NLFIA
P.O. Box 1052
Corner Brook, NL Canada A2H 6J3
www.nlfia.ca
Job Title:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Reports To:
Board of Directors
Duties and Responsibilities
The Newfoundland & Labrador Forest Industry Association (NLFIA) represents wood producers, contractors, sawmills, pulp and paper, and value‑added manufacturers across the province. As the collective voice of the sector, the Association promotes sustainable forest management, advances industry competitiveness, and raises public awareness of the economic, social, and ecological importance of forestry in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Job Purpose
NLFIA is seeking a strategic, visionary, and politically astute Executive Director to lead the organization through a period of opportunity and growth. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the chief advocate and spokesperson for the province’s forest industry, fostering relationships with government, industry partners, indigenous organizations, communities, and the public.
This role is ideal for an experienced leader who excels at building consensus, advancing policy, shaping strategy, and bringing diverse stakeholders – industry partners, contractors, mill operators, researchers, government departments, non-profits, sponsors, and community stakeholders – together around shared goals. The successful candidate will be known for exceptional communication abilities, high ethical standards, and the capacity to drive momentum and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Administration
1. Lead the development and execution of NLFIA’s strategic plan and ensure alignment with its mission and long‑term goals.
2. Manage day‑to‑day operations including staffing, contractor oversight, budgeting, and reporting.
3. Prepare annual budgets, financial statements, and Board updates.
4. Ensure organizational sustainability through funding, membership growth, and partnerships.
5. Represent the Association as its primary spokesperson and public-facing leader.
Government Relations & Advocacy
1. Advocate for industry priorities with the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador, federal agencies, municipalities, and indigenous partners.
2. Monitor legislation, regulations, and policy trends affecting the forest sector.
3. Build strong relations with ministers, senior officials, regulators, and stakeholders.
4. Provide strategic advice to the Board on government engagement and public affairs.
5. Create and maintain credibility with government and partner organizations.
Industry Development & Sector Advancement
1. Identify and address sector challenges in fibre supply, forest access, innovation, sustainability, labour, transportation, and value‑added development.
2. Support industry competitiveness through research collaboration, technology, training, and innovation initiatives.
3. Promote responsible forest management and sustainability within the province.
4. Facilitate collaboration between industry, forest product companies, contractors, researchers, communities, and service providers.
Communications & Outreach
1. Develop and deliver communication strategies that highlight the role and value of the NL forest industry.
2. Build public awareness of sustainable forest management practices and mitigation against risks of climate change, insects and wildfire.
3. Prepare reports, newsletters, presentations, briefing notes, and media responses.
4. Represent NLFIA at conferences, workshops, community events, and media engagements.
Membership Engagement & Partnership Development
1. Strengthen membership participation through frequent engagement and value‑added services.
2. Build strategic partnerships with research organizations, educational institutions, and industry associations across Atlantic Canada.
3. Identify & seExecure funding opportunities, sponsorships, and collaborative projects.
4. Maintain relationships with sponsors, funders, contractors, and sector stakeholders.
Qualifications
1. University degree in Business, Marketing, Forestry, Communications, Natural Resources, or another relevant field.
2. Minimum of 8 years of demonstrated leadership experience within a business, industry, association, or government environment.
3. Demonstrated financial and business acumen.
4. Experience with policy, government processes, or regulatory environments.
5. Experience working with industry associations or government.
6. Certifications in strategic planning or project management will be an added advantage
Skills & Competencies
1. Visionary leadership with the ability to set direction and inspire stakeholders.
2. Strong relationship‑building skills across industry, government, and communities.
3. Excellent oral and written communication, including public speaking, media relations, and project coordination skills.
4. Political awareness and the ability to navigate complex external environments.
5. Innovative thinker who identifies problems, makes sound strategic decisions, and implements practical solutions.
6. Results‑oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
7. High integrity and trustworthiness, with a commitment to sustainable forest management.
8. High ethical standards, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to $1.00 per year
Work Location: In person
