Conservation Planning and Policy Manager
Position Overview
The Conservation Planning and Policy Manager leads the planning and implementation of Ontario Nature’s Protected Places campaign and works closely with the Director of Conservation and Education on other conservation planning and policy initiatives. This includes a collaborative, multi-year project to protect over 1 million hectares of conservation lands in northern Ontario, working with local, provincial and national organizations, industry leaders, and government decision-makers. The purpose of this position is to protect wild species and their habitats across Ontario through protected areas establishment and sustainable land use planning and policy development.
The ideal candidate has a proven ability to manage complex projects and lead teamwork in a fast-paced environment. They have experience working collaboratively with Indigenous communities and with stakeholders across sectors to advance shared interests and sound environmental policy.
About Ontario Nature
Ontario Nature is a charitable conservation organization that protects wild species and wild spaces across Ontario through conservation, education and public engagement. We represent over 155 member groups, and more than 30,000 individual members and supporters throughout the province. We are there wherever and whenever nature needs us most. To learn more, visit: ontarionature.org.
Why Work With Ontario Nature
- Flexible work hours and location, in accordance with our Remote Work Policy
- Toronto office: Progressive workspace and membership perks at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto
- Thunder Bay office: Shared office and collaborative opportunities with partner conservation organization in Thunder Bay
- Generous vacation leave and 4 paid days off in addition to statutory holidays during our office closure in late December
- 12 paid sick days per year and comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and group RRSP program
- Fulfilling, purpose-driven work, alongside 30 passionate and committed colleagues
- An ongoing commitment to create an inclusive and equitable environment for employees, volunteers, members and supporters
- Opportunities for advancement, skill development and cross-sectoral collaboration
- Support for taking initiative and pursuing aligned personal interest projects
- Team building and social opportunities
Principal Responsibilities
PLANNING, EVALUATION AND BUDGETS:
- Lead campaign planning, including relevant sections of the annual operating plan, communications plans, logic models and annual work plans, ensuring consistency with organizational goals and the strategic plan.
- Track and evaluate achievement of project goals, objectives and deliverables.
- Work with the Director of Conservation and Education to develop project budgets and manage these budgets.
PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION:
- Foster and maintain relationships and partnerships with environmental organizations, community groups, industry leaders and Indigenous communities.
- Lead communications, negotiations and collaborations with other environmental organizations and with industry partners.
- Lead efforts to work with the forestry sector on initiatives related to candidate protected areas, wildlife habitat conservation and Forest Stewardship Council certification.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, PLANNING AND POLICY:
- Work with the Executive Director, the Director of Conservation and Education, project consultants and partner organizations to build understanding and support for protected areas among government staff and elected officials.
- Coordinate meetings, participation in consultations and workshops, and development of briefing notes and policy proposals.
- Work closely with the Director of Conservation and Education to review and develop positions on emerging conservation policy and proposals.
FUNDRAISING:
- Work with the Director of Conservation and Education to develop funding proposals and reports to funders.
- Work with the Development team to support organizational fundraising efforts and effective donor and community relations, as directed.
COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH:
- Act as a key spokesperson with the media and others for the Protected Places campaign.
- Lead the development of print and online outreach materials to promote public understanding of and support for the campaign.
- Work with Ontario Nature staff to respond to questions about the campaign and to advise on content for communications and development materials.
- Oversee the coordination of in-person and online campaign events.
STAFF MANAGEMENT:
- Manage Protected Places campaign staff, including hiring, supervision, work planning and performance management.
- Manage hiring and supervision of external consultants.
Qualifications
- Post-graduate degree in wildlife biology, forestry, natural resource management or other relevant field.
- Minimum five years relevant work experience (conservation policy, project management, collaboration with environmental organizations, community groups and Indigenous communities, outreach and education).
- Demonstrated skills in project planning and management including budgeting and fundraising.
- Solid understanding of the interface between science and policy.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Superior problem-solving skills, sound judgment and self-reliance.
- Knowledge of forest ecology, wildlife biology and conservation policy in Ontario.
- Proven ability to supervise and motivate staff and volunteers.
- Proficiency in all applications of the Microsoft Office suite of programs including PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Word.
- Valid class G driver’s license and ability to rent a vehicle in Ontario.
Desirable Assets
- Familiarity with Canada’s protected areas targets and efforts to achieve them.
- Working knowledge of the Forest Stewardship Council voluntary certification system.
- Experience with government relations.
Anticipated Start Date: October 2022
Type of Position: Full time, permanent
Compensation: $66,000 – $83,000 per year
Location: This position will be based either at Ontario Nature’s Head Office (720 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON) or at Ontario Nature’s Boreal Conservation Office (10 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, ON) depending on the selected candidate. This position can work remotely in accordance with Ontario Nature’s operational Remote Work Policy.
Working Conditions: This job requires occasional travel, including some travel outside of Ontario to participate in broader consultations, and weekend and evening work. The position also requires the flexibility to take on additional duties as needed.
Direct Reports: Protected Places Project Coordinator, interns and consultants
To Apply
- Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one PDF document, addressing your qualifications and experience
- Include “Conservation Planning and Policy Manager” in the subject line
- Email your application to jobs@ontarionature.org
- Deadline for applications: September 25, 2022. We encourage interested candidates to apply sooner as we will conduct screenings and look to schedule interviews throughout the application window.
Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please.
Ontario Nature is committed to employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should make their requirements known when contacted.
Bookmark Job
You must sign in to bookmark this listing.