Executive Director (Full-time, Permanent)

Location: Yellowknife, NT

Reports to: Skills Canada NWT Board of Directors

Direct reports: Programs & Youth Engagement Coordinator (and contractors/consultants as required)

About Skills Canada NWT

Skills Canada NWT is a registered charity that promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies and supports youth across the Northwest Territories through programs, partnerships, and events.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of Skills Canada NWT, reporting to the Board of Directors and providing overall operational leadership for staff, programs, finances, and execution of the organization’s mission and goals. This is a hands-on leadership role in a small, mission-driven organization.

Why work with us

Skills Canada NWT is a small, high-impact charity helping youth across the Northwest Territories explore skilled trades and technologies. This role offers meaningful community impact, strong autonomy, and the prospect to lead programs and partnerships that make a visible difference for students, educators, and industry.

What you’ll do

Organizational leadership & operations

●Lead day-to-day operations; ensure effective administration, documentation, andcontinuity of operations.

●Create a positive, healthy, and safe workplace consistent with applicable legislation and organizational policies.

Governance & Board support

●Implement Board-approved policy; provide operational recommendations and develop procedures to support policy.

●Support the Board and committees with materials, reporting, and organizational updates(without doing committee work).

Strategy & organizational planning

●Conduct internal/external environmental scans; identify emerging issues andopportunities.

●Develop strategic and operational plans with timelines, resources, goals, and outcomesin partnership with the Board.

Program leadership

●Oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services to ensurequality, impact, and alignment with mission.





●Research and develop program improvements/expansion and identify best practicesacross Skills Canada Member Organizations.

People leadership

●Oversee HR practices: hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, coaching,and (as needed) discipline/terminations using legally defensible processes.

●Support volunteer recruitment, training, and management.

Finance, fundraising & compliance

●Work with staff/Board to develop and manage budgets; monitor cash flow and provideregular financial reporting.

●Lead fundraising/resource development and grant/proposal writing to ensure sustainablefunding.

●Ensure compliance with relevant requirements (e.g., workers’ compensation,taxation/withholdings, privacy/confidentiality).

Risk management

●Identify and manage organizational risks (people, property, finances, reputation); ensureappropriate insurance coverage and understanding of coverage limits.

Communications & partnerships

●Serve as a public-facing representative (with the Board President as appropriate); build relationships with educators, community partners, funders, government, and stakeholders.

● Promote and protect a strong, consistent brand; produce an annual report and regular stakeholder communications.

What you bring (required)

● Commitment to careers in skilled trades and technologies and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.

● Post-secondary education, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

● 5+ years progressive management/leadership experience; non-profit/charity experience and working with a Board of Directors preferred.

● Demonstrated experience with budgeting/financial planning and robust administrative/records management skills.





● Strong written and verbal communication, relationship-building, marketing/PR and fundraising capability.

● Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and comfort using social media and digital tools.

● Ability to work some evenings/weekends and travel as required.

*The successful candidate will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check prior to commencing employment.

Assets (preferred)

● Experience working with youth ages 12–30 and/or delivering youth programming.

● Strategic planning experience; knowledge of non-profit leadership and relevant federal/territorial legislation (employment standards, OHS, privacy, charities/taxation, CPP/EI).

● Knowledge of NWT geography/culture and familiarity with apprenticeship systems or skilled trades/technology pathways.

Working conditions & travel

● Office-based with periodic travel and work in varied settings; the office is located in a trades training facility where shop noise and industrial materials are present.

● Travel may include NWT outreach/community visits, Skills Canada National Competition (approx. 1x/year), national meetings (approx. 3x/year), and occasional conferences.

Compensation & benefits

● Salary based on qualifications (typical starting range $85,000–$95,000, commensurate with experience).

● Occasional overtime for travel/special events; position is not paid overtime, with schedule flexibility/compensatory time per policy.

● 3 weeks paid vacation to start (increases at specified intervals).

How to apply

Email your resume to [email protected]. Closing date: March 13, 2026. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. This is a full-time position and the successful candidate must reside in the Northwest Territories.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $85,000.00-$95,000.00 per year

Advantages:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Education:

- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Executive Director (Yellowknife)
🏢 Skills Canada NWT
📍 Yellowknife