Northern Canada, Natural Resource Management

Hiring: Executive Director
Organization: The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board

Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Relocation: Anyone with permission to work in Canada may apply. Willing to relocate.

The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB) is a highly respected organization with a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

We are focused on fulfilling our mandate to provide for the conservation, development, and utilization of land and water resources for the optimum benefit of residents of the Mackenzie Valley resource management area of the Northwest Territories and for all Canadians. 

The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board has an affirmative action policy in place and preference will be given to descendants of the Dene, Inuit, or Metis people, Indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories. 

Position Overview 

The Executive Director is responsible for providing advice to, and managing the operations of, the MVLWB in accordance with the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (MVRMA), as well as all other applicable legislation, land claims agreements, interim agreements, and agreements in principle. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the board office. 
• Support reviews and assessments of applications for land and water use in the Mackenzie Valley region. 
• Collaborate with executive directors from the other Mackenzie Valley land and water boards. 
• Oversee financial and human resource activities of the board. 
• Lead two administrative positions and the regulatory team of sixteen staff. 
• Ensure the Board has the information and advice needed to make informed decisions that comply with the MVRMA. 
• Ensure the Board complies with regulatory guidelines and procedures. 
• Communicate and administer decisions made by the Board. 

Qualifications  

• Preferably an undergraduate degree (science, arts, or business) and a master’s degree or higher (science, arts, or business). 
• Experience managing a large budget. 
• Human resources experience combined with at least three years of related senior management experience. 
• Demonstrated excellent leadership and communication skills. 
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including government agencies, Indigenous governments and other community groups.
• Familiarity with conducting in-depth regulatory, environmental scientific, and technical reviews is an asset. 
• An equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered. 

Core Competencies, Compensation & Benefits 

• Strong technical writing ability. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills. 
• Understanding of relevant environmental legislation. 
• Project and time management. 
• Cultural awareness. 

The starting salary for this position ranges from $180,059 to $211,752 per year, plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes up to $21,000 per year in allowances. The position is in-person and located in Yellowknife, NWT, with no remote option.

Why Yellowknife 

Yellowknife offers a rare combination of professional challenge and personal lifestyle benefits. For candidates considering a move, the city combines a short commute, a welcoming and diverse community, and immediate access to world-class outdoor experiences, from paddling and hiking in the summer to skiing and the northern lights in the winter. For many, it is a place to contribute in a meaningful way, enjoy real work-life balance, and become part of a close-knit northern community. 

How to Apply 

If you have the required experience and are interested in joining a high-performing team in a fast-paced, progressive, and dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply. Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume by Friday June 19, 2026 to: 

Attn: Janet Toner at Janet Toner Consulting Ltd.
RE: MVLWB Hiring Competition
e-mail: janettonerconsulting@gmail.com

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Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in these competitions.