Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer
Location: Saskatoon, SK
Industry: Conservation Stewardship / Not-for-Profit Leadership
Employment Type: Full-Time, Executive
Reports To: Board of Directors

Aplin Executive Search is proud to partner with the Meewasin Valley Authority (Meewasin) in the recruitment of a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
This executive leadership opportunity offers a rare chance to lead an organization with a profound mandate, to protect, conserve, and enhance the Meewasin Valley. Meewasin plays a critical role in shaping the environmental, cultural, and recreational landscape of the region and has built a legacy anchored in a 100-Year Master Plan. The successful candidate will be a relationship-focused executive with proven leadership experience, an appreciation for conservation, and a passion for community development.

About the Organization
Meewasin is a purpose-driven organization with a team of approximately 30 dedicated professionals. Rooted in conservation stewardship, Meewasin delivers on strategic priorities that maintain a vibrant river valley, foster a strong sense of place and community, and ensure long-term sustainability. Located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis, Meewasin honours the traditions and contributions of the First Nations and Métis people in the region.

Position Overview
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will serve as the public face of Meewasin and provide strategic leadership across operations, stakeholder engagement, financial management, and organizational planning. The CEO will be responsible for advancing Meewasin’s long-term vision by driving forward its conservation, development, and education goals, while maintaining strong relationships with key municipal and provincial partners, community stakeholders, and the general public.
This role requires an experienced, community-minded executive who is equally comfortable in a boardroom, leading a team, or engaging with government and funding bodies. The CEO must also bring a successful track record in fund development and the ability to guide the organization through change, growth, and strategic implementation.  

Key Responsibilities
1. Government Relations & Advocacy

• Build and sustain strong relationships with Meewasin’s funding and participating partners.
• Serve as the organization’s lead advocate, ensuring Meewasin continues to meet the diverse needs of its stakeholders.

2. Strategic Planning & Execution

• Lead the execution of Meewasin’s current strategic plan while identifying opportunities for innovation and future growth.
• Collaborate with the Board to ensure alignment between strategic objectives and stakeholder priorities.
• Drive new revenue opportunities and expand income-generating initiatives.

3. Financial Stewardship

• Oversee Meewasin’s financial performance, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reports are provided to the Board and Audit Committee.
• Direct the development of annual budgets and work with partners to support long-term financial goals.

4. Organizational & People Leadership

• Cultivate a positive and inclusive workplace culture grounded in Meewasin’s mission and values.
• Mentor and lead a strong management team, and oversee recruitment, performance, and development of staff.
• Champion fund development strategies and build organizational capacity.

5. Community Engagement & Public Representation

• Act as a visible and active leader in the community.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, funders, volunteers, and the public.
• Represent Meewasin in the media and at public events.

6. Governance Support

• Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance and strategic oversight.
• Prepare reports, provide recommendations, and participate in Board and Committee meetings.
• Act as liaison between the Board and the organization.

Candidate Profile
Education & Experience

• A university degree (graduate-level or professional designation preferred) in business, public administration, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of senior leadership experience, ideally in a not-for-profit or public-sector environment.
• Demonstrated success in fund development, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience managing unionized teams, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and leading organizational change.
• Knowledge of Indigenous partnerships and Treaty 6 context is an asset.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Visioning & Change Leadership
• Exceptional Communication & Relationship Building
• Financial & Operational Acumen
• Team Building & People Development
• Political Savvy & Stakeholder Navigation
• Ethics, Integrity, and Cultural Awareness

Why Join Meewasin?
This is a unique opportunity to lead an iconic conservation organization deeply embedded in the cultural and ecological fabric of Saskatchewan. The successful candidate will shape the next chapter of Meewasin’s impact, championing a legacy of conservation and community for future generations.  

Aplin Executive Search is conducting this search on behalf of Meewasin. All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence.
To express interest or receive further information, please contact our Executive Search team directly.

David Aplin & Associates Inc., operating as Aplin, and its associated brands, CompuStaff and Impact Recruitment, is an award-winning employment agency connecting diverse, top-tier talent with exceptional organizations across North America. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and charge no fees to apply or engage with our recruiters. Our clients partner with us to help expand and diversify their teams. Please note that all applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any necessary work permits.