EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ECOLOGY OTTAWA (OTTAWA, ON)
The Opportunity
Are you seeking an exceptional opportunity to drive positive change in your community and become an environmental leader in Ottawa? Do you have ideas for how to make Ottawa a greener, more resilient city? Do you consider yourself a team-builder, an organizer and mobilizer? If so, you just might be the person we’re looking for to become the next Executive Director of Ecology Ottawa.
As Executive Director, you are responsible for expanding engagement to carry out Ecology Ottawa’s mission. This includes employing community organizing techniques, training staff in those techniques, and identifying opportunities to empower Ottawans to deepen environmental action. As the head organizer, the Executive Director will oversee rollout and maintenance of this organization-wide effort to help create a sustainable city -a city that values and prioritizes clean air & water, clean energy, active & public transportation and the protection of greenspace and nature.
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the successful leadership, overall management, and operations of the organization.
It is a rare person who has all the qualifications. If you meet most but not all requirements and still think you would be a great fit for the job, we encourage you to apply and let us know how we can help you.
Primary Responsibilities
- Understand the legal framework for running a non-profit and ensure compliance with all laws and regulations;
- Assess the financial position of the organization and create an annual budget and quarterly financial reports for board review;
- Develop and implement impactful and strategic projects that achieve the goals and objectives set by the board of directors in Ecology Ottawa’s strategic plan;
- Build and motivate an effective team of leaders, provide guidance and coaching to staff and nourish a respectful, diverse and positive workplace culture;
- Conduct annual performance reviews and share feedback with employees so that they may continue to improve the quality and impact of their work;
- Ensure your team has the proper tools, systems and equipment required to do their work;
- Act as the primary spokesperson for the organization, make yourself available for media interviews, public talks and engage with supporters and the public through social media and Ecology Ottawa events;
- Develop and execute multi-year fundraising plans, cultivating support from diverse streams including foundations, business, individuals and events;
- Report to project funders and articulate project impact;
- Build and maintain trusting relationships with Ecology Ottawa’s partners, supporters, and key influencers; and
- Support the Board of Directors in their operations and administration. Help build, sustain, and strengthen all board functions like meetings, policy adherence, and committee work.
About Ecology Ottawa
Ecology Ottawa is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization that has been advocating since 2007 to make Ottawa a greener, smarter, and more sustainable city. The organization has developed a solid reputation for mobilizing communities to take local action on a range of pressing environmental issues, including climate equity, renewable energy, trees and biodiversity, active transportation and air quality. Our small team of passionate employees continually punches above its weight, heavily supported by a very large and dedicated group of volunteers and supporters.
Candidate Qualifications
Ecology Ottawa is looking for an individual who can grow the organization in a manner that ensures inclusivity and respect, careful stewardship of financial resources, and the delivery of impactful campaigns and programs. The successful candidate will:
- Be a confident public speaker, an effective communicator and change agent who can articulate a clear strategic vision in a manner that motivates and inspires staff, volunteers and the broader public to deliver on Ecology Ottawa’s strategic priorities;
- Demonstrate sufficient understanding of key environmental issues and local policy-making dynamics to credibly represent the organization’s goals to local authorities, funding agencies, the media, and other public audiences;
- Have strong stakeholder relations skills and genuinely enjoy forging and nurturing relationships of trust with elected officials, city staff, funders and partners;
- Demonstrate an inclusive leadership style, and an ability to proactively foster a healthy and respectful workplace culture built around justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) principles;
- Be a self-starter with experience in a leadership position in an emerging non-profit or start-up in which resourcefulness, risk-taking and resilience were critical to maintaining an effective operation;
- Demonstrate a competence in reading and understanding financial documents, including budgets, cash flow, the basics of tax returns, audits, and compliance;
- Have experience developing impactful projects or programs, writing successful grant proposals, and evaluating impact;
- Have at least 5 years experience in a senior leadership role with experience managing people; and
- Be an effective and organized project manager, with the ability to strategically set priorities and manage one’s time effectively.
Asset qualifications
- Bilingual fluency (English-French)
- Experience working with Boards of Directors
- Experience with databases and IT platforms
- Experience advocating on environmental issues and in grassroots organizing
Compensation
- Salary: $90, 000 + annual COLA increases
- Generous vacation and benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development
Location: Ottawa, Ontario. With gratitude and respect, Ecology Ottawa acknowledges that we are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinàbeg People.
Application process
Submit your CV, three professional references and a letter telling us why you are the right person to lead Ecology Ottawa via email to [email protected], with Executive Director 2024 in the subject line. The deadline for applications is February 14, 2024. We thank all applicants for their submission, however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Should you wish to learn more about this exceptional leadership opportunity, email Alice Irene Whitaker, in strictest confidence, at [email protected].
Ecology Ottawa is committed to employment equity and seeks diversity in our workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.