We Animals Interim Executive Director 2026: Remote Leadership Role Paying $110,000 CAD

We Animals, a Canadian nonprofit dedicated to animal advocacy through photojournalism, is seeking an experienced Interim Executive Director to provide organizational leadership during an 18-month parental leave coverage period. This remote senior leadership opportunity is open to candidates who are legally authorized to work in their country of residence and offers a salary of $110,000 CAD.

The successful candidate will provide stability, oversee organizational operations, support staff and maintain momentum on existing strategic and financial priorities.

About We Animals

We Animals is an animal photojournalism organization that uses photography, investigations and storytelling to expose the realities of animals living within human systems.

The organization works with photographers, media organizations, NGOs and other partners to promote compassion, influence public attitudes and contribute to changes in policy and industry practices.

The organization operates as a fully remote team of approximately 14 staff members, equivalent to around 11.9 full-time employees, distributed across North America and Europe.

Role Overview

The Interim Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors and work closely with the Founder and President.

The position involves leading the organization while maintaining continuity during the parental leave period. Rather than introducing major structural changes, the successful candidate will focus on implementing existing strategies, maintaining organizational stability and responding appropriately to emerging needs.

Key responsibilities will cover strategy, people management, finance, fundraising, governance, risk management and operations.

Job Details

• Position: Interim Executive Director
• Contract: 18 months
• Employment: Contract, 40 hours per week
• Location: Remote
• Salary: $110,000 CAD
• Start date: 9 November 2026
• Expected end date: 24 May 2028
• Application deadline: 4 September 2026 at 12:00pm EDT
• Reports to: Board of Directors
• Team: Approximately 11.9 FTE
• Working hours: Candidates should ideally have 3–4 hours of regular overlap with Eastern Time

Candidates based in Canada, the Americas, the UK, Ireland, Portugal and similar time zones are particularly encouraged to apply, although candidates elsewhere may be considered if scheduling and employment arrangements are workable.

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness

A major part of the position will involve implementing We Animals’ multi-year strategic plans and ensuring that departmental activities remain aligned with organizational objectives.

The Interim Executive Director will facilitate annual planning, establish operational KPIs and impact goals, assess strategic opportunities and oversee organizational effectiveness.

The role also involves working with the Board and executive leadership to ensure that the organization continues progressing toward its existing priorities throughout the transition.

Team Leadership and Human Resources

The successful candidate will directly supervise senior staff, including the Director of Development, Director of Visual Content, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Operations Manager.

They will be expected to build a culture based on trust, accountability and staff well-being.

Responsibilities will also include overseeing recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, performance management, staff development, compensation structures and organizational planning.

The Executive Director will need to handle sensitive personnel matters professionally and escalate significant issues to the Founder, President or Board when appropriate.

Financial Management

Financial oversight is another important component of the role.

The Interim Executive Director will help develop and manage the annual operating budget, monitor financial performance and oversee financial systems alongside the Operations Manager.

The role will also involve working with external accountants and auditors, reviewing financial reports, managing organizational financial risks and supporting sound financial decision-making.

Candidates should therefore have experience with budgets, forecasting, financial reporting and organizational resource management.

Fundraising and Governance

The Executive Director will oversee the organization’s fundraising strategy and work closely with development staff on grant applications, campaigns and institutional funder relationships.

They will also support the Board of Directors by preparing materials for board meetings, contributing to quarterly meetings and the Annual General Meeting, and supporting governance and organizational stability.

The position includes responsibility for ensuring legal, regulatory and reporting requirements are met.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have:

• At least 7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, organizational management or a related field.
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership position involving people, budgets and organizational planning.
• Experience managing senior staff or departmental leaders.
• Experience developing and managing organizational budgets.
• Experience working with a nonprofit Board of Directors.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit operations, governance and organizational risk.
• Experience overseeing human resources and personnel matters.
• Fundraising and institutional donor experience.
• Experience implementing strategic and annual plans.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Experience working within remote, asynchronous teams across time zones.

Applicants must also demonstrate alignment with We Animals’ animal advocacy philosophy and vegan values.

Additional Assets

Previous experience as an Executive Director, Interim Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer or comparable nonprofit leader would be highly beneficial.

Experience leading remote teams, managing cross-border employment arrangements, working with Canadian nonprofits or serving in an interim leadership capacity would also be valuable.

Knowledge of animal advocacy or photojournalism is an advantage, as is experience using AI tools in nonprofit operations and organizational planning.

Benefits and Perks

We Animals offers a range of benefits for its remote team, including:

• Flexible working hours
• Remote work
• Three weeks’ paid vacation, prorated according to hours worked
• Extended holiday closure period
• Benefits package
• Remote work stipend
• Paid training opportunities
• Professional development allowance
• A collaborative and supportive team environment

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the organization’s application form by 4 September 2026 at 12:00pm EDT.

The selection process may include:

• Application form
• Skills assessment
• First interview
• Second interview
• Final conversation with directors and/or Board members
• Reference check

We Animals states that interviews will take place on an ongoing basis until a qualified candidate is selected.

Final Thoughts

This Interim Executive Director opportunity is suited to an experienced nonprofit leader who can combine strategic thinking with practical operational management. The successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining stability, supporting staff and ensuring that We Animals continues advancing its animal advocacy mission throughout an 18-month leadership transition.

With a $110,000 CAD salary, remote working arrangement and senior organizational leadership responsibilities, the position represents a significant opportunity for an experienced nonprofit professional who is strongly aligned with animal advocacy and We Animals’ values.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.