Founded in 2001 by environmental lawyer Mark Mattson, Swim Drink Fish is a Canadian environmental charity working to ensure water is safe to swim in, safe to drink, and healthy enough to sustain life. Built from a grassroots movement, the organization operates through a distinctive model that integrates community science, data, storytelling, and advocacy to connect people to water and inspire protection. Its work includes Swim Guide, which provides water quality information for thousands of beaches; community-led monitoring programs that generate open data; and the Watermark Project, which shares personal stories to deepen public connection to water. Through initiatives such as the WAVE Prize, Swim Drink Fish is also transforming how people access water in cities—supporting projects that reimagine waterfronts as accessible places to swim, gather, and connect.

Swim Drink Fish is entering its next phase of growth, supported by expanding partnerships and program opportunities. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will build on a strong foundation to scale national impact, strengthen organizational capacity, and extend the organization’s reach and influence across Canada.

The Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic, operational, and values-driven leadership, setting and executing organizational direction while strengthening financial sustainability through fundraising, partnerships, and effective resource allocation. They will advance strategic priorities that support growth and impact, ensuring the successful delivery and scaling of programs that connect communities to water, generate trusted data, and drive measurable environmental outcomes. Leading a small, agile team and a broader network of partners and communities, the CEO will align people and priorities, foster a high-performing and collaborative culture, and serve as a compelling national voice for Swim Drink Fish, deepening relationships with funders, governments, Indigenous partners, and communities to elevate the organization’s profile and influence. In the first year, they will focus on building trust and credibility with key stakeholders, partnering with the Board to define the next phase of strategic direction, strengthening internal capacity and systems, and advancing priority initiatives to ensure visible progress.

Swim Drink Fish is seeking a strategic and operational leader who is deeply committed to environmental protection and community impact. The successful candidate brings a track record of leading and scaling mission-driven organizations, translating vision into clear priorities, disciplined execution, and measurable results. They are a credible and trusted relationship builder, experienced in engaging funders, governments, and communities—including working in partnership with Indigenous communities and navigating shared or collaborative leadership approaches. With strong financial and operational leadership, they bring experience stewarding complex funding environments and working effectively with Boards in governance and accountability contexts. An authentic and compelling communicator, they can represent Swim Drink Fish publicly while also leading from within—supporting teams, making decisions, and ensuring commitments are delivered. Above all, they are motivated by the opportunity to build on a strong foundation and scale impact, advancing real, visible progress toward swimmable, drinkable, and fishable water for everyone.

Odgers does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.

To Apply

To fill this position, Swim Drink Fish has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online. We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Swim Drink Fish 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 and Swim Drink Fish throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.