The Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) has a vision of a strong and successful land trust movement that encompasses organizations protecting wilderness, agricultural and other lands, water and facilities that have a natural, cultural or heritage significance to communities throughout Ontario.
OLTA is seeking an outgoing, self-motivated and dynamic individual for the position of Executive Director (ED). The ED is the professional face of the Alliance and is responsible for guiding the overall direction and general management of the organization. Reporting to the Chair of the OLTA Board of Governors and working in conjunction with the Executive Committee, other Board Committees, and the Governors, the ED actively develops and maintains strong and positive relationships with OLTA members and partners including government agencies, funding organizations, sister conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the Alliance and the land trust movement in Ontario. The ED puts into operation the strategic direction set by the Board, engages in fundraising, develops the annual operating plans, and oversees program management for the Alliance.
1) Relationship Management
• Leads the Alliance in identifying, developing and maintaining partnerships, including conservation organizations, government partners, funding agencies and other stakeholders;
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with member groups, using a wide array of consultation and engagement mechanisms;
• Provides operational support for the Board of Governors and Board committees, while also building relationships between Board, staff and volunteers; and
• Manages such conflicts as may develop amongst and between staff, volunteers, and stakeholders in a professional manner, seeking positive outcomes benefiting the organization and the whole land trust community.
2) Communications
• Works with the Board of Governors to ensure the Alliance has a visible and effective public image through the development and effective application of internal and external communication tools;
• Together with the Board Chair, serves as a spokesperson for the Alliance, to raise awareness of the land trust movement and the work of the Alliance; and
• Ensures that all communications are of professional quality and accurately represent the Alliance’s plans and intentions.
3) Fundraising & Financial Management
• Works with the Board, staff, and volunteers to implement and regularly update OLTA’s fundraising strategy and plan to ensure the long-term stability of the Alliance and its operations;
• Takes a leadership role in fundraising to achieve goals set out within the annual strategic and operating plans;
• With the Board and the Treasurer, establishes appropriate budget planning processes, including an annual budget and financial monitoring mechanisms, to facilitate effective program and budget management;
• Regularly reviews financial statements to ensure the budget is being met, and discusses substantial variances with the Board, together with any adjustments necessary to the budget to align expenditures with plans;
• Works with the Treasurer and the Executive Committee to ensure investments are being properly managed.
4) Leadership & Strategic and Operational Planning
• Works with the Board Chair and the Board of Governors to manage the strategic planning process setting long-term goals and measurable targets for organizational performance;
• With the Committee chairs, staff, and volunteers, leads the development of an annual operating plan to set out priority activities and the associated budget, in line with strategic goals;
• Works with the Committee chairs, staff, and volunteers to develop Committee and working group work plans, as required, to address goals set out in the strategic plan; and
• Regularly reviews progress against the annual operating plan, and works with the Committee chairs, volunteers, and staff to make adjustments as needed.
5) Program & Staff Management
• Manages and leads staff and volunteers to implement the strategic goals and priority activities of the Alliance as defined in the strategic and annual operating plans;
• Works with staff and volunteers to create and implement work plans with measurable targets to ensure implementation of the goals of the strategic and the annual operating plans;
• Conducts annual performance reviews with staff and volunteers to communicate progress against work plans, strengths, and areas for further development;
• Monitors existing and, where appropriate, initiates new policies and procedures for Board approval to ensure the effective and ethical operations of the Alliance as per the Canadian Land Trust Standards and Practices; and
• Ensures systems and infrastructure are in place and functioning well to support program implementation.
Skills and Qualifications:
The successful candidate for this position should have demonstrated:
• A minimum five to ten years experience as a manager in a public policy/not-for-profit environment, preferably with a solid understanding of land conservation issues;
• Effective strategic management and leadership skills;
• A proven capacity for strategic and operational planning and for successful fundraising;
• Effective policy and program development and financial management experience;
• Strong communication and consultation skills, one-on-one and with groups;
• An ability to build effective relationships with volunteers, staff, partners, and the general public;
• An ability to develop trust and to connect with stakeholders to build long lasting relationships;
• Strong presentation skills, both verbal and written, including an ability to inspire and persuade.
• An ability to be highly motivated, creative and a self-starter.
A competitive salary is being offered and compensation will be based on the successful candidate’s strengths and experience. The Board is open to discussing off-setting benefits.
This position is based out of OLTA’s office in Toronto, Ontario, with moderate travel within Ontario anticipated.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply, in confidence, by e-mailing their resume with a covering letter by May 27, 2011, to:
Wendy Cooper
Chair, Ontario Land Trust Alliance Board of Governors
Email: chair@olta.ca
Please note: Receipt of applications will be confirmed by email. Neither faxed nor posted applications will be reviewed. While the interest of all applicants is appreciated, only those candidates requested for an interview will be contacted directly. Interviews will be conducted in Toronto at the OLTA office.
For more information about OLTA, please refer to our website at http://www.olta.ca
