Headquartered in Ottawa, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) is a national, registered charity that represents nurses and allied health professionals dedicated to advancing the care of Canadians living with challenges in wound, ostomy, and continence health. With more than 1,300 members across every province and territory, NSWOCC® brings together front-line nurses, educators, researchers, administrators, and industry partners who collectively support best practices and improved patient outcomes. NSWOCC wholly owns and operates the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute which provides educational programs, in English and French, to train Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs®) and Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs) and also provides continuing education programs through a Learning Management System. NSWOCC® also manages the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP®) and the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP).

Reporting to the President and the Board of Directors, the new Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership, fiscal oversight, and operational excellence to advance the mission of the organization. Working with a dedicated team of staff and volunteer leaders, the CEO will guide strategic and business planning, ensure sound governance, and oversee financial management, human resources, and organizational operations. The CEO will also build strong partnerships with governments, healthcare organizations, and allied associations to elevate the profile of wound, ostomy and continence nursing across Canada. As the public face of NSWOCC, the CEO will champion advocacy initiatives, expand membership value, and enhance the organization’s visibility through education, outreach, and the advancement of evidence-based nursing practice, ensuring that NSWOCC® sets the standard in clinical wound, ostomy and continence practice excellence, and continues to grow as a respected and influential voice within the Canadian healthcare system. This includes supporting the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC), the official publication of NSWOCC®.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and inspiring leader with proven experience in healthcare, association management, and the registered charity/not-for-profit sector. With a strong understanding of Canada’s healthcare landscape, they will bring expertise in governance, financial stewardship, and organizational development, coupled with the ability to advance policy and advocacy priorities at national, provincial, and territorial levels. As a collaborative relationship builder, the successful candidate will demonstrate integrity, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to advancing wound, ostomy and continence nursing. They will possess exceptional communication and negotiation skills, strong business and financial acumen, and the ability to engage effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including government, partner associations, and patient organizations. Entrepreneurial and results-driven, the ideal candidate will inspire staff, have a demonstrated ability to work with volunteers, and members alike, while ensuring that NSWOCC® continues to deliver measurable value, visibility, and impact across Canada’s healthcare system.

Please Note: All NSWOCC® staff, including the CEO, are engaged on a contract basis. In this model, the CEO would operate as an incorporated business. The CEO contract is set for a term of 5years, with annual cost of living adjustments and the opportunity for renewal and continuity based on mutual agreement.

To Apply

To fill this position, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online. For more information, please contact Alexandra McKinney, Consultant of Odgers. We would like to thank all applicants but regret that we are only able to personally contact those individuals whose backgrounds best match the requirements for the role.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada 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 Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada 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.