Executive Director

Anticipated Start Date: February 1, 2027

Term Ending March 2028, with potential for a four-year renewal, subject to funding

About WRCC:

The Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada (WRCC) proposes a transformative approach to wildfire management that integrates Indigenous fire stewardship, and long‑term land management, with place‑based knowledge mobilization and acceleration of technology and innovation. By establishing national knowledge networks and focusing on Indigenous‑led practices, the WRCC seeks to enhance wildfire resilience across Canada. This holistic and adaptive approach addresses the increasing wildfire threat due to climate change and evolving land use, promoting sustainable land management and honoring traditional ecological knowledge. The WRCC’s strategy is built on the principles of “engage, connect, and accelerate” to ensure a more resilient future for communities, structures, and landscapes.

Primary Responsibility:

The Executive Director leads the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada in enhancing wildfire resilience across the country by harnessing the scientific, technological and financial resources needed to build national knowledge networks and Communities of Practice that get science into the hands of decision‑makers and practitioners.

This role requires an individual with relevant expertise and an entrepreneurial perspective who can guide WRCC's vision, build and sustain funding relationships, and lead strategic planning, program development and stakeholder collaboration across government, Indigenous communities, universities, wildfire management agencies and forest professionals.

Role Overview:

Visionary, convenor, spokesperson, and organizational steward. The WRCC Executive Director combines strategic leadership with hands‑on management of operations, finances, governance and culture. By integrating these skills, the Executive Director builds the partnerships, funding base and internal systems needed to advance WRCC's mission of engaging, connecting and accelerating wildfire resilience.

The Executive Director engages with members of the wildland fire ecosystem – including those not historically involved in the space – to revitalize the use of beneficial fire, support Indigenous initiatives in wildfire research, and accelerate the use of Indigenous and local knowledge alongside western scientific knowledge in ecosystem and disaster management.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, maintaining open and effective communication and providing regular updates on performance, financial activity and strategic progress. They provide leadership to WRCC staff, ensuring appropriate support of all initiatives, and champion policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion of Indigenous knowledge systems.

The Executive Director may have other duties as assigned, consistent with the overall scope and complexity of leading WRCC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation and evolution of WRCC's strategic vision and priorities.
• Advance WRCC's three core focus areas:
• Accelerating awareness and uptake of wildfire innovation and technology.
• Education and knowledge mobilization.
• Identify opportunities for organizational growth, innovation, and impact.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Support the development of national networks and Communities of Practice that connect research, policy, and practice.

Organizational Leadership & Operations

• Lead the day‑to‑day operations of a growing national organization.
• Establish and maintain effective organizational systems, processes, policies, and reporting structures.
• Oversee project execution, organizational performance, and staff accountability.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to staff and contractors.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Take a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving and organizational development.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and resource planning.
• Manage grant agreements and funding compliance requirements.
• Support funding renewal efforts and identify opportunities for revenue diversification.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders and government partners.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of financial resources and organizational assets.

Governance & Risk Management

• Support the Board of Directors in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
• Prepare and present regular reports on organizational performance, strategic initiatives, and financial results.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and funding agreements.
• Develop and maintain organizational policies and governance frameworks.
• Identify and manage organizational risks and mitigation strategies.
• Serve as WRCC's primary spokesperson and representative.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous communities, governments, researchers, industry partners, and international organizations.
• Promote collaboration across Canada's wildfire resilience ecosystem.
• Support the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems alongside western science.
• Represent WRCC through meetings, conferences, speaking engagements, and other industry forums.

Work Hours and Benefits:

• Remote‑first role with flexible location within Canada.
• Salary range: $160,000-$180,000 CAD plus benefits.
• Full‑time position.
• One‑year term aligned with current funding, with potential for extension subject to future funding.
• Frequent travel within Canada and occasional international travel required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership experience within a nonprofit, public sector, research, environmental, emergency management, or related organization.
• Strong operational leadership skills, including experience building systems, processes, and organizational infrastructure.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into execution.
• Strong financial management and resource stewardship capabilities.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with governance structures and Boards of Directors.
• Ability to build trust through transparency, accountability, and follow‑through.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and decision‑making skills.
• Demonstrated adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning mindset.
• Ability to understand, synthesize, and communicate complex information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, or governments.
• Understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and commitment to reconciliation.
• Knowledge of wildfire management, emergency management, public safety, climate resilience, natural resources, forestry, or related sectors.
• Experience supporting organizational growth, funding development, and partnership building.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Indigenous Studies, or a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum five years of senior leadership experience.
• Minimum five years of people leadership and supervisory experience.
• Experience managing budgets, grants, funding agreements, and organizational operations.
• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors.
• Experience leading multi‑stakeholder partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

EDI Statement for equitable hiring:

The Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our mission and contribute to the effectiveness and creativity of our organization and programs.

Our Commitment:

• We are dedicated to providing equitable hiring practices that ensure all candidates, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or socio‑economic status, have equal access to employment opportunities within our organization.
• Diverse Talent Pool:
• We actively seek to attract and retain a diverse range of candidates by using inclusive language in our job descriptions, broadening our recruitment channels, and partnering with organizations that support underrepresented groups.
• Community Engagement:
• We recognize that our responsibility extends beyond our organization. We aim to engage with our local communities to promote equitable hiring practices and support initiatives that enhance diversity in the workforce.

By prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in our hiring practices, we strive to create a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to their unique perspectives. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive organization that is better equipped to achieve our mission.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected will be contacted for an interview.