Executive Director Non-Profit

Director, Planet Watch

A Volunteer Leadership Role

This opportunity is posted because of the planned retirement of the current Chief Executive.

About Planet Watch

Planet Watch is a non-profit, volunteer‑driven climate organization dedicated to helping students, educators, and communities understand our changing planet through accessible current, worldwide news and articles, a curated on-line library, and hands‑on learning. We support teachers, empower youth, and build partnerships that make environmental literacy engaging and actionable.

Role Overview

The Director provides strategic, operational, and creative leadership for Planet Watch. This role oversees a team of 25–30 volunteers, and is responsible for content development, reader engagement, communications, partnerships, and resource management.

The Director ensures that Planet Watch remains mission‑aligned, collaborative, and innovative while expanding its reach across Canada and beyond.

This is a senior volunteer position ideal for someone who thrives in purpose‑driven environments, enjoys leading diverse teams, and is passionate about climate education and community impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• • Lead the development and execution of Planet Watch’s strategy, priorities, and program roadmap.
  • Strengthen the organization’s identity, messaging, and public presence.
  • Ensure alignment between mission, programs, partnerships, and volunteer engagement.

Team & Volunteer Management

• • Support the volunteer team through coaching, onboarding, and collaborative planning.
  • Delegate effectively to ensure work is shared, supported, and aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and mission‑driven culture that encourages volunteers to generate new ideas and contribute creatively.

Program & Content Oversight

• • Guide the development of educational resources, climate news summaries, thematic collections, and teacher‑focused materials..
  • Support the design of student and adult learning pathways (Discover, Learn, Act).
  • Oversee virtual and in‑person events, including youth contests, workshops, and other programs.

Partnerships & Outreach

• • Build and maintain relationships with educators, schools, libraries, environmental organizations, and publishers.
  • Lead outreach for collaborative projects, donated prizes, and resource‑sharing partnerships.
  • Represent Planet Watch at community events, conferences, and meetings as needed.

Operations & Organizational Development

• • Oversee internal systems, documentation, and resource hubs to ensure organizational continuity.
  • Support fundraising efforts, grant applications, and donor engagement
  • Maintain Planet Watch’s Brand Image and professional standards.

Required Qualifications

• • Demonstrated leadership experience in nonprofits, education, climate/environmental work, or community organizations.
  • Ability to delegate effectively, ensuring work is shared, supported, and aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Commitment to fostering a culture where volunteers feel encouraged to generate new ideas and contribute creatively.
  • Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and organizational skills.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate ideas into actionable plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Experience managing distributed teams or volunteer‑driven organizations.
  • Background in teaching, curriculum development, environmental studies, or communications.
  • Familiarity with partnership development, outreach, or community engagement.
  • Comfort with digital tools for collaboration, content creation, and project management.

Time Commitment

The Director role is fully remote and relies extensively on video‑conferencing for team leadership, collaboration, and partner engagement. The expected commitment is 10–12 hours per week, with flexibility based on project cycles and volunteer coordination needs.

What Planet Watch Offers

• • A meaningful leadership role shaping the future of climate education
  • A collaborative, supportive volunteer community.
  • Opportunities to innovate, build partnerships, and empower youth to determine our future.
  • The chance to lead an established, mission‑driven organization into its next chapter.

All roles in Planet Watch are voluntary.

Candidates should reside in Canada and be fluent in English

English - Fluent