Canadian Association of Wilderness Medicine

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

CAWM is a national association of physicians, guides, back country first responders, researchers, allied healthcare professionals, Search and Rescue volunteers, members of the military and medical learners.  A key pillar of the Association’s Strategic Plan is programming leadership. The Association is seeking to establish new approaches that will advance patient care using best practices, tools, and resources that are evidence-based, community focused, and innovative.

Established in 2020, CAWM is now growing its membership across Canada.   This is a unique opportunity to take the lead of a growing, innovative, member-driven organization, and to support the Association in meeting its goals.  

This Association is federally incorporated as a non-profit corporation and values diverse expertise from all types of experience, education, and practice.   As the Program Director, you will initiate and develop the successful implementation of the Association’s annual conference and other year-round programming. You will provide essential support to the volunteer Board of Directors to help grow the organization.    This is a remote work position requiring a high degree of self-direction.

OVERALL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Program Development

•       Support the Conference Chairs in planning the Association’s annual conference.

•       Develop a new series of regular year-round programing hosted in a variety of formats.

•       Provide regular status updates and recommendations to the Board of Directors.

•       Monitor program risks and alert the Board of Directors to any issues.

•       Coordinate program development with the association’s key strategic partners and stakeholders.

Program Implementation 

•       Implement year-round programing with limited volunteer support. 

•       Execute a relevant and dynamic annual conference to share best practice research, education, and training.

•       Develop and/or oversee programming communications and quarterly newsletter to members of the association. 

• Manage the Association’s social media accounts.

•       Negotiate discounts on behalf of members where possible.

•       Seek out funding opportunities, preparing funding applications and generating reports to funders.

•       Perform day-to-day financial record keeping in coordination with our accountant and under the direction of our treasurer. 

Board of Directors Support

•       Coordinate and support association committees and task forces as required.

•       Plan logistics and other details for Board meetings and program committee meetings.

•       Prepare the Board of Directors for all meetings and functions, especially monthly Board meetings.

•       Draft correspondence, including generating reports to funders, and presentations for the Board of Directors.

•       Answer or direct incoming preliminary inquiries to the Board as required and interface with clients, partners, and other external stakeholders.

• Develop strategic collaborative relationships with other medical and paramedical organizations.

•       Maintain a highly organized system of electronic documents.

•       Assist the Association President with other responsibilities as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

•       Post-Secondary education.

•       3-5 years of experience as a Program Director, Project Manager or equivalent.

•       Strong planning, organizational, project management and time management skills.

•       Experience developing and managing budgets for multiple programs.

•       Experience maintaining websites and/or social media accounts would be an asset.

•       Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

•       Ability to communicate in French is an asset.

•       Strong problem-solving skills.

•       Flexibility and adaptability.  

•       Project management certification is an asset.

•       Event management experience is an asset.

•       Advanced Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Suite, skills.

•       Impeccable attention to detail.

•       Capability to manage multiple deadlines for program implementation and other deliverables.

•       Experience working with physicians or health care organizations is an asset.

PERSONAL TRAITS

•       High-achieving self-starter and “organization builder” with strong initiative, enthusiasm, and focus.

•       A warm, dynamic, and engaging interpersonal style, with a strong ability to grow and nurture relationships.

•       Good judgement, maturity, and professionalism.

•       Flexibility and adaptability.

•       Passion for outdoor pursuits and environmental stewardship.

•       Experience working remotely with minimal daily direction.

•       Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism.

•       An effective team player who values people of all abilities and backgrounds.

•       Respect for confidentiality.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

•       Expectation for some availability for work during evenings and weekends to accommodate meeting with Association members across all Canadian time zones and to support programing.

•       Satisfactory background check, including but not limited to a police criminal record check.

•       Expectation to accommodate remote meetings with individuals across all Canadian time zones.

•       Expectation to attend the annual conference in person - October 2025 and onwards.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

•       This is a full-time remote position.  Salary will be $65K+.   You will be eligible for benefits upon the successful completion of a probationary period in the position. 

EMPLOYMENT START DATE

•       Monday October 13th, 2025

DISCLAIMER:  The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.