Apply for Executive Director of IWO!
Job Posting: Executive Director
Organization: Indigenous Women Outdoors (IWO)
Location: Sea to Sky Area (with day-to-day operations as remote work)
Application Deadline: February 21st 2025
Salary Range: $70,000-80,000
About Us
Indigenous Women Outdoors (IWO) is dedicated to empowering Indigenous women and non-binary individuals by creating opportunities for outdoor recreation, leadership development, and cultural connections. Through initiatives like sport programs, mentorships, and trail socials, IWO fosters community, builds confidence, and reconnects participants to the land in meaningful ways.
We are seeking a visionary and passionate Executive Director (ED) to lead our growing organization. The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, community partners, and participants to ensure our programs align with IWO’s mission, values, and long-term goals.
Starting in 2020, IWO has been a volunteer community organization that transformed the outdoor space to be a safe and inclusive area for Indigenous community members to try new sports, while exploring what identity means to them. We all belong on the land and IWO seeks to give community members the opportunity and confidence to be out on the land.
Role Overview
The Executive Director will oversee the strategic, operational, and financial health of IWO, with a focus on expanding programming, building partnerships, and ensuring sustainable growth. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who understands the intersection of outdoor recreation, Indigenous cultures, and community empowerment.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Leadership & Strategy
Lead the organization with a clear vision that aligns with IWO’s mission and values.
Lead by example, following your own cultural teachings and practices while respecting and incorporating the cultural teachings and protocols of the Indigenous peoples or community whose territory you currently reside and operate on.
Bring your own unique perspective and cultural background into decision-making, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that honors multiple worldviews and approaches.
Develop and execute a strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
Act as the public face of IWO, building relationships with funders, community members, and other stakeholders.
Program Oversight
Ensure programs are culturally relevant, inclusive, and impactful.
Work with staff and volunteers to expand existing programs and develop new initiatives.
Build and maintain relationships with community partners, government agencies, funders, and other stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission.
Uphold Indigenous values in relationships with people and the land, fostering respect, reciprocity, and stewardship in all community engagements and partnerships.
Fundraising & Financial Management
Develop and implement a fundraising strategy, including grants, sponsorships, and donor relationships.
Oversee the organization’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
Incorporate Indigenous economic principles into financial planning and decision-making, ensuring the financial practices reflect values of reciprocity, sustainability, and community well-being.
Board Relations and Governance
Act as a liaison between the Board of Directors and staff, providing regular updates and ensuring alignment with the Board’s vision;
Support the Board in governance best practices, including strategic planning, financial oversight, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Qualifications
Required:
Strong connection to Indigenous communities, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face.
Proven leadership experience in non-profits, outdoor recreation, or community-based organizations.
Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and relationship-building.
Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and financial management.
Commitment to IWO’s mission and values of inclusion, empowerment, and cultural connection.
Preferred:
Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Knowledge of Indigenous language(s) is an asset.
Experience working in outdoor recreation or environmental stewardship.
Understanding of land-based learning and Indigenous cultural practices.
What We Offer
Salary range $70,000 - 80,000 based on experience.
$200 a month in lieu of benefits.
Flexible work arrangements.
Opportunity to lead a dynamic and impactful organization.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are invited to send their resume, cover letter, and 2 reference letters to myia@indigenouswomenoutdoors.ca with the subject line: “Executive Director Application – [Your Name].”
We are so grateful to be expanding at a rate where this position is needed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about who we are, what we do and if it feels like a right fit. Thank you for taking the time to read through this and apply.