Careers and Volunteers

Join the amazing team at Canadian Kennel Club - a workplace where employees are seen, heard and given the opportunity to reach their highest potential. We boldly strive for excellence in everything we do and have a deep understanding of the benefits dogs bring to Canadian society. We offer numerous employment benefits including competitive wages, a comprehensive healthcare plan along with a caring and supportive work environment. 

Executive Director

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) is the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada and currently recognizes 187 breeds. As a national, member based non-profit organization, the CKC is dedicated to encouraging, guiding, and advancing the interests of purebred dogs and their responsible owners and breeders in Canada, and promoting the knowledge and understanding of the benefits which dogs can bring to society. The CKC is incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act, a federal statute under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The organization includes approximately 20,000 individual members and over 700 breed clubs across Canada. The Club registers purebred dogs, regulates dog shows and performance events, and advocates on major issues concerning dog ownership and the health and welfare of all dogs across Canada.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, is responsible for the successful leadership, management, and delivery of programs, services and initiatives which support the organization’s mission and vision. The Executive Director is accountable for the ongoing development and leadership in the following organizational areas: member programs and services, operations and administration, finance, human resources, communications and education, reserve fund development, risk management, and other areas as needed to ensure the effective operation of the organization, or as designated by the Board of Directors from time to time.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader who seamlessly blends advocacy, strategic planning, and financial acumen. The successful candidate must have demonstrated expertise elevating organizational profiles, increasing awareness and member engagement, driving growth, and spearheading initiatives to enhance operational efficiency. With a proven track record generating consistent, mission-focused revenue to advance growth, the ideal candidate must effectively balance advocacy priorities with innovative opportunities for financial sustainability.

To succeed in this challenging role, you bring a mix of leadership and personal qualities including integrity, a strong sense of accountability, extraordinary communication skills combined with enthusiasm and high energy. You hold a university degree, combined with 15+ years of relevant leadership experience and knowledge. You have well-honed social skills and diplomacy, exceptional public speaking skills, and are comfortable addressing media, government officials, and acting as an ambassador of an organization. You are highly skilled in effective cost containment to manage the long-term financial health and viability of the organization. You excel in cultivating a collaborative culture, instilling positive morale, and empowering staff through effective leadership. Knowledge of, and experience with various pure dog breed related clubs, events and training programs would be considered a strong asset.

Applications are strongly encouraged immediately and should be submitted online careers.odgersberndtson.com/fr-ca/job/30053/ . We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

Canadian Kennel Club is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and Canadian Kennel Club throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities

CKC Seeks Volunteers for Replacement Discipline Committee

The Board of Directors of the Canadian Kennel Club encourages active membership participation and is requesting submissions from interested members to fill five (5) positions on the Replacement Discipline Committee. In accordance with CKC By-law 13.9, “the term of office for such replacement members or replacement committee shall be for the period that the committee is required to hear a case, render a decision and provide reasons for decision.” We expect two cases to be heard in October 2025 with orientation to be held in September.
 
Applications should be received no later than August 11, 2025.
 
Applicants must be voting members. Voting members are considered those members who are in good standing and who have completed one year of continuous membership in the Club. To be considered, please complete this fillable form.  Send your completed form by email to [email protected] with “Replacement Discipline Committee” noted in the subject line.
 
Replacement Discipline Committee
The five (5) member committee operates as a quasi-judicial body that adjudicates on matters pertaining to the By-laws, rules, regulations, procedures and Club Policy.  Further details regarding the Discipline Committee’s role and authority can be found in section 15 of the CKC By-laws; please click on the following link:
 
2024-ByLaws.pdf
 
This replacement Discipline Committee will meet virtually to hear two cases in October 2025 on a designated weekend. Your commitment will include thorough preparation for the hearings by reviewing all materials ahead of hearings, as well as post-hearing work to support decisions and staff administration thereof.
 
Background in the legal field or some experience working with tribunals due to the quasi-judicial nature of the Committee is an asset.  The Board of Directors has established Candidate Selection Criteria for Discipline and Appeal Committees as follows:
 
(A) Integrity:
(1)  avoidance of impropriety and appearance of impropriety
(2)  freedom from personal bias
(3)  ability to decide issues based on CKC by-laws, policies, rules and the facts without regard to the identity of the parties or counsel, the popularity of the decision, and without concern for or fear of criticism
(4) impartiality of actions
 
(B) Judicial Temperament: 
(1) open-mindedness and a willingness to listen
(2) respect for litigants and their representatives
(3) patience
(4) flexibility
(5) compassion
(6) sensitivity to the rights and concerns of individuals
 
(C) Knowledge and Understanding of the By-laws & Policies of the CKC:
(1)  the issuance of legally sound decisions
(2)  understanding of the substantive, procedural, and evidentiary
      laws applicable to quasi-judicial bodies
(3)  attentiveness to the factual and legal issues before the committee
(4)  the proper application of judicial precedents and other appropriate sources   of authority
 
(D) Ability to Communicate:
(1)  clarity of rulings and other oral communications
(2)  quality of opinions with specific focus on clarity and logic, and the ability to explain clearly the facts of a case and the club precedents at issue
(3)  sensitivity to impact of demeanor and other nonverbal communications
 
(E) Preparation, Attentiveness, Dignity and Control Over Proceedings:
(1)  courtesy to all parties and participants
(2)  willingness to permit every person legally interested in a proceeding to be    heard, unless precluded by law or rules of courts
 
(F) Punctuality:
(1)  devoting appropriate time to all pending matters
(2)  discharging administrative responsibilities diligently
(3)  where responsibility exists for a calendar, knowledge of the number, age,
      and status of pending cases
(4)  the prompt disposition of pending matters
(5)  meeting commitments on time and according to rules and procedures of the committee
 
As per the CKC By-laws “no member of the Registration or Appeal Committees or Board of Directors shall be a member and no former member of the Board of Directors is entitled to be a member for a period of two (2) years immediately following the expiration of their term of office. Members of the Replacement Discipline Committee may not hold any other position on any other CKC committee or council.”