governance and legal standards.

• Support and mentor team members while encouraging collaboration across international teams in Canada, Germany, and Peru.

• Oversee daily operations and ensure efficient, values-driven management of the organization.

Skills and Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of leadership or management experience in conservation, sustainability, or the non-profit sector.

• Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, and corporate partnership development.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Cross-cultural competence and ability to collaborate with diverse teams and communities.

• Strategic thinking, organizational management expertise, and a passion for wilderness protection.

What Wilderness International Offers:

• A meaningful, mission-driven position with direct contribution to permanent wilderness protection.

• A supportive and dedicated Board of Directors focused on your success and the organization’s impact.

• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.

• Opportunity to participate in team expeditions to protected wilderness areas.

• Some international travel for cross-organizational collaboration.

• A flat hierarchy that values teamwork, innovation, and shared purpose.

• Salary: CAD 75,000 – 85,000 annually (based on experience).

About Wilderness International:

Wilderness International is a global non-profit conservation network with the mission to protect the world’s last untouched wilderness areas forever. The organization operates through three international branches:

• Wilderness International Canada – Protects temperate rainforests on Canada’s West Coast.

• Wilderness International Germany – Leads awareness and fundraising campaigns across Europe.

• Wilderness International Peru – Works to conserve biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest in collaboration with local communities.

Together, these organizations form a united effort to preserve ecosystems of global significance, combining science, education, and advocacy for a sustainable planet.