| Description |
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its supporters have protected 2.8 million acres (more than 1.1 million hectares) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.
Purpose and General Description
The Director of Conservation (DoC) oversees the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s conservation efforts in the Atlantic Region through the planning, coordination and program management of all land securement, stewardship and science activities. This includes, but is not limited to the planning and implementation, budgeting and financial management of Natural Area Conservation Plans and site plans, strategic planning, supervision and on a case by case basis the actual securement by the incumbent.
Reporting Relationships
The DoC reports directly to the Regional Vice-President. The DoC will supervise all Atlantic Program Management staff including provincial Program Directors as well as the Director of Conservation Science and Director of Stewardship. As the Atlantic program continues to develop, there may be additional program staff reporting to the DoC. The DoC works closely with National staff and their peers across the country to ensure close coordination and consistency.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Develop and implement Natural Area Conservation Plans
Working with Regional Program staff:
- create NACPs as necessary;
- ensure that all NACPs are based on sound conservation science and planning;
- oversee the implementation and completion of all approved NACPs;
- ensure that all science, securement and stewardship components of NACPs are achievable;
- create short and long term budgets and business plans related to NACPs;
- report annually on NACP progress against plan.
2. Develop, implement and monitor site plans
Working with Regional Program staff:
- oversee the development of all property management plans for fee simple properties, and all baseline documentation reports and Conservation Agreements for easement properties
- ensure implementation of property management plans and annual monitoring and reporting of all Conservation Agreements
3. Community and Partner Liaison
- represent NCC in all appropriate external relations and communications functions relative to NCC’s work in the Region, including key provincial and international partnerships;
- build awareness and support for NCC activities;
- attend appropriate workshops representing NCC;
- foster positive relationships with private and public landowners.
4. Development
- working with the Director of Development and other Development staff, create and deliver proposals for Program funding including federal, provincial and municipal government grant proposals;
- nurture relationships with volunteers, donors and funding partners;
- integrate land conservation themes into marketing and development campaigns;
- lead / assist with donor tours and property dedications.
5. Finance and Administration
- develop and present budgets and business plans for science, securement and stewardship;
- responsible for coordination and approval of land use activities;
- provide timely reports to the Regional Board and Committees, National Office, RVP, external partners and donors;
- ensure adherence to NCC’s conservation policies, procedures, guidelines and standards;
- ensure all conservation information is entered into NCC’s Land Information System;
- participate, as required, in Regional Board and Committee meetings and present reports and proposals.
6. People Management
- provide leadership for conservation staff in achievement of ambitious goals;
- hire and supervise any employees and contractors within area of responsibility;
- establish and evaluate performance metrics for staff;
- foster a collaborative, supportive, and positive work environment for conservation staff.
Required Skills and Attributes
- Possesses at least a Bachelors degree in ecology, conservation biology or related discipline;
- Candidates must have significant active experience in all aspects of complicated land negotiations with a variety of landowners, partners, processes and outcomes in a rural setting, inclusive of the science, securement and stewardship aspects ;
- Proven ability and at least 5 years of direct people management experience, able to provide strong leadership, development and coaching to direct reports;
- Experience with all aspects of a not-for-profit conservation organization’s ethics, opportunities and challenges;
- A proven ability to interact comfortably with NCC’s partners, including donors, government representatives, NGO partners, and business people;
- A proven ability to work comfortably in many different venues, from the day-to-day office environment to corporate boardrooms and in the field;
- Previous success in fundraising activities and working with many kinds of land owners and donors.
- Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours.
Attributes
- Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, a “can-do” attitude with the ability to work independently and as a leader;
- Proven operational and project management acumen, able to effectively lead a variety of resources to attain a multitude of deliverables planned, with project management skills, problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail and timelines;
- Excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to make creative, sound decisions;
- Well-developed written, verbal, listening and overall communication skills;
- A proactive and far-seeing attitude, with a proven ability to anticipate and resolve problematic situations before they arise and/or to deal swiftly and effectively with them when they do.
To Apply
If you are interested in joining our team, please email Atlantic@natureconservancy.ca your resume along with your cover letter (MSWord or PDF only) by May 5th, and refer to “Atlantic Director of Conservation” in the subject line.
We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
For positions situated in Ontario:
At the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) we strive to promote diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources staff of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.
|
