Executive Director

Whitehorse, YT

Executive Director

We are seeking an experienced, strategic leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The ideal candidate brings strong association management, government relations, and agriculture policy expertise, along with a deep understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges of farming in the Yukon.

Our company represents a diverse and growing community of dedicated producers. Working closely with territorial and federal partners, we advance policies, programs, and infrastructure that support a resilient, profitable, and sustainable agriculture sector.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership: Guide the long‑term direction with the board, support effective governance, and align organizational priorities, planning, and policy development.
• Policy and advocacy: Monitor emerging issues, coordinate member input, lead regulatory engagement, and represent the company on committees, working groups, and advisory bodies.
• Stakeholder relations: Build strong relationships with government, industry partners, and territorial associations while cultivating member consensus on policy and advocacy positions.
• Communications: Ensure clear, consistent communication with members and stakeholders; oversee newsletters, website, social media, and public communications.
• Events and programs: Plan and deliver the AGM, workshops, producer gatherings, and sector‑building initiatives.
• Operations and finance: Oversee administration, volunteers, contractors, budgeting, forecasting, grants, bookkeeping, and organizational risk management.

Requirements

• 5+ years in agriculture, agri‑food, nonprofit leadership, or a related sector.
• Yukon residency with regular in‑person hours at the office in Whitehorse (hybrid options available for other Yukon communities).
• Able to travel territorially and nationally (~10%).

Highly Valued

• Executive leadership in multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working with government, growers, and sector associations.
• Understanding of policy processes, governance, and financial management.
• Experience in member‑based or nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge of Canadian agriculture; Yukon agriculture familiarity is an asset.

The Ideal Candidate

• Anticipates emerging issues and leads through change.
• Adapts to shifting priorities and complex stakeholder environments.
• Experienced in contracts, project oversight, grants, and event coordination.
• Practical, hands‑on, and able to balance strategic and operational work.
• Represents YAA with credibility, professionalism, and passion.

Compensation

Hourly wage $40.00 - $45.00/hr, 40 hrs/week, plus:

• Three weeks’ vacation
• $500 annual wellness bonus
• Performance‑based incentives
• Flexible work model
• Professional development support

Transition & onboarding support: A two‑week overlap with the outgoing Executive Director and part‑time administrative support until November 21 will ensure a smooth transition.

Applicants must reside in the Yukon or be willing to relocate and work fully or in a hybrid model from YAA’s Whitehorse office.

Interviews begin early August, with a target start date of August 24, 2026.