Job Description

Job Title:             Newfoundland and Labrador Program Manager

Reports to:            Associate Regional Vice President, Conservation – Atlantic

Location:            St. John’s, NL

Overview:

The Program Manager oversees The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC) conservation efforts in Newfoundland & Labrador. The objective of this position is the effective conservation of strategically defined natural features within the province, focusing on private and public land protection and stewardship, based on good science. The Program Manager provides entrepreneurial leadership in developing and implementing a well-funded, community-based conservation program that sustains the significant biodiversity and ecological integrity of natural systems within the province. The incumbent will: build partnerships within local communities and with other private non-profit organizations and government agencies; manage and administer NCC projects and activities; communicate regularly and effectively with communities, agencies and existing and prospective partners; identify and develop new opportunities to advance project goals; will have the primary responsibility for public sector fundraising as it relates to projects within the province; play a key role in project-related private sector fundraising; take a lead role in fundraising and landowner contact and negotiations; and develop and manage annual objectives and budgets.

Key responsibilities:

1.     Implement Conservation Strategies in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Direct conservation activities are undertaken in consultation with the Associate Regional Vice President
• Oversee the development of partner-based landscape conservation strategies and action plans by working with federal and provincial government agencies and departments and local conservation groups, supported by NCC Atlantic Conservation Science Program staff;
• Oversee the implementation of strategic conservation research and habitat protection projects and programs by working in consultation with NCC science, securement and stewardship staff and key partner representatives;
• Responsible for long term protection of the viability of conservation targets on NCC owned properties including management planning, plan implementation and ad hoc threat abatement;
• Work with partners on lands transferred by NCC to ensure conservation values are maintained;
• Field-check and report on conservation values of properties identified as thru landscape conservation strategies and on properties identified by partners for potential securement;
• Build on key partner relationships with other NGOs and other provincial and federal government agencies and departments as well as  with  local, provincial and national naturalist and conservation groups- to collaborate with a variety of community-based groups in achieving strategic conservation programs;
• Report on conservation success within the province;
• Secure priority sites, engaging in landowner contact and negotiations for long term protection, principally through a combination of land purchase and property donations.

2.     Community and Partnership Liaison

• Represent NCC in all appropriate external relations and communications functions relative to NCC’s work in the province, including public speaking, meetings, and media relations, to build awareness and support for the conservation programs of NCC and its partners;
• Plan, implement and report on expert workshops and meetings with key stakeholders, to assist in setting conservation priorities as well as in developing and implement conservation plans;
• Facilitate external relations and communications needs and functions for senior NCC staff;
• Work with NCC stewardship staff, partners and volunteers to ensure stewardship of NCC owned properties within the sub region in accordance with NCC standards;
• Communicate regularly with NCC volunteer land stewards to develop and maintain good working relations;
• Foster positive relationships with private and public property landowners within priority landscapes in the province through personal contact, workshops, program newsletters and other innovative approaches to promoting conservation.

3.     Business development and Fundraising

• Advise the Newfoundland and Labrador Major Gifts Officer of funding priorities, amounts and deadlines for both new securement initiatives and ongoing stewardship needs, for which their assistance may be requested;
• With support from the Newfoundland and Labrador Major Gifts Officer, to ensure funds are available for property closings and other needs of the province;
• Work with regional and national development staff, other regional program staff, and local fundraising volunteers to identify, cultivate, and request funds from both existing NCC donors and new prospects, including individuals, businesses, foundations, governmental sources, and non-governmental organizations;
• Work with the Newfoundland and Labrador Major Gifts Officer and local or other assigned fundraising volunteers to cultivate local land donors;
• Nurture the relationship with local fundraising volunteers and identify potential new fundraising volunteers;
• Provide the regional philanthropy department with background material so that the department can produce appropriate marketing and communications materials for properties or natural areas requiring funding;
• Conduct donor property tours, provide an NCC presence at press conferences, speak at local community groups, and other public speaking engagements;
• Work with the philanthropy team to ensure that accurate records of donor and prospect cultivation are maintained.

4.     Manage the overall program and financial administration activities

• Identify new resources and programs to help achieve landscape management goals;
  • Lead the province in developing and managing work plans and budgets;
  • Provide overall coordination and management of land use and conservation stewardship activities     on all NCC owned properties, including compliance with NCC standards and practices;
  • Provide leadership and assist staff and volunteers to develop and maintain partnerships with other conservation organizations and develop plans and agreements for long term management of all NCC owned properties and/or properties where NCC provide financial assistance;
• Provide time reports to partners and donors;
• Coordinate staff and direct consultants to complete baseline reports on all new NCC properties;
• Keep up-to-date records and information on all NCC projects, including transferred lands;
• Hire and supervise any contractors or employees that may be engaged;
• Oversee the effective administration and financial operation of the province.

5.     Other

• Other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Skills and Aptitudes:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline;
• Excellent writing skills for proposals and correspondence;
• Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as a leader;
• Capable of easily communicating with a wide range of people from the public and private sectors;
• Experience in delivering land/resource management programs in a rural community;
• Previous experience working with landowners to implement land use/land management changes preferred;
• Project management skills, including excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail and timelines;
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and/or volunteers
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, database and GIS software;
• Demonstrated experience in making public presentations;
• Entrepreneurial, with a strong ability to prepare and manage timelines, goals and expectations wisely;
• Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours at times;
• Committed to the cause and mission of The Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Please submit cover letter and resume via email by Wednesday, April 3^rd,  2013 to atlantic@natureconservancy.ca.

While we appreciate all applications, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2.6 million acres (1 million hectares), coast to coast.  To learn more visit:  http://www.natureconservancy.ca

This spring the Brother Brennan Centre, located in a wilderness setting off Salmonier Line, will need one or two teaching assistants to help deliver their environmemtal programs from May 1 to June 19. This will involve staying at the Centre for a ‘shift’ of two days, teaching the programs, supervising students, running campfires etc. There could be one or two shifts each week – the ability to have a flexible schedule is an asset. This will particularly suit hard-working, enthusiastic people who love the outdoors, care about the environment, are familiar with Newfoundland natural history and have experience working with children. Pay is $14 per hour with each 2 day shift being 24 hours of pay. Teaching assistants will need to have an up to date first-aid certificate and and RNC certificate of conduct. Own transport is preferred, but car-pooling may be possible. If you are interested please send your resume and cover letter to helenspencer@esdnl.ca before Apil 19