Program Director

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a dynamic and energetic Program Director to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. We seek solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation.

As a trusted partner, we work with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our most important natural areas.

Since 1962, we have brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares.

Position Summary

Based in Nova Scotia, the primary focus of the Program Director is to develop and implement effective land conservation strategies to protect the region’s natural features.

Other core functions of this role include being a NCC ambassador and spokesperson in Nova Scotia, fostering strong partnerships with regional and local partners and communities in support of conservation goals, and managing staff workplans and budgets related to program delivery.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Identify and Implement Conservation Strategies

• Oversee land conservation programming to Identify opportunities for land securement on private lands, as well as other effective conservation measures on non-private lands, assessing resources required, and determining the case for conservation;
• Guide staff and undertake landowner contact and negotiations for long term protection of priority private lands in consultation with the Director of Conservation;
• Support the development and implementation of conservation landscape plans by working with a broad range of partners;
• Support conservation beyond NCC properties such as providing input on land use, forest management and protected area plans;
• Lead and support staff in land management actions needed to maintain or improve the conservation values of land NCC cares for.

2. Business Development and Fundraising

• Work with development staff to cultivate meaningful supporter relationships with NCC
• Collaborate with staff to support fundraising from both existing NCC donors and new prospects, including individuals, businesses, foundations, governmental sources, and non-governmental organizations;
• Support related administration, and the creation of content for conservation projects to aid in development, marketing and communications activities
• Manage land conservation grants with the support of development and finance staff.

3. Community and Partnership Liaison

• Act as an ambassador and NCC spokesperson in Nova Scotia for external relations and communications to build awareness and support for the conservation programs of NCC and its partners (e.
• g. public speaking, meetings, donor tours, media relations);
• Lead on the development and maintenance of key partner relationships provincial government departments and agencies, Indigenous Nations and organizations, conservation groups, and communities to achieve strategic conservation goals.

4. Manage the overall program and financial administration activities

• Lead business planning process for securement activities, including developing and managing work plans and budgets, and support stewardship planning and budgeting;
• Lead on reporting of key metrics in accordance with program goals and budgets
• Other related duties as assigned by the Director of Conservation

Skills and Aptitudes :

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline; in-depth knowledge of Atlantic Canadian and Nova Scotian ecosystems and species is an asset;
• Exemplary organization, planning, communication (written and verbal), and project management skills
• Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as a leader with two or more direct reports;
• A strong communicator, with an ability to explain complex topics in simple terms; experience in negotiation is valuable.
• Entrepreneurial, with a strong ability to seek and implement new opportunities to advance conservation goals;
• Previous experience working with landowners (negotiating land deals) and Indigenous Peoples is an asset;
• Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours at times;
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, experience with GIS and Conservation Standards is an asset
• A commitment to conservation and a love of nature
• Possessing NCC’s core values : Big Thinking, Collaboration, Determination, and empowerment
• Bilingualism is an asset

Application Deadline

July 19, 2024 11 : 59pm EST, 9 : 59pm Mountain Time, 8 : 59pm Pacific Time, 10 : 50pm CST, 00 : 59 am +1 AST