Executive Director – fRI Research

About the opportunity

fRI Research is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic and organizational leadership to an applied-research organization focused on the cultural, ecological, economic and social values of Western Canada’s landscapes.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director works closely with program leaders, staff, shareholders and partners to keep the organization’s research relevant, credible and useful.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain a constructive relationship with the Board and support effective governance.
• Translate the organization’s mission and strategy into clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Ensure research programs remain aligned with partner needs and organizational direction.
• Support program leaders in developing research agendas and securing resources.
• Build relationships with government, industry, shareholders and research partners.
• Strengthen financial sustainability, partnerships and knowledge transfer so research informs practical land and resource management.

Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience with increasing responsibility for people, programs, budgets and organizational outcomes.

Senior leadership experience in a research organization, non-profit, natural-resource organization, government agency, industry association, academic institution or related environment.

Experience with Boards, strategic partnerships and fund development, grants, government funding or partnership-based financing. Experience in natural resources, forestry, wildlife, ecology or environmental management is an asset. A relevant graduate degree is also considered an asset.

Status: Open.

Location: Hinton, Alberta. The head office is in Hinton, with some flexibility in the work environment.

The role reports to the Board of Directors and acts as the organization’s senior ambassador and relationship builder.