President and Chief Executive Officer

Job summary

Lead the Society’s strategy and day-to-day operations, positioning it for long-term growth while strengthening its national reach and impact. Develop diversified revenue, deepen relationships with donors and partners, expand digital engagement and programs, and prepare the organization for its 2028 Strategic Plan.

Job details

Canada’s National History Society, operating as Canada’s History, is a respected national charitable organization dedicated to strengthening understanding of Canada’s complex and diverse histories and their role in shaping contemporary Canada. Headquartered in Winnipeg, the Society reaches more than three million people annually through its award-winning publications, digital platforms, educational programs, youth initiatives, national recognition programs, and community engagement efforts. Its flagship publications, Canada’s History and Kayak, alongside its bilingual digital platforms, connect Canadians of all ages with engaging and accessible stories about the peoples, individuals, events and ideas that have shaped the country. With a century-long publishing legacy, the Society is entering an important new chapter as it looks to broaden its reach, strengthen its financial sustainability and deepen its impact nationally. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide strategic leadership to the Society, overseeing its day-to-day operations while positioning the organization for long-term growth and impact. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary and entrepreneurial leader to build on a strong national reputation while expanding audience engagement, strengthening financial sustainability, and enhancing the organization’s influence across Canada. The President and CEO will cultivate relationships with donors, funders, government partners, educators, cultural institutions, and community organizations, while championing the importance of history in fostering understanding, curiosity, and connection among Canadians. A key priority will be developing and executing a diversified revenue strategy spanning philanthropy, earned revenue and partnerships, while continuing to build strong donor and funder relationships. The President and CEO will also lead efforts to expand digital reach and audience engagement, develop new program and partnership opportunities, strengthen organizational capacity and prepare for the launch of a new Strategic Plan in 2028. This is an opportunity to lead a highly respected national organization at a pivotal point in its evolution, preserving its important legacy while identifying new ways to engage Canadians with history. The ideal candidate is an inspiring, collaborative and strategic leader with senior leadership experience within the not-for-profit or broader public sector, ideally complemented by experience in publishing, digital media, education, culture, history or a related field. An exceptional communicator and ambassador, the successful candidate will be comfortable engaging with donors and funders, government, educators, community partners, Indigenous leaders, Board members and staff across Canada. Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors, leading and motivating teams, and balancing long-term strategic vision with day-to-day operational excellence is essential. The successful candidate will bring strong financial acumen, sound organizational judgment and a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach to leadership, along with a genuine curiosity about Canada’s people, stories and histories. They will be energized by the opportunity to build relationships, identify new opportunities and broaden the Society’s reach and impact across the country. Proficiency in both English and French is desired, as is a willingness to travel nationally. This is a publicly advertised job posting for an existing vacancy. Odgers does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position. To Apply To fill this position, Canada’s National History Society has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are encouraged and should be submitted online ideally by October 26th at https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/32139 We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Canada’s National History Society is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and Canada’s National History Society throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.

What you’ll do

Lead the Society’s strategy and day-to-day operations, positioning it for long-term growth while strengthening its national reach and impact. Develop diversified revenue, deepen relationships with donors and partners, expand digital engagement and programs, and prepare the organization for its 2028 Strategic Plan.

Requirements

Candidates should have senior leadership experience in the nonprofit or broader public sector, ideally with experience in publishing, digital media, education, culture, history, or a related field. They should bring strong financial and organizational judgment, Board and team leadership experience, excellent communication and relationship-building skills, and an entrepreneurial approach; English-French proficiency is desired.

Listed skills

• Team Leadership · Preferred
• Fundraising · Preferred
• Bilingual communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Strategic Leadership
• Nonprofit Leadership
• Financial Acumen
• Revenue Strategy
• Fundraising
• Donor Relations
• Government Relations
• Board Relations
• Team Leadership
• Digital Audience Engagement
• Partnership Development
• Organizational Capacity Building
• Communications
• Operational Management
• Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Bilingual Communication

Job areas

• Management & Leadership
• Creative & Media
• Education
• Government & Public Sector