Climate Action Network/Reseau action climat (CAN-RAC) Canada seeks a visionary professional for the position of Executive Director to provide leadership for the network and organization. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors. She or he will have a good track record in Canadian fundraising; campaigning and/or advocacy experience; proven program and coalition development skills; and strong personnel and financial management experience. Also required is experience and expertise with CAN-RAC Canada’s core issues, which include: climate change and energy policy and program solutions and related social, economic and environmental justice issues.
This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to take this network to the next phase in its development. The successful candidate must have strong expertise in Canadian and global issues combined with excellent writing, strategic planning, interpersonal, supervisory, and political knowledge and skills. Background should include significant non-profit administration. Board development experience is highly desirable,
The Organization
Climate Action Network Canada is a coalition of more than 75 , environmental, health, aboriginal, international development, faith, youth and labour organizations that are working together to push for action on climate change.
CAN-RAC is one of a number of regional Climate Action Network hubs in the US, Australia, the EU, Africa and Asia and is an affiliate of the Climate Action Network International.
CAN-RAC has initiated, led and coordinated many successful campaigns that have helped to raise climate change on Canadians’ list of issue priorities, and it will continue to press for urgent action by all levels of government to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions to acceptable levels.
Responsibilities
1. Organizational Vision: Provide leadership for long-term organizational vision and development. Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of an evolving program strategy and a growing network.
2. Public Relations: Primary CAN-RAC spokesperson to media, government, and the general public, working in tandem with staff and member organizations. Serve as primary link to CAN-International, and to non-CAN-RAC organizations (e.g. other NGO tables from time to time.)
3. Resource and Revenue Development: Primary responsibility for ensuring that long-term revenue goals are met. Maintain existing funding relationships and requirements while developing new sources to grow CAN-RAC’s revenue base.
4. Financial Management: Primary responsibility for overseeing CAN-RAC financial management, including asset and cash flow management, investments, oversight/supervision of bookkeeping, audits, and annual reports.
5. Board Relations: Serve as primary liaison with the Board of Directors, serve or assign staff to work with Board committees, support the work of Board committees as needed, and assist the Board in recruiting and developing CAN-RAC Board.
6. Membership development and services: plan and set priorities for membership recruitment and retention, ensure that members receive conscientious service which includes:
• Supporting, as appropriate, the work of member organizations;
• Overseeing the production of a monthly electronic newsletter;
• Communicating regularly with members through the CAN-RAC list serve;
• Organizing and facilitating weekly and ad hoc CAN-RAC conference calls;
• Organizing the annual general meeting of members;
• Preparing and publishing an annual report of CAN-RAC activities for circulation at the annual general meeting of members; and
• Commissioning or producing policy/discussion/research papers for membership as required.
Supervision and Office Relationships
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.
Qualifications:
The Hiring Committee will prefer candidates with experience and knowledge in the following areas:
• Proven ability to articulate and execute a program vision and a growth strategy;
• Successfully demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspire and coach professionals;
• A demonstrated knowledge, insight and commitment to environmental and sustainability issues;
• A proficiency in fundraising, able to leverage capital for both operations and programs;
• An effective advocate and spokesperson who can influence decision makers;
• Excellent networking skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with networks/coalitions in promoting a common purpose;
• Experience working with a Board of Directors
• Effectively and successfully manage people and resources with a collaborative and motivating management style;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated financial management skills;
• Minimum three years successful management experience; and
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline required.
Fluency in both official languages is required. This position is based in Ottawa, Ontario.
Compensation
This position is initially offered at four days per week but may increase to five, depending on the Network’s success in generating new, sustained resources. Salary is based on a full-time rate of $56,000 to $60,000 ($44,800 to $48,000 for four days per week), commensurate with the selected candidate’s experience. Health benefits are included.
Application Process
Preferred start date is January 3rd, 2011 or as soon thereafter as possible.
To apply, please send a resume, two references, and a cover letter — outlining your interest in the position and qualifications — by email to the Hiring Committee at edhc@climateactionnetwork.ca
No phone calls please.
Closing date: November 18th, 2011 at 5pm
For more information about CAN-RAC, please visit our main website at http://www.climateactionnetwork.ca
