Senior Director Conservation

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a senior Director of Conservation to join a team committed to protecting Atlantic Canada’s 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. 

NCC is a registered charity. With nature, we build a thriving world. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca

Position Summary

The senior role of Director of Conservation (DOC) – Atlantic reports directly to the Vice President – Atlantic and is part of NCC’s Leadership team in the operating unit.

The DOC will lead and support a driven team to achieve excellence in land conservation, stewardship, and in building relationships that further meaningful, inclusive conservation initiatives in Atlantic Canada. The DOC will oversee planning, collaboration, and coordination of land securement, stewardship, and related activities. This includes, but is not limited to, leading strategic planning and implementation, budgeting and financial management of conservation projects and site plans; and supporting the securement of ecologically significant lands and the effective stewardship of these lands. The DOC works collaboratively with conservation staff and DOCs across the country to ensure close coordination, consistency and continual improvement in conservation processes and initiatives. 

The incumbent will be a thought leader and influencer for conservation and will help NCC in developing strategies and goals for conservation success in this landscape. The incumbent can lead and inspire strong multi-disciplinary functioning teams within Atlantic Canada and with colleagues across the country.  This person will collaborate and strengthen relationships with external partners and stakeholders including land trust partners, landowners, governments, individual and corporate donors, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. 

The Director will have a strong focus on continued development of NCC’s ability to work collaboratively and effectively in the delivery of innovative conservation programming.  They are responsible for guiding and supporting a driven and dedicated conservation team distributed across all four Atlantic Canadian provinces. Further, this person will share and exemplify NCC’s core values of Big Thinking, Collaborative, Empowering, and Determination to accelerate conservation of our most precious natural landscapes.  

Position Requirements

• Possesses a Bachelor’s degree in ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or related discipline with 6-8 years of directly related experience;
• Preference will be given to candidates with land and water resource management or stewardship experience;
• At least 7 years of direct people management and leadership experience, able to provide strong supportive leadership, development, and mentoring to a large team;
• Proven ability to build multi-disciplinary and high functioning teams across departments
• Demonstrated managerial, planning and coordination skills;
• Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, a positive, solutions-oriented attitude with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment with co-workers from a variety of levels and departments within the region and nationally;
• Ability to develop big picture strategy, but also to provide technical guidance when needed.
• Proven operational and project management acumen, able to effectively use a variety of resources to attain multiple planned deliverables, with strong problem solving, planning and organizational skills;
• Experience in complicated land negotiations with a variety of landowners, partners, processes, and outcomes in a rural setting, inclusive of the science, securement, and stewardship aspects;
• Experience with all aspects of a not-for-profit conservation organization’s ethics, opportunities, and challenges and previous success with fundraising an asset;
• A proven ability to interact comfortably with NCC’s partners, including landowners, donors, government representatives, NGO partners and corporations;
• A proven ability to work comfortably in many different venues, from the day-to-day office environment to corporate boardrooms and in the field;
• Demonstrated ability and comfort in media interviews, events, and public engagement activities;
• Excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to make creative, sound decisions;
• Well-developed written, verbal, listening and overall communication skills and the ability to synthesize different points of view into a common goal;
• A proactive and optimistic attitude, with a proven ability to anticipate and manage risk;
• Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours.

Application Deadline

June 21 ,2024   | 11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

How to Apply 

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations through our Career Centre.

NCC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. 

We value and incorporate diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work towards common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.