Work Arrangement: Remote First


Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Program Director to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

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, we have brought people together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

NCC recognizes that we work on lands that have long been cared for by Indigenous Peoples under their own laws and knowledge systems. We are committed to transforming how we do our work, advancing Reconciliation through conservation, and working with Indigenous Peoples in meaningful, respectful, and supportive ways.

Position Summary

The Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, leading, and delivering projects that create protected areas or implement other effective conservation measures, focusing on public lands north of the 49th parallel in Quebec. This role involves developing and maintaining relationships with First Nations.

Reporting to the Director of Conservation for Quebec, the Program Director is part of the major projects team. They manage a small number of projects distinguished by their high conservation potential, complexity, and innovative implementation models.

Key responsibilities include acting as NCC's ambassador and spokesperson for northern Quebec, fostering strong partnerships with regional and local stakeholders and communities to support conservation objectives, and managing staff work plans and budgets related to program implementation. Building and maintaining relationships with First Nations is a vital aspect of the position.

Key Responsibilities

1. Identification and Implementation of Conservation Strategies

  • Oversee the natural environment conservation program to identify opportunities for creating protected areas and implementing other effective conservation measures, assessing required resources, and presenting conservation arguments.
  • Collaborate with First Nations, particularly the Cree, to ensure the long-term protection of lands.
  • Support the development and implementation of landscape conservation plans in collaboration with a wide range of partners.
  • Promote conservation beyond NCC properties, for example, by providing input on land-use planning, forest management, and protected area planning.
  • Identify staffing needs, manage recruitment, supervise, and evaluate the performance of supervised employees. Provide leadership to the broader project team to foster cohesion and unity.

2. Development and Fundraising

  • Work with development staff to foster close relationships between NCC and its supporters.
  • Collaborate with staff to support fundraising efforts with existing and potential donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, governments, and various governmental and non-governmental entities.
  • Assist with administrative tasks and content creation for conservation projects to contribute to development, marketing, and communication activities.
  • Manage land conservation grants with the support of development and finance staff.

3. Community and Partner Engagement

  • Act as NCC's ambassador and spokesperson for northern Quebec for external relations (e.g., public conferences, meetings, visits to protected areas, media relations).
  • Lead the development and maintenance of relationships with key partners—provincial government departments and agencies, First Nations and organizations, conservation bodies, and communities—to achieve strategic conservation objectives.

4. Program and Financial Administration

  • Lead the conservation activity planning process, including the development and management of work plans and budgets.
  • Oversee reporting on key indicators in line with the program's objectives and budgets.
  • Manage procurement activities necessary for project implementation, including purchase orders, contracts, and tenders to obtain professional consulting services and contracts for goods and services.
  • Perform other tasks assigned by the Conservation Director.

Position Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in a field such as management, administration, international relations, environment, or a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience managing complex, multidisciplinary projects, including financial resource management and close collaboration with First Nations, ideally in natural heritage conservation.
  • Exceptional organizational, planning, communication (written and oral), and project management skills.
  • Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently and as a leader with two or more direct reports.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics in simple terms; negotiation experience is a valuable asset.
  • Initiative and strong ability to seek and implement new opportunities to advance conservation objectives.
  • Knowledge of the conservation landscape in Quebec, including major directions and key public and private stakeholders.
  • Ability to work in a context of "dual perspectives," demonstrated by cultural sensitivity and inherent diplomacy.
  • Previous experience working with landowners (negotiating land agreements) and Indigenous communities is an asset.
  • Willingness to travel and work on a flexible schedule.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with GIS and conservation standards is an asset.
  • Commitment to conservation and a love for nature.
  • Embody NCC's core values: ambitious vision, collaboration, determination, and empowerment.
  • Bilingual (English and French).

Application Deadline

February 25, 2025 | 11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

At NCC, we're committed to providing a healthy, safe, barrier free and inclusive, workplace, where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We strive for bold conservation achievements in which equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are the norm. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. NCC implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, contact us by email at hr@natureconservancy.ca to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at hr@natureconservancy.ca.