Ontario Nature seeks an experienced land use and natural heritage policy advocate for the position of Greenway Program Manager. This is a new position.
Ontario Nature protects and restores habitats through research, education and conservation, connecting thousands of individuals and communities with nature. We have a network of more than 140 affiliated nature clubs across Ontario and a staff of 20. Ontario Nature envisions a network of interconnected Greenways and Waterways, anchored on the Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt and its components, the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine, that protect ecological integrity and biodiversity across southern and eastern Ontario.
The ideal candidate is committed to the voluntary sector, has a love and appreciation of nature, sets ambitious goals and is results-oriented. You have a facility with scientific information. You have the ability to analyze information and develop clear, focussed and strategic initiatives to engender political, industrial, and public support for the implementation of policies and programs leading to an interconnected network of greenways and waterways across southern Ontario. You are experienced in designing and delivering successful campaigns to influence public policies and programs. You are familiar with Ontario’s municipal planning and natural heritage protection regimes. You are creative in your approaches to communicating with our members, donors, affiliated clubs, the general public, and the media about the need for an interconnected network of greenways and waterways. You have a commitment to serve the organization, and excel in working independently as well as part of internal and external teams.
Responsibilities:
The Greenway Program Manager is accountable for delivering results within two areas of Ontario Nature’s operational plan:
- Advance the establishment of an interconnected greenway system of habitat cores and corridors; and
- Promote new and improved provincial policies and programs that support natural heritage conservation.
The Greenway Program Manager reports to the Director of Conservation and Science.
The primary Duties and Responsibilities of this position are to:
- Lead the development and delivery of a campaign to promote a “greenways and waterways” natural heritage network across southern and eastern Ontario south of the Canadian Shield
- Oversee completion of Greenway conservation vision mapping and implementation planning already underway within two southern Ontario landscapes, including facilitating meetings with and securing the support of a wide range of stakeholders
- Position Ontario Nature as a leading defender of the Greenbelt and its distinct components (the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine)
- Contribute to the implementation of greenway initiatives at the municipal level, including through Official Plan amendments and other means
- Promote the extension of the Greenbelt into south Simcoe County and other appropriate landscapes
- Outreach to Ontario Nature members, donors, member groups and the general public about Ontario Nature’s Greenway, directly and through the media, ON Nature magazine, and Ontario Nature’s website
- Deliver presentations on Ontario Nature’s Greenway and other natural heritage conservation issues to Ontario Nature members clubs, affiliates, communities, and other audiences
- Represent Ontario Nature’s interests on relevant advisory bodies and coalitions
- Initiate fundraising to support this program and maintain relationships with key funders
- Other tasks as assigned
Qualifications and Experience:
- Graduate degree in environmental studies, resource management, or a related discipline
- Minimum five years’ experience in program management, public education and advocacy campaigns
- Proven strategic thinker and tactician
- Demonstrated success in fundraising for projects and programs
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated negotiation, collaboration, interpersonal, presentation and public speaking skills
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and accuracy, well-organized, enjoy working independently as well as part of a team
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Familiarity with Ontario’s municipal planning and natural heritage legislation and policy regimes
- A love of nature and the outdoors
- A positive nature with a good sense of humour
This is a permanent employment position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position is based at Ontario Nature’s headquarters in Toronto.
Please submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample (2 pages maximum) and 3 references to:
Wendy Francis
Director of Conservation and Science
wendyf@ontarionature.org
The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2007.
Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.