Executive Director

CrewHR; Squamish; Remote; CAD 105,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Flexible work arrangements

Purpose-driven leadership opportunity

Job summary

Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society seeks an Executive Director to lead strategic growth, strengthen partnerships with First Nations, governments, donors, and communities, and advance UNESCO Biosphere Region goals in Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound.

In this role you will translate vision into measurable outcomes, oversee fund development, governance, and operations, and travel regionally and beyond to advocate for conservation, reconciliation, and sustainable, community-led impact.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior leadership experience in non-profit/environmental/public/indigenous sectors.
• Proven success securing funding through grants, government programs, donors, sponsorships, and partnerships.
• Experience leading strategic planning and organizational growth.
• Strong relationships with Boards, governments, First Nations, funders, and community partners.
• Strong financial leadership including budgeting, grant administration, and stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of HSBRIS's Strategic Plan with measurable outcomes.
• Build trusted partnerships with First Nations, governments, educational institutions, environmental orgs, industry partners, and communities.
• Lead fund development strategy through grants, philanthropy, sponsorships, and innovative revenue generation.
• Serve as primary ambassador and spokesperson for HSBRIS in the region.
• Drive multiple strategic initiatives from planning to execution.
• Work with the Board to strengthen governance and organizational effectiveness.
• Build organizational capacity, systems, and processes for long-term growth.
• Lead staff, contractors, volunteers, and partners in a collaborative culture.
• Champion research, education, reconciliation, and conservation initiatives.

Skills

Non-profit leadership

Fund development

Strategic planning

Governance

Financial stewardship

Public speaking

Remote work

Job description

Crew HR is seeking a talented Executive Director for our client, Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

• Would you love the opportunity to lead one of Canada's unique UNESCO Biosphere Regions through an exciting period of growth and possibility?
• Are you an optimist who sees the potential in connecting global ideas with local action and inspiring others to see what is possible?
• Do you want to help shape the future of Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound while protecting one of Canada's most remarkable natural regions?
• Do you believe meaningful change happens when communities, governments, local First Nations groups, businesses, and partners come together around a shared vision?
• Do you get energized by securing funding, building authentic partnerships, and turning ambitious ideas into measurable impact?
• Are you motivated by building something meaningful with an engaged Board, passionate partners, and a community that cares deeply about the place they call home?
• Are you the kind of leader who can juggle multiple projects, competing priorities, and countless moving pieces without missing a beat?

ABOUT HOWE SOUND BIOSPHERE REGION INITIATIVE SOCIETY

HSBRIS invites and unites the region into meaningful dialogue and action to continue the recovery of -Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound where nature and humanity thrive.

At its core, HSBRIS is the charitable organization responsible for stewarding the UNESCO Biosphere Region designation for -Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound. We connect communities, Indigenous Nations, governments, businesses, and non‑profits to advance collaborative solutions that support a healthy environment, vibrant communities, and a sustainable future. UNESCO Biosphere Regions are internationally recognized places where people and nature work together to create a more sustainable future.

As HSBRIS enters an exciting new chapter, this planned leadership succession creates an opportunity to build on the strong foundation established by the organization and its current leadership. We are seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, strengthen partnerships, and guide the organization in delivering on its mission and long‑term vision. This is a unique opportunity to lead a purpose‑driven organization making a meaningful impact in one of Canada's most remarkable natural regions.

THIS IS FOR YOU IF:

• You are a strategic and hands‑on leader who can see the big picture while rolling up your sleeves to get things done.
• Building authentic relationships comes naturally to you, and you enjoy bringing diverse perspectives together around shared goals.
• You are equally comfortable speaking with donors, government leaders, community members, and Board Directors.
• You are a natural fund development expert and relationship builder who knows how to create opportunities, cultivate engagement, and tell a compelling story.
• You are energized by working in a small, nimble organization where you may wear several hats in the same day.
• You enjoy turning vision into practical execution, solving problems, and finding a way to link global goals to local actions.
• You are comfortable representing an organization publicly and building credibility with government, Indigenous Nations, donors, community leaders, businesses, and partners.
• You believe great leadership is built through humility, curiosity, and service: leading with confidence, listening deeply, and bringing people with you.
• You are energized by creating long‑term organizational sustainability rather than maintaining the status quo.
• You thrive leading multiple complex projects while keeping people aligned and engaged.
• You care deeply about conservation, reconciliation, and bringing people together to build stronger, more connected communities.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL BE:

• Leading the implementation of HSBRIS's Strategic Plan while translating priorities into measurable outcomes.
• Building trusted partnerships with First Nations, governments, educational institutions, environmental organizations, industry partners, and community leaders.
• Leading the organization's fund development strategy through grants, philanthropy, sponsorships, and innovative revenue generation.
• Serving as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for HSBRIS throughout the region.
• Driving multiple strategic initiatives from planning through successful execution.
• Working closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance and organizational effectiveness.
• Building organizational capacity, systems, and processes that support long‑term growth.
• Leading staff, contractors, volunteers, and partners while fostering a collaborative, purpose‑driven culture.
• Championing research, education, reconciliation, and conservation initiatives that strengthen the UNESCO Biosphere Region.
• Ensuring sound financial stewardship and long‑term organizational sustainability.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 5+ years of senior leadership experience within the non‑profit, environmental, Indigenous, public, conservation, sustainability, or community development sectors.
• Proven success securing funding through grants, government programs, donors, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
• Experience leading strategic planning, organizational growth, and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated success building strong collaborative relationships with Boards, governments, First Nations, funders, and community partners.
• Strong financial leadership, including budgeting, grant administration, and organizational stewardship.
• Exceptional communication, relationship‑building, and public speaking skills.
• Must be able to work remotely within the Howe Sound / Sea to Sky region, and available for regular travel throughout the region and opportunities for travel across BC, Canada, and internationally.

The nice to haves:

• Experience working with a UNESCO Biosphere Region or similar organization.
• Knowledge of environmental conservation, biodiversity, and reconciliation.
• Experience leading a growing organization through change.
• Established relationships within the Sea-to-Sky or environmental sector.
• Experience working in a small, entrepreneurial organization.

SALARY RANGE: $105,000–$130,000 based on experience

THE BENEFITS

• Come to work every day knowing your work makes a difference by helping shape the future of one of Canada's most remarkable UNESCO Biosphere Regions.
• Lead with purpose while creating lasting environmental, social, and community impact.
• Work directly alongside the founders and visionary leaders who helped establish the organization, gaining invaluable mentorship and insight as you help write its next chapter.
• Expand your network by building relationships with First Nations, government leaders, donors, researchers, industry partners, and environmental organizations across Canada and beyond.
• Travel throughout the breathtaking Howe Sound region while representing the organization at regional, national, and international meetings, conferences, and UNESCO Biosphere gatherings.
• Enjoy the autonomy to lead, innovate, and shape the future of a growing organization where your ideas and leadership will have a visible impact.
• Join a passionate, purpose‑driven team committed to protecting the environment, strengthening communities, and creating a lasting legacy.
• Competitive compensation package, flexibility, and the opportunity to build a career with purpose.