DataStream Initiative – Executive Director

Our client, Data Stream Initiative, is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to advancing freshwater protection through open data flows. Its mission is to promote knowledge sharing and collaborative water stewardship so our waters remain healthy for current and future generations. Core programming includes an online platform for sharing water quality data (“Data Stream”), data management and water science training, network building, and advocacy to promote open access to environmental data in Canada.
Data Stream began as a program within The Gordon Foundation and was established as a charity in 2021. The Gordon Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that undertakes research, leadership development, and public dialogue so that Canadian public policies reflect a commitment to collaborative stewardship of our freshwater resources and to a people-driven, equitable, and evolving North.
With an office in Toronto and remote staff across Canada, Data Stream is a rapidly growing organization active in hub regions across Canada. It engages with organizations across disciplines and sectors, including watershed organizations, Indigenous Nations, and governments at all levels. Over 270 organizations share water quality data on Data Stream, and more are joining daily. Data Stream’s programming, platform, and thought leadership are in high demand at a time when data and the democratization of science are widely recognized as instrumental to freshwater protection.

For more information, visit Data Stream.org.
Scope of Position
The Executive Director (ED) will play a pivotal role in leading Data Stream at an exciting time of growth. Data Stream has built the networks and competencies needed to tackle critical barriers to freshwater protection, with tangible progress in improving access to water data nationwide and identified opportunities for even more significant impact. The ED will be instrumental in leveraging this strong foundation and scaling Data Stream’s impacts across Canada.
Reporting to the CEO of The Gordon Foundation, the successful candidate will lead a highly collaborative, driven, multi-disciplinary team located in regions from coast to coast to coast. The ED will work with this team to continuously improve existing programming while also building partnerships and funding needed to build Data Stream’s capacity to meet growing demand.
We seek a charismatic, strong leader who is a self-starter, mature and practical, innovative and determined and has outstanding public speaking and listening skills. This role will appeal to individuals who want to positively impact Canada’s most precious resource and be a leader from the boardroom to the halls of Parliament to the shores of our rivers and lakes.
Responsibilities & Functional Tasks
Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization and its team.
Develop and implement Data Stream’s program plans and strategies, which include:
o Overall program and impact growth.
o Community convening and support.
o Technology innovation and leadership.
o Bridging data collection and analysis to policy action.
Ongoing development of the Data Stream software to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the online platform.
Deliver thought leadership, including presenting and speaking publicly at events and conferences.
Oversee the budget and raise funds to support the organization’s growth and long-term sustainability.
Build networks and collaborations across sectors to advance strategic priorities.
Liaise with existing government and non-government funders.
Manage and grow Data Stream’s remote team based from coast to coast.
Provide reports and presentations to the Board of Directors.
Travel (approximately 20% of the time, or more, depending on your location).

Preferred Experience / Education
8+ years of experience in progressively senior roles in non-profit or charitable organizations.
5+ years of experience building and leading high-performing teams.
Demonstrated leadership skills to drive growth and operational excellence.
Demonstrated fundraising skills and awareness of relevant funding agencies and opportunities.
Understanding of Canadian…