Program Manager, Nova Scotia

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Job Title: Program Manager, Nova Scotia
Reports to: Associate Regional Vice President, Conservation - Atlantic
Location: Halifax, NS

Overview

The Program Manager oversees the Nature Conservancy of Canada's (NCC) conservation efforts in Nova Scotia. The objective of this position is the effective conservation of strategically defined natural features within the province, focusing on private and protection and stewardship, based on good science. The Program Manager provides leadership in developing and implementing a well-funded, community-based conservation program that sustains the significant biodiversity and ecological integrity of natural systems within the province. The incumbent will: build partnerships within local communities and with other private non-profit organizations and government agencies; manage and administer NCC projects and activities; communicate regularly and effectively with communities, agencies and existing or prospective partners; identify and develop new opportunities to advance project goals; will have the primary responsibility for public sector fundraising as it relates to projects within the province; play a key role in project-related private sector fundraising; take a lead role in landowner contact and negotiations; and develop and manage annual objectives and budgets.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Implement Conservation Strategies in Nova Scotia

• Direct conservation activities in consultation with the Associate Regional Vice President (ARVP) of Conservation
• Oversee the development of partner-based landscape conservation strategies and action plans by working with federal and provincial government agencies and departments and local conservation groups, supported by NCC Atlantic Conservation Science Program staff;
• Oversee the implementation of Natural Area Conservation Plans (NACPs) for Nova Scotia, in accordance with NCC standards;
• Oversee the implementation of strategic conservation research and habitat protection projects and programs by working in consultation with NCC science, securement and stewardship staff and key partner representatives;
• Responsible for long term protection of the viability of conservation targets on NCC owned properties including management planning, plan implementation and ad hoc threat abatement;
• Work with partners on lands transferred by NCC to ensure conservation values are maintained;
• Field-check and report on conservation values of properties identified as thru landscape conservation strategies and on properties identified by partners for potential securement;
• Build on key partner relationships – such as the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Eastern Habitat Joint Venture, Wildlife Habitat Canada, Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, federal and provincial government departments and agencies, and local, provincial and national naturalist and conservation groups – to collaborate with a variety of community-based groups in achieving strategic conservation programs;
• Report on conservation success within the province;
• Secure priority sites, engaging in landowner contact and negotiations for long term protection, principally through a combination of land purchase and property donations.

2. Community and Partnership Liaison

• Represent NCC in all appropriate external relations and communications functions relative to NCC's work in the province, including public speaking, meetings, and media relations, to build awareness and support for the conservation programs of NCC and its partners;
• Maintain on-going collaboration with key stakeholders, for setting conservation priorities as well as in developing and implementing conservation plans;
• Facilitate external relations and communications needs and functions for senior NCC staff;
• Work with the Regional Communications Manager to coordinate media activities (i.e. media releases, media inquiries, interviews, press conferences etc.) for effective promotion/communication of NCC's conservation work in the province;
• Collaborate with the Director of Stewardship and NS Stewardship Coordinator to ensure the stewardship of NCC owned lands in accordance with NCC standards;
• Foster positive relationships with private and public property landowners within priority landscapes in the province through personal contact, workshops, program newsletters and other innovative approaches to promoting conservation;
• Partner with the NS Department of Environment Protected Areas Branch staff and NS Department of Natural Resources Land Administration Branch staff for the administration of provincial funding agreements and transfer of NCC lands under land holding or conservation easement agreements;
• Coordinate with the Administrator of the Nova Scotia Crown Share Land Legacy Trust fund the administration of NCC projects

3. Business Development and Fundraising

• Advise the Atlantic Regional Vice President (RVP) and Major Gifts Officer (MGO) of funding priorities, amounts and deadlines for both new securement initiatives and ongoing stewardship needs;
• Be jointly responsible, with the RVP and MGO, to ensure funds are available for property closings and other needs of the province;
• Work with regional and national development staff, other regional program staff, and local fundraising volunteers to identify, cultivate, and request funds from both existing NCC donors and new prospects, including individuals, businesses, foundations, governmental sources, and non-governmental organizations;
• Work with the RVP, MGO and local or other assigned fundraising volunteers to cultivate local land donors;
• Nurture the relationship with local fundraising volunteers and identify potential new fundraising volunteers;
• Provide the regional development department with background material so that the department can produce appropriate marketing materials for properties or natural areas requiring funding;
• Provide the regional communications department with background material so that the department can produce appropriate communications products;
• Conduct donor property tours, provide an NCC presence at press conferences, speak at local community groups, and other public speaking engagements;
• Work with the development team to ensure that accurate records of donor and prospect cultivation are maintained.

4. Manage the overall program and financial administration activities

• Identify new resources and programs to help achieve landscape management goals;
• Lead the province in strategic plan process; including developing and managing work plans and budgets;
• Provide leadership and assist staff and volunteers to develop and maintain partnerships with other conservation organizations and develop plans and agreements for long term management of all NCC owned properties and/or properties where NCC provided financial assistance;
• Provide timely reports to partners and donors;
• Keep up to date records and information on all NCC projects, including transferred lands using NCC's Land Information System data base;
• Hire and supervise any conservation contactors or employees that may be engaged;
• Provide supervision to all Nova Scotia based staff, including those working in other departments;
• Oversee the effective administrative and financial operation of the province

5. Other

• Other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Skills and Aptitudes:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline;
• Excellent writing skills for proposals and correspondence;
• Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as a leader;
• Capable of easily communicating with a wide range of people from the public and private sectors;
• Experience in delivering land/resource management programs in a rural community;
• Previous experience working with land owners to implement land use / land management changes preferred;
• Project management skills, including excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail and timelines;
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and/or volunteers;
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, database and GIS software;
• Demonstrated experience in making public presentations.
• Entrepreneurial, with a strong ability to prepare and manage timelines, goals and expectations wisely;
• Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours at times;
• Committed to the cause and mission of the Nature Conservancy of Canada;
• Bilingualism a definite asset.

To apply:

If you have a keen interest in nature and conservation and are interested in joining our team, please forward your resume and cover letter, indicating “Program Manager - N.S.” in the subject line, to the Nature Conservancy of Canada via the email address at the top and bottom of this posting.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted