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