Chief Program Officer (CPO)

 As Trans Canada Trail’s (TCT) new Chief Program Officer, you will have an exceptional opportunity to deliver on TCT’s mission and vision:  

Mission:  Through collaboration and partnerships, we lead, develop and steward an accessible nationwide system of connected urban and rural trails.” 

Vision: “Everyone embracing the outdoors, connecting with one another and experiencing the restorative power of nature along Canada’s trails.”   

 The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use recreational trail in the world, spanning over 28,000 kilometres on land and water. Linking three oceans, the Trail connects 15,000 rural, urban and Indigenous communities across every province and territory. It is a ribbon that connects Canada’s diverse landscapes, seasons, people and experiences, and fosters unity, collaboration, and connectedness.  

A registered charity, Trans Canada Trail stewards this national trail in collaboration with local trail partners. With funding from the Government of Canada through Parks Canada, and investments from all levels of government and generous donors and partners, the Trans Canada Trail is the largest investor in trail infrastructure projects in Canada, supporting improvements, growth and enhancements for generations to come. 

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Program Officer (CPO) will serve as a vital member of the Senior Management Team. In this role, the CPO will lead the Trail team and be responsible for the programs, partnerships and services developed for the Trail network, and for the trail sector. The CPO will ensure alignment with organizational goals and funders’ orientations, maximizing the impact of our Trail programs, initiatives and services. The CPO is accountable for building, leading, coaching, developing and empowering a high-performing Trail team, and fostering an inclusive and thriving work environment and culture. Additionally, the CPO will be the staff lead for the Board’s Trail Users and Assets Committee. 

As the ideal candidate, you are a high-performing, strategic senior executive with strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. The CPO is ideally an expert on trail-related topics and has experience developing meaningful relationships with diverse partners. Additionally, the CPO has a strong track record of success in program development and implementation, and experience developing innovative projects and building strategic partnerships. You have expertise securing funding from diverse sources, including managing government grants, and experience in project management, construction, sustainability and recreation and/or trail development in a non-profit context. You are fluent in English and French. 

You are passionate about the health and well-being of people and communities. The talents and skills you bring to your work are valued by your colleagues and you’re always interested in learning something new. You enjoy working remotely and online, using digital platforms to think creatively and work collaboratively, believe in the importance of work/life balance and care deeply about this country. 

If you are interested in joining Trans Canada Trail as it charts a new and exciting path forward for the benefit of all, please click here: https://boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/2467. For additional information please reach out to Collin Ritch at critch@boyden.com. Please include “Chief Program Officer, Trans Canada Trail” in the subject line of your email. 

Trans Canada Trail is a proud equal opportunity employer, and is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive and barrier-free workplace that allows everyone to reach their full potential. A diverse workforce is key to our success, and we understand that different experiences, expertise and diversity of thought create better opportunities to understand the world we share.  

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.