Conservation Campaigns and Advocacy Manager

at  Ontario Nature

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ontario Nature is seeking a Conservation Campaigns and Advocacy Manager to lead well-funded conservation campaigns and support policy advocacy to safeguard the protection of wild species and wild spaces. The manager leads and develops Ontario Nature’s conservation campaigns on issues as they arise, with a current focus on our wetlands campaign to protect Ontario’s wetlands. Additionally, the manager will lead advocacy efforts related to conservation issues, such as endangered species, and other policy matters in close collaboration with the Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director. They will identify opportunities for new campaigns, support fundraising and manage annual program objectives, work plans and budgets.
Reporting to the Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director, the ideal candidate will have at least five years’ experience with biodiversity conservation policy and legislation in Ontario with particular experience related to wetland and endangered species policy being considered an asset. They will also have proven experience leading complex policy analysis, managing projects and staff, and an ability to multi-task on tight timelines. They also have experience working collaboratively with Indigenous communities and stakeholders across sectors to advance shared interests and sound environmental policy.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or equivalent in the conservation/environmental field.
• Minimum of five years of relevant work experience (conservation policy, campaign development, project management, collaboration and outreach).
• Sound knowledge of Ontario’s laws and policies related to conservation and environmental protection.
• Demonstrated skills in project planning and management, including budgeting and fundraising.
• Excellent communications skills (written, verbal and listening) and demonstrated ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences in a clear and concise manner.
• Proven ability to supervise and motivate staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully with Indigenous communities and representatives of organizations outside the conservation community.
• Superior problem-solving skills, sound judgement and self-reliance.
• Proficiency in all applications of the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• Valid class G driver’s licence.

• Campaign Development and Execution
• Develop, implement and evaluate public campaigns to mount strong support to maintain or achieve strong laws and policies for the protection of Ontario’s biodiversity and habitats, engaging with members, Nature Network groups and partners.
• Policy Analysis
• Conduct thorough analyses of new policy or legislative proposals that impact the protection of Ontario’s biodiversity and habitats (e.g., wetlands, endangered species).
• Respond to policy or legislative proposals and identify opportunities for engaging the Nature Network, partners and the wider public in actively supporting key objectives.
• Communications and Outreach
• Act as a key spokesperson with the media and others on conservation issues and campaigns.
• Lead the development of print and online content and outreach materials to promote public understanding of and support for conservation campaigns.
• Work with Ontario Nature staff to respond to questions about conservation campaigns and provide outreach assistance.
• Support and advise on content referencing conservation campaigns for communications and development materials.
• Partnerships and Collaboration
• Support the development of respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Play a leadership role in coalitions and other partnerships with conservation and environmental organizations, and other sectors with mutual interests to establish and achieve common goals and objectives.
• Support Nature Network members on conservation and advocacy related matters.
• Collaborate with Ontario Nature teams, particularly Conservation Science and Stewardship, on cross-departmental conservation issues, such as endangered species, with a policy and strategy lens to ensure organizational integration and consistency.
• Planning, Evaluation and Budgets
• Lead project plans for conservation campaigns including relevant sections of the operating plans, communications plans and logic models, and ensure consistency with organizational goals and the strategic plan.
• Track and evaluate achievement of program goals and objectives and project deliverables.
• Work with Conservation Campaigns and Policy Director to develop project budgets and manage relevant budgets.
• Fundraising
• Work with the Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director and development team to secure funding for campaigns and advocacy initiatives.
• Ensure effective and timely reporting to funders and donors.
• Work with the development team to support organizational fundraising efforts and effective donor and community relations, as directed.
• Staff Management
• Manage conservation campaign and advocacy program staff, including hiring, supervision, work planning and performance management.
• Manage hiring and supervision of external consultants.