About Canopy Planet 

Canopy is a solutions-driven non-profit founded in 1999 with the sole purpose of ending the deforestation and degradation of critical forest ecosystems around the world. For 25 years, Canopy has been a driving force in transforming wood-based supply chains — including publishing, packaging, and textiles — to eliminate fibre coming from the world's most critical forests and ensure a livable planet for all. 

Every year, over five billion trees are cut down to make paper, paper packaging, and fabrics such as rayon and viscose. Many of these trees come from the world's Ancient and Endangered Forests. These forests are critically important to stabilizing the climate, protecting biodiversity, and securing the rights and livelihoods of millions of Indigenous people around the world. 

We want to ensure the world’s most vital forests don’t end up as packaging for your next shipment box, takeout container, or fabric for your new t-shirt. That is why, through our CanopyStyle and Pack4Good initiatives, we work with over a thousand global companies, large and small, and the world’s savviest innovators to transform unsustainable forest-based supply chains and catalyze the commercial scale-up of low-carbon, circular, Next Gen alternatives. 

For more information about Canopy Planet, please see https://canopyplanet.org/.

‍

The Opportunity 

The Head of Impact will be a key executive team member responsible for driving and amplifying Canopy’s influence on corporate sustainability, public policy, and market transformation initiatives. This role requires a dynamic individual with a proven track record in campaign strategy, policy engagement, corporate partnerships, and executive-level thought leadership. The Head of Impact will serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director, ensuring the organization continues to scale its influence and outcomes through bold, innovative, and collaborative approaches. 

This role requires an innovative and strategic leader who can invigorate campaigning efforts, expand industry influence, and enhance the organization's impact. The ideal candidate is an outcomes-driven professional who excels in a fast-paced environment and fosters collaboration across diverse teams and industries. The Head of Impact will conceptualize, develop, and implement dynamic strategies that build and support Canopy’s campaigns to create and reinforce the organization’s innovative impact and mission globally.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, forward-thinking leader with proven creative and management abilities who is passionate about our mission and will lead the team to deliver great impact. As we scale and grow, it’s an exciting time to join the leadership team. The Head of Impact will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Canopy Planet and expanding its global influence in supply chain transformation. This is a full-time opportunity reporting directly to the Founder and Executive Director.

‍

Candidate Profile 

The Head of Impact role at Canopy requires a diverse set of key competencies to drive ambitious change, foster industry relationships, and lead impactful campaigns. This role requires a strong focus on building strategic relationships, leading a high-performing team, and managing evolving strategy across dynamic jurisdictional and market landscapes. The Head of Impact will play a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission through innovative strategies, fundraising support, and a commitment to sustainability and corporate engagement. The essential competencies include:

‍

Strategic and Visionary Leadership 

● Develop and implement innovative, long-term strategies aligned with Canopy’s mission, ensuring forward momentum and measurable impact. 

● Anticipate trends and position the organization ahead of key sustainability and policy shifts. 

● Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director on global sustainability, advocacy, and market dynamics. 

● Collaborate across teams to drive cross-functional initiatives and ensure alignment on impact measurement and strategic objectives. 

Corporate Influence and Stakeholder Engagement 

● Build and sustain trusted relationships with C-suite executives, policymakers, funders, and mission-aligned stakeholders to drive systemic change. 

● Navigate the intersection of nonprofit advocacy and corporate operations to shift supply chain practices and help set new industry norms.

● Guide corporate partners in adopting circular economy models and integrating sciencebased sustainability targets into business strategies. 

● Foster strategic partnerships across sectors, using strong diplomatic and negotiation skills to cultivate impactful collaborations.

‍Campaign and Advocacy Leadership 

● Lead innovative, high-impact campaigns that spur engagement and accelerate industrywide adoption of sustainable practices. 

● Advocate for policies that advance climate-positive solutions and protect Ancient and Endangered Forests. 

● Craft compelling narratives and innovative campaign strategies that resonate with target audiences, ensuring fresh and effective advocacy approaches. 

● Represent Canopy in key policy and industry forums, driving legislative advocacy and coalition-building efforts. 

● Secure and guide ambitious sustainability commitments from industry leaders through strategic negotiation and influence. 

Sector and Industry Expertise 

● Comprehensive knowledge of the industries Canopy engages with, including forestry, fashion, and paper supply chains. 

● A nuanced understanding of corporate sustainability practices, enabling subtle yet effective influence on production models.

Team Development and Leadership 

● Mentor and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and impact. 

● Align internal teams to enhance operational efficiency, strategic execution, and impact measurement. 

● Contribute to fundraising and grant development efforts by articulating Canopy’s impact to donors and stakeholders. 

‍

Qualifications 

● Passionate about Canopy’s mission and committed to driving environmental and social impact at scale. 

● A quirky, fun personality that aligns with Canopy’s creative, values-driven culture. 

● Proven success in driving systemic change through the development and execution of strategies and campaigns that deliver bold and measurable results.

● Deep experience in campaign leadership, policy advocacy, corporate sustainability, and the circular economy. 

● Strong understanding of environmental policy, sustainable supply chains, and corporate responsibility. 

● Skilled in stakeholder engagement, high-level negotiations, and influencing decisionmakers in major corporations to shift production practices. 

● Cross-cultural leadership experience managing global teams across regions such as Canada, the U.S., Chile, the U.K., China, and India. 

● Strategic thinker with a forward-looking approach, staying ahead of industry trends and pushing bold, pragmatic solutions. 

● Expertise in digital tools, communications, and best practices for advocacy and organizational outreach. 

● Demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences, build lasting relationships, and navigate complex organizational structures. 

● A hands-on, human-centered leadership style that fosters autonomy, innovation, and collaboration across high-performance teams. 

● Strong emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills, with a focus on creative problem-solving and sound decision-making. 

● Comfortable balancing multiple priorities and high workloads in fast-paced, teamoriented environments. 

● Committed to long-term growth and development within teams, promoting empowerment, inclusion, and a “Yes AND…” culture.

‍

Compensation & Benefits 

Canopy offers a competitive salary range. New Canopals can expect a salary typically within the mid-range of $145,000 - $210,000 (USD), reflecting our commitment to equitable compensation practices. We believe in fostering a supportive work environment where employees can thrive. We also offer comprehensive benefits packages, professional development opportunities, and a supportive workplace culture dedicated to environmental conservation. At Canopy, we prioritize the well-being and growth of our team members, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to excel in their roles and contribute meaningfully to our mission. 

Canopy embraces equity and diversity and is committed to a workplace that is enriched by the people, needs, and desires of our diverse community. We thank all applicants; however, we will only contact candidates who successfully secure an interview. 

‍

Contact 

Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Liz Lombard and Angie Sessoms. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at asessoms@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

‍

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

‍

About Koya Partners 

Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world. 

Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams. Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.

‍