The Vimy Foundation: Executive Director

CanWaCH; Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vimy Foundation seeks a dynamic Executive Director to lead its Montreal chapter and advance its national education and fundraising mission. Reporting to the Board, you will steward relationships with donors, partners, and veterans affairs officials, and guide a small team with support from volunteers in a hybrid Montreal setting.

You bring proven leadership in charitable, cultural, public-sector or military organizations, strong fundraising acumen, and a deep commitment to preserving

Job description

On a ridge in northern France stands the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, one of Canada’s most enduring symbols of remembrance. Its twin white pylons rise above twenty allegorical figures carved by sculptor Walter Allward, while the monument bears the names of 11, 285 Canadians who died in France during WWI and have no known grave. On April 9, 2027, Canada will commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at this historic site.

A foundation that builds

The Vimy Foundation does more than remember; it brings history to life. From its Montreal base, this national charity raised $5 million, matched by the Government of Canada, to establish the Visitor Education Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. It also acquired four acres of farmland at the foot of the Memorial and transformed it into Vimy Foundation Centennial Park. Inaugurated on November 9, 2018, the park features 100 commemorative trees, including repatriated Vimy Oaks, creating a place of reflection and remembrance. In Montreal, the Foundation operates the Canadian Centre for the Great War, housed on Sherbrooke Street West and home to one of Canada’s most significant private collections of WWI artefacts. Through its annual youth initiatives, including the Beaverbrook Vimy Prize, the Vimy Pilgrimage Award and Vimy Inspires Tomorrow, the Foundation connects young Canadians with the battlefields of Europe, deepens their understanding of Canada’s history and supports projects that bring the lessons of the past into their communities today.

The moment

Vimy 110 is on the horizon. On April 9, 2027, a major gathering in France will bring together representatives of Canada and France, partners, donors and youth, while complementary commemorative activities take place across Canada. Centennial Park and its Vimy Oaks have never had a more meaningful stage. As Canadians rediscover their history and strengthen their ties with France and Europe, the significance of remembrance and the enduring legacy of Vimy resonate more deeply than ever.

The role

The Foundation is looking for a visionary who will lead this chapter. Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will orchestrate Vimy 110, carry the Foundation’s voice to Veterans Affairs Canada, diplomats, regiments and donors, grow philanthropy with a Board that opens doors, and lead a small, committed team, supported by volunteers, in Montreal in a hybrid arrangement.

You

You are bilingual and have experience leading a charitable, cultural, public-sector or military organization. You are equally comfortable engaging with an ambassador or a young volunteer. You bring fundraising experience or the drive and determination to build that expertise. Above all, the Vimy story resonates with you, and you are eager to help shape its future.

What the Foundation offers you

A well-supported transition, working alongside the current Interim Executive Director, who brings a strong understanding of the organization, and an engaged Board that actively supports fundraising and is committed to setting its next Executive Director up for success. Based in the heart of Montreal, with an office and museum at the historic Maison Louis-Joseph Forget, you’ll step into a role that offers both a lasting legacy to build and a historic milestone to bring to life from day one.

The Vimy Foundation welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.