Job Ad – Director of Northern Conservation (full time)

Location: Labrador or Nunavik Region of Northern Quebec

Preferred start date: May 2026

About ASF

The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) is an international conservation organization founded in 1948 to conserve and restore wild Atlantic salmon and their ecosystems. ASF is headquartered in St. Andrews, N.B., and maintains offices in Maine, Quebec, and throughout Atlantic Canada. With a staff of more than 50-professionals and a network of more than 10,000 members and volunteers, we are the leading North American organization focused on wild Atlantic salmon.

Overview

The Director of Northern Conservation is responsible for designing, managing, and overseeing a diverse portfolio of conservation initiatives across Labrador and Northern Quebec (Nunavik). This role advances organizational commitments to Atlantic salmon conservation in Northern Canada, sustainability, and community-led stewardship through conservation planning, research initiatives, community engagement and support, and knowledge assessments of prospective protected areas. Serving as ASF’s program lead in the North, the Director builds strong relationships with individuals, communities and governments and manages multi-year grant deliverables—all contributing to long-term community stewardship, habitat conservation, and health of wild Atlantic salmon.

Responsibilities and Duties

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Lead strategic direction for Northern conservation programs, ensuring alignment with grants, community‑led approaches, and emerging priorities.
• Plan and oversee conservation and research projects, including major initiatives in Labrador and Nunavik, with strong budget and reporting oversight.
• Build and maintain partnerships with Indigenous governments and communities, co‑management bodies, agencies, NGOs, and research institutions.
• Advance protected‑area planning, community‑benefit agreements, and Indigenous‑led guardian program feasibility.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff and contractors; foster a collaborative, accountable team culture.
• Serve as ASF’s ambassador in the North—engaging partners, hosting staff/donors, and advocating with government agencies.
• Support major grant development, implementation, reporting, and donor stewardship.
• Facilitate scientific collaborations and support research initiatives (e.g., tracking, monitoring, marine conservation science).
• Coordinate data collection and analysis; produce reports and ensure findings inform policy, advocacy, and conservation planning.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Northern conservation, Northern environmental and social challenges, and wild Atlantic salmon.
• Demonstrated experience working respectfully with Indigenous communities, Indigenous governments and co-management entities, and rights‑based governance structures; holds strong local relationships throughout the northern range of Atlantic salmon in Canada.
• Excellent project management, budgeting, and team leadership skills.
• Effective communication and organizational representation abilities, including public speaking and partner relations.
• Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with governments, communities, NGOs, researchers, and other collaborators.
• Ability to travel extensively and work effectively in remote Northern communities.

Education and Experience:

An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Education: Degree in environmental science, marine biology, conservation, public policy, or related field.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in a related field.

Compensation

ASF offers a competitive salary and benefits package including RRSP contributions, vacation pay, sick leave, and health/dental insurance.  The salary range for the position is $74,000 – 111,000. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications of the successful candidate.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to: Manager of People and Culture at careers@asf.ca by April 3, 2026. ASF thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.