Executive Director

• Reports to: Board of Directors
• Direct Reports: Managing Director, Conservation Science and Stewardship Director, Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director, Director of Development, Director of Communications and Engagement, Finance Director

Since it was established as the Federation of Ontario Naturalists in 1931, Ontario Nature has been a champion for nature. Our vision is simple: An Ontario where nature inspires and sustains us for generations to come.

Ontario Nature’s mandate is to conserve and restore Ontario’s native biodiversity. As a registered charity, Ontario Nature represents more than 30,000 members and supporters, and 150 member groups across Ontario.

Our Nature Reserve Program currently protects 7,865 acres (3,183 hectares) of natural areas in Ontario and continues to expand. These areas are home to endangered plants and animals, and are important for scientific research.

Together, we are the voice for nature in Ontario.

Our Values

• Collaboration – we protect nature through sharing knowledge and working with partners and communities.
• Inclusion – we embrace diverse perspectives and engage with and learn from people of all cultures, abilities and backgrounds.
• Leadership – we strive to achieve the best outcomes for nature through innovation, perseverance, and ethical decision-making.
• Reconciliation – we seek to work with Indigenous Peoples in the spirit and practice of reconciliation, honouring Indigenous interests, responsibilities, rights, Treaties, protocols and Knowledge Systems.
• Respect – we welcome diverse opinions and worldviews and will operate with kindness and compassion.
• Integrity – we aim to be transparent, accessible and accountable, using best available knowledge and advice.
• Responsibility – we work to achieve a nature-centred sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.

THE POSITION

Ontario Nature is seeking a dynamic leader who has a passion for nature and sustainability, to take the organization into the future. This is a unique opportunity to join one of Ontario’s foremost champions of conservation and the environment.

The Executive Director (ED) of Ontario Nature provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial management to advance the organization's mission. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED spearheads long-term strategic planning and annual operations planning to ensure the growth and stability that enables Ontario Nature to achieve its mission.

The ED will provide inspiring leadership, strategic vision and direction, and be the primary spokesperson for Ontario Nature.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement strategic plans and annual operating plans aligned with the mission.
• Identify trends and opportunities that impact biodiversity conservation.
• Mobilize staff, volunteers, and stakeholders towards organizational goals.

Financial & Risk Management

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, financial reporting and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Identify areas of potential organizational risk and ensure consistent monitoring and that procedures are in place to minimize and mitigate identified risks.

Program Development

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of conservation programs.
• Collaborate with partners to design innovative strategies for biodiversity conservation.
• Monitor program outcomes and adjust strategies as needed.

Partnerships, Government Relations & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government agencies, environmental organizations, Indigenous communities, community groups and other allies.
• Represent Ontario Nature in public forums and advocate for nature-positive legislation and policy.
• Maintain effective relationships with government and community organizations.

Organizational Management

• Provide leadership and oversight to staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements and approve contracts and agreements.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and transparency.
• Support the Board of Directors to ensure it fulfills its fiduciary responsibilities.
• Lead fundraising efforts and secure funding for operational needs.
• Secure financial support from donors and funding organizations.
• Develop and implement long-term funding plans.
• Grow Ontario Nature's donor base and support membership development efforts.

Media & Public Relations

• Enhance Ontario Nature’s visibility through effective media and engagement strategies.
• Enhance Ontario Nature's profile through strategic affiliations and partnerships.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 7 to 10 years of visionary senior leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector.
• A strategic thinker who sees the big picture and motivates staff, Board, donors, allies, and key constituents toward a common vision.
• A strong understanding of biodiversity conservation and environmental policy.
• Ability to articulate a vision for Ontario Nature and translate it into actionable strategies and deliverables, within the region.
• A track record of implementing, executing, and evaluating operational plans, ensuring objectives are effectively communicated, both internally and externally.
• Capable of advancing Ontario Nature’s programs and sparking new initiatives that spread the impact of the organization.
• Superior communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to make a compelling case for support with community members including Indigenous Peoples, sponsors, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Brings skills in public relations affairs, public speaking, and media.
• A track record in developing and meeting financial goals, targets, and budgets.
• Excellent financial acumen and risk management skills, with a working knowledge of general business, accounting and financial concepts relevant to Ontario Nature.
• Demonstrated fundraising knowledge and experience.
• Experience in working with volunteer Boards and strong understanding of organizational governance.
• Sound knowledge of human resources policies and procedures and effective management of staff to achieve high performance and an engaged work environment.

CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

• Brings a passion and connection to nature, with a strong commitment to the cause and mission of Ontario Nature.
• An advocate who can communicate effectively across a wide range of audiences at all levels.
• An influencer who can market and is politically astute.
• An inspiring leader who will support and engage with members of the senior management team.
• A collaborator who will develop a strong sense of common purpose within the organization.
• Compassionate and empathetic; a mentor to staff.
• Engenders trust, with a commitment to consultation and consensus building.
• Thoughtful, inspiring and authentic; a people person.
• Dedication to continuous learning and improvement.
• Articulate, curious, and knowledgeable.
• Entrepreneurial by nature; takes initiative and is a self-starter.
• Able to adapt and change with the times while staying reliable, trustworthy, and optimistic.
• Brings a reputation for professionalism and integrity.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package including base salary (range between $160,000 to $170,000) and encompassing benefits will be provided.

Ontario Nature is an equal-opportunity employer and committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We strongly support and value diversity in the workplace. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, and individuals from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply.

We thank applicants for their interest, however; only those advancing in the process will be contacted.