NWL Charitable

Position: Executive Director
Organization: Northwaters Langskib (NWL)
Location: Remote (Year-Round) with Seasonal Presence in Temagami, Ontario

About Northwaters Langskib 

Northwaters Langskib (NWL) provides immersive, canoe-based wilderness experiences that foster personal growth, leadership, and deep connections with nature and community. Rooted in the beautiful Temagami region of Ontario, NWL’s programs empower young people to develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility toward themselves, others, and the environment.

Position Overview

NWL seeks a passionate and strategic leader to serve as Executive Director (ED). This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for guiding NWL through a significant organizational transition from a for-profit model to a nonprofit structure. Reporting to the Board of Directors, and collaborating closely with NWL’s current directors and founders, the ED will oversee the organization’s mission, vision, and day-to-day operations. The ED will lead long-term planning, drive fundraising and stakeholder engagement, and support the delivery of impactful wilderness programs aligned with NWL’s values.

This is a Canada based, year-round position with the flexibility to work remotely during the offseason. A presence at NWL’s island basecamps in Temagami, Ontario, is required during key summer programming periods. Proximity to Ontario or Temagami is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Organizational Strategy

• Provide visionary and mission-driven leadership to guide NWL through its transition to charitable status and beyond.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement organizational strategy, policies, and governance best practices.
• Lead long-term strategic planning, financial forecasting, and sustainability efforts.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and equity across all facets of the organization.
• Represent NWL to external stakeholders including members, donors, alumni, families, and community partners.

Fundraising & Revenue Development

• Develop and execute fundraising strategies, including individual giving, grants, events, sponsorships, and earned revenue streams.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors, foundations, and philanthropic partners.
• Lead efforts to build and expand NWL’s donor database and alumni engagement.

Program Development & Operations

• Ensure the design and delivery of high-quality, transformative wilderness programs in alignment with NWL’s mission and safety standards.
• Support the Program Directors and year-round staff in logistical coordination, risk management, and evaluation of program impact.
• Promote and protect NWL’s unique culture, traditions, and commitment to community.
• Oversee program planning, delivery, and evaluation to ensure high-quality wilderness experiences aligned with NWL’s core values*.
• Work closely with the in-camp Program Directors and year-round team to support program logistics, risk management, and participant safety.

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Oversee recruitment, training, and retention of seasonal and year-round staff, including fostering leadership development and mentorship.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, trauma-informed and mission driven workplace culture grounded in mutual respect and well-being.
• Ensure compliance with employment, child protection, and safety regulations in Canada (as applicable).
• Lead and support the recruitment, training, and retention of seasonal and year-round staff.
• Ensure compliance with all employment and safety regulations.

Communications & Community Outreach

• Serve as the lead spokesperson and ambassador for NWL, articulating the organization’s story and values across platforms.
• Lead marketing, outreach, and enrollment strategies to grow camper participation and expand reach.
• Honor and uphold NWL’s connection to the Temagami region, including respectful engagement with local residents and the Teme-Augama Anishnabai, on whose land NWL gathers and operates.
• Act as the primary spokesperson for NWL, effectively conveying its mission and impact.
• Build and deepen strong relationships with families, alumni, donors, and community partners and maintain and contribute to relationships with Temagami residents, the Temagami environment, and the local Teme-Augama Anishnabai, on whose land we gather. 

Qualifications

• Demonstrated passion for outdoor education, youth development, and experiential learning.
• A consistent track record of exceptional results achieved through effective and collaborative management and leadership, preferably in nonprofit management, outdoor education, or mission-aligned fields.
• Proven success in organizational development, budget management, and strategic planning.
• Experience in fundraising, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and stewardship.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect across diverse audiences.Experience with risk management and safety standards in wilderness settings.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging, with cultural humility and respect for Indigenous communities. Ability to travel and be on-site in Temagami during summer programming periods.
• Familiarity with U.S. and Canadian nonprofit laws, or a willingness to learn.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience. 70k – 100k CAD with generous, flexible PTO.
• Flexible remote work arrangements in the offseason.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership in a dynamic outdoor education organization.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should fill out and submit this form and attach a cover letter and resume. If you have any questions about the position or application process, please email them to: [email protected].  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

NWL does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

NWL is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection process as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. 

*NWL Core Values

1.               Empowerment
2.               Environment
3.               Community
4.               Excellence/accountability
5.               Safety
6.               Personal growth

Core Value Statement

We are committed to empowering individuals to grow into the best version of themselves, by encouraging self-awareness and courage, in a physically and emotionally safe environment of fun, challenge, and backcountry adventure.

We are dedicated to living with respect for the natural world and each other. We recognize the healing power of the land and cultivate understanding for its gifts and teachings.

We resolve to hold ourselves to the highest level of excellence, integrity and courage in our work and our relationship with the Earth. We draw on our strength, integrity and love to build community based on authenticity, respect and inclusion.

Empowerment

We believe in empowering young people to explore and develop positive, healthy, authentic selves.

Through our work we empower individuals to be agents of change and improvement in themselves, our community and the world.

We are committed to seeing the light in young people and empowering them to grow into the best versions of themselves.

Environment

We are committed to living with the natural world and each other with respect and awareness.  We recognize the teaching and healing power of the land, especially for young people.

We are dedicated to being stewards of the land and water who cultivate respect for its teachings and gifts.

Community

We provide a community based on mutual respect.

We draw on our strength, integrity and love to build community based on authenticity and inclusion.

Excellence/Accountability

We hold ourselves to the highest level of excellence, integrity and courage.

We resolve ourselves to excellence by examining our strengths and weaknesses, our successes and shortcoming, to learn and grow from them recognizing this is a lifelong process.

We strive to perform with excellence in every aspect of our work and in our relationships with the earth.

Safety

We are committed to creating an emotionally and physically safe environment for all those involved.

Personal Growth

We support personal growth by encouraging self-awareness and courage through empowering and challenging experiences.

We recognize adventure and uncertain outcome as crucial to each person’s life journey.