President and Chief Executive Officer

Janet Soles and Associates; Calgary; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshwater Conservation Canada seeks a visionary President & Chief Executive Officer to guide a national not-for-profit through growth and expanded impact. The CEO will shape fundraising, diversify revenue streams, and serve as the public face of the organization, with offices in Calgary, AB and Guelph, ON.

A senior executive with governance experience will drive strategy, partnerships, and talent development to secure long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop and execute fundraising strategies.
• Experience guiding governance and Board relationships.
• Strong strategic leadership and multi-stakeholder coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead national growth and organizational strategy.
• Oversee fundraising, donor relations, and revenue diversification.
• Strengthen government relations and external brand presence.
• Mentor executive and staff teams to scale impact.

Skills

Fundraising

Governance

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Post-secondary education in business/public administration/environmental science/communications

Job description

Freshwater Conservation Canada seeks a visionary President and Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization through a pivotal era of national growth and expanded impact. Recently rebranded to reflect a comprehensive approach to aquatic species and freshwater systems, Freshwater Conservation Canada possesses a 50-plus-year legacy of science-based conservation. This is a rare opportunity for a strategic builder to architect the next evolution of a national not for profit charitable organization, translating conservation credibility into major funding partnerships, an elevated external brand presence, and measurable environmental outcomes.

Driven by its mission to conserve, protect, and restore Canada's freshwater ecosystems and their cold-water resources for current and future generations, Freshwater Conservation Canada applies scientific expertise through practical, hands‑on conservation. Operating from offices in Calgary, Alberta, and Guelph, Ontario, the organization is powered by a deeply committed team of 18 professional staff and 17 volunteer‑led chapters spanning from Alberta to Atlantic Canada. Together with local partners, they monitor watersheds, restore riparian areas, improve fish and wildlife habitats, and build the resilience of freshwater ecosystems against climate change and biodiversity loss.

Accountable to the Board of Directors, the CEO will combine strategic executive leadership with a hands‑on approach to drive Freshwater Conservation Canada’s mission. The CEO will architect sophisticated fund development strategies, cultivate major donors, and diversify revenue streams to ensure long‑term financial sustainability. As the compelling public voice of Freshwater Conservation Canada, the successful candidate will drive strategic marketing and public relations to elevate national awareness and champion the recent rebrand. Furthermore, the CEO will forge and strengthen critical relationships with governments, Indigenous communities, corporate entities, landowners, and sector allies to expand Freshwater Conservation Canada’s project footprint. Internally, the leader will mentor, coach, and scale a highly technical staff, optimize operational systems, and empower volunteer chapters to navigate growth with clarity and confidence.

The ideal candidate is a progressive senior executive with demonstrated success guiding strategy, operations, and people within a complex, mission‑driven environment. This role demands exceptional relationship‑building skills with a proven track record in securing funding, advancing government relations, and scaling public awareness. Bringing deep business and financial acumen, the candidate will possess experience navigating corporate governance and working with a Board of Directors. We are seeking a collaborative, values‑driven leader capable of fostering accountability, retaining top talent, and managing multi‑disciplinary teams. Post‑secondary education in business, public administration, environmental science, communications, or a related discipline is highly desirable, paired with a genuine passion for natural resource conservation.