Program Director, Northern
About the Foundation
At the Weston Family Foundation (formerly The W. Garfield Weston Foundation), more than 60 years of philanthropy has taught us that there’s a relationship between healthy landscapes and healthy people. That’s why we champion world-class health research and innovation with the same passion that we support initiatives to protect and restore biodiversity on our unique landscapes. We take a collaborative approach to philanthropy, working alongside forward-thinking partners to advance Canada and create lasting impacts. We aspire to do more than provide funding, as we enable others to find transformational ways to improve the well-being of Canadians.
At the Weston Family Foundation, we are invested in the well-being of all Canadians. Our national identity encompasses a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences. We aspire to develop and celebrate these differences in our working strategies and overall philosophy. We strive to take a mindful, deliberate approach, and to adopt policies and practices that advance and value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the foundation, our operations, and our extended community. This approach is always evolving, it includes dedicating time and resources towards equitable hiring and communications, and cultivating a safe, welcoming, and accessible work environment. Our firm belief is that by taking this outlook, we will increase the beneficial impact of our philanthropy.
The Role
The Program Director, Northern is responsible for helping to develop and execute the strategy of the Foundation’s Northern Committee (a committee comprised of a subset of Directors of the Board). He/she/they works in support of the Northern Committee members, to aid in their exploration of opportunities, to design and manage the Committee’s grant-making, measurement, reporting, adjudication etc. as needed. The Program Director is the primary relationship manager with the internal Northern Committee and external grantees (individuals, organizations etc.) that receive Foundation funding. He/she/they will support the Northern Committee in the development of their strategic goals and the alignment of their goals and activities against outcomes of the Landscapes Pillar.
As a member of the Foundation’s leadership team, the role reports to the Executive Director of the Foundation but works very closely in a dotted line reporting relationship to the Chair of the Northern Committee. It is expected that the Program Director will use the best practices and approaches set forth by the Foundation’s leadership team to position the Committee in strong internal and external standing. The Program Director preferably holds an advanced degree in a sub-field of Northern natural science research. An expertise in northern ecosystems and biodiversity is considered a strong asset. He/she/they brings a strong acumen and knowledge of the opportunities, challenges, stakeholders, Northern ecosystems, research efforts and communities encompassed by Canada’s unique North. He/she/they brings several years of leadership experience working in the research and innovation environment or the charitable/Not for profit sector, ensuring research and grant-making are done to the highest standard. Working very closely with the Committee Chair and other members of the Committee, the Program Director uses his/her/their understanding and acumen of Northern landscapes to bring sound judgement, help uncover new opportunities and recommend ideas in support of the Northern Committee’s priorities and vision. The Program Director also helps to bridge the Northern Committee with the over-arching goals of the Landscapes Pillar of the Foundation.
The Program Director also works with the broader Foundation team to ensure best practices are employed in monitoring and evaluation, communication and reporting of key activities.
Key Responsibilities
Relationship Management
- Primary relationship manager to the Northern Committee, working closely with the Committee Chair to;
- prioritize discussions of the Committee to align with planning and decision-making cycles of the Committee, Pillar, Board and Foundation
- develop agendas
- develop high-level briefing notes, memos for the Committee Chair
- guide discussions to support decision-making
- Primary relationship manager with prospective and current grantees of the Northern Committee to manage expectations, provide clear guidelines, provide advice, raise concerns or awareness, celebrate successes etc.
- Interface with the rest of the Foundation to bring continuity, best practices and interacting with various functional units as needed
- Managing relationships and communications with external advisors and reviewers and other relevant external organizations as necessary
Program Design and Strategic Development
- Support the Northern Committee in the development and alignment of its strategic goals against outcomes of the Landscapes Pillar
- Refine the Committee’s measurement framework
- Champion the creation of appropriate monitoring and evaluative metrics for programs/activities of the committee
- Contribute to the Foundation’s annual plan and ensure the priorities and operations of the Northern committee are reflected
- Bring sound judgement, acumen and knowledge about relevant stakeholders, and opportunities to support the Committee’s discussions, explorations and decisions
- Support the Executive Director in ongoing Foundation-wide strategic framework
- Ensure that approvals are made at the right times, while making sure Governance principles are applied.
Oversight of Northern Committee Operations
- Oversight of grant agreements
- Oversight of Committee budget (actuals and forecasts)
- Generate materials for Committee meetings, Pillar meetings and Board Meetings
- Attend relevant events, conferences etc. to enhance knowledge or represent the Committee and Foundation as needed
Grants Management
- Managing a portfolio of grants, including but not limited to; Soliciting proposals
- Analyzing proposals, synthesizing results and providing recommendations and reflections to the Northern Committee
- Providing guidance and feedback to prospective grantees
- Monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes of grantee programs
- Overseeing grant agreements and release of funds
- Streamlining processes
Communications
- Work with the Director of Communications to support external communications including:
- Foundation website
- Press releases
- Social media
- Third-party communications projects to ensure accuracy and alignment to overall Committee communications
- Other
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in a sub-field of Northern natural science research. A specialization in Northern ecosystems and biodiversity is considered a strong asset.
- 3-5+ years in a leadership role within the research, innovation, not-for-profit, or charitable sector
- Experience and understanding of grant-making and program design
- Experience in performance measurement and adjudication
- Experience working with Boards and managing multi-stakeholder relationships
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Strong analytical and project management skills
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