Conservation, Natural resource management, Wild salmon conservation

Title: SkeenaWild Executive Director
Organization: SkeenaWild Conservation Trust
Location: Preference of living in the Skeena Region (or need to relocate)  / Terrace, British Columbia

Reports to: SkeenaWild Board of Trustees
Full-time regular employment

The Organization
SkeenaWild Conservation Trust is a leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the wild salmon, steelhead, and ecosystems of the Skeena watershed and the surrounding landscapes of Northwest British Columbia. The organization was established in 2007 to address the pressing challenges facing one of the world’s most significant salmon-bearing ecosystems.

Position Summary
The Executive Director is responsible for leading and managing the Trust to achieve its mission of conserving wild salmon and their ecosystems in the Skeena watershed and Northwest British Columbia. This role encompasses strategic direction, operational oversight, and fostering collaborative efforts with local communities, First Nations, governments and stakeholders, guided by the Trust Agreement and the Board of Trustees.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Vision
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and advance a strategic vision that prioritizes salmon conservation and ecosystem health in the Skeena watershed and Northwest BC.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Trustees on conservation efforts, policy initiatives, and community engagement related to wild salmon.
• Promote effective collaboration among Trustees, advisors, staff, subcontractors, and volunteers to advance the Trust’s objectives.
• Act as a spokesperson for the Trust, emphasizing its role in protecting wild salmon and their habitats.
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Trustees, independently or jointly as appropriate.
• Represent the Trust at community events and activities to enhance its profile and promote its conservation mission.

Operational Management
• Develop and implement an operational plan focused on sustainable salmon conservation, habitat protection, and ecosystem health.
• Oversee the planning and execution of initiatives, including research, public education, and indigenous and government relations on topics such as fisheries science and management, habitat protection, legal and governance frameworks, and consensus-building processes.
• Draft procedures and policies for Trustee approval, such as communication protocols and conservation strategies.
• Support the Trustees by preparing meeting agendas, conservation reports, and related materials.

Human Resource Management
• Implement human resource practices to support the Trust’s mission, including developing job descriptions and work plans for staff and subcontractors involved in conservation work.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and supervise staff and subcontractors, ensuring alignment with the Trust’s goals.

Financial Management
• Work with Trustees to secure funding from grants, donors, and other sources to sustain the Trust’s operations and initiatives
• Collaborate with Trustees to prepare and monitor a comprehensive budget that supports salmon conservation efforts.
• Approve expenditures within delegated authority, ensuring alignment with conservation priorities.
• Provide detailed, regular financial and activity reports to the Board, including updates on conservation projects and partnerships.

Community Engagement and Relations
• Communicate with stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, fisheries groups, government agencies, and the public, to share updates on the Trust’s work and gather insights to inform conservation strategies.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community and indigenous groups, funders, policymakers, and organizations dedicated to protecting wild salmon and their habitats.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support sustainable fisheries and the long-term health of the Skeena watershed.

Qualifications

Ideal applicants:

• Residency: Reside in the Skeena watershed and be a Canadian citizen.
• Experience: Have a minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in conservation, natural resource management, or related fields.
• Education: Hold a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Leadership: Be an independent self-starter with exceptional leadership and strategic thinking skills, with experience managing staff and leading dynamic teams and coalitions.
• Local Knowledge: Possess deep knowledge of the Skeena watershed, with strong connections and established relationships across multiple communities.
• Wild Salmon Expertise: Demonstrate exceptional knowledge of wild salmon conservation, with skills and experience in:
  • Leading and managing diverse professional teams.
  • Building and maintaining effective relationships with boards and governance bodies.
  • Developing partnerships and collaborative relationships.
  • Working closely and respectfully with First Nations.
  • Securing funding from foundations, government grants, and major donors.
  • Crafting strategic plans and actionable work plans.

Desirable Competencies and Experience:

• Proven Track Record: A demonstrated history of success in conservation work within British Columbia.
• Collaboration: A history of working collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups, First Nations, and governments.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Proven track record of working independently and taking initiative. Willingness to attend meetings and workshops outside of regular working hours.
• Communication Skills: A talent for distilling complex legal, scientific, and technical information into clear, engaging formats for diverse audiences, including legislators, media, First Nations, stakeholders, donors, and the public.
• Project Management: Experience managing complex projects and processes while balancing multiple priorities and consistently meeting deadlines with high-quality results.
• Commitment: A strong passion for the conservation (protection, rebuilding and sustainable use) of freshwater ecosystems and the wild fish they sustain.

Compensation

The pay range for this full-time position is between $100,000 – $108,000 per year, depending on qualifications, education and experience

A comprehensive benefits package will include:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits - Includes extended health coverage, dental care, prescription drug plans, and vision care for you and your family
• Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) - You can make voluntary contributions to your RRSP, and SW will match your contributions up to $2,800 per year
• Vacation Allowance - Five weeks of vacation annually to start
• Home Office Reimbursement - $30 per month for your home internet costs
• Company-Provided Technology - SW covers the cost of your cell phone and computer
• Paid Sick Days – 10 paid sick days per year

Application

Please submit a cover letter, explaining why you are interested in Skeena conservation, a CV and briefing note or a press release writing sample to info@skeenawild.org

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Applications will be accepted until midnight on February 17th, 2025