Sierra Club Canada is seeking a dynamic and inspiring leader to become its next Executive Director.  The successful candidate will combine a passion for the protection of the environment with proven experience and skills in managing diverse and successful not-for-profit organizations. 

Sierra Club Canada (SCC) is considered by many to be Canada’s most effective and influential environmental organization.  With five regional chapters across Canada, an active youth coalition, and empowered grassroots support, it pursues campaigns in four major areas: atmosphere and energy, protecting biodiversity, health and environment and the transition to a sustainable economy.  SCC has been active in Canada since 1963.

Position concept

The Executive Director is the senior staff person of the Sierra Club Canada (SCC) and is accountable to the national Board for implementing its policies, for communicating relevant information to the Board in a timely manner, and providing advice to the Board on financial, administrative and policy issues. 
The Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership in the development, implementation and administration of all policies and programs established and approved by the Board.  S/he is the most important public face of the organization, relating to government representatives, the news media and the general public, and has a high level of comfort with web based social and professional networking and outreach. 
The Executive Director is responsible for the financial health of the national office and its campaigns, but also works closely with Chapters to ensure financial stability of the organization as a whole.  The Executive Director also acts as a liaison with the Sierra Club of Canada Foundation.

Responsibilities
Leadership
Provides organization-wide leadership and vision on environmental campaigns, organizational development and financial sustainability
Ensures SCC is prominent in the public eye and is a leading voice in environmental issues
Ensures that the national staff and volunteer team reflects the needs of the organization, and that effective recruitment, orientation, training and evaluation processes and systems are in place
Develops open and supportive relationships with all parts of the SCC family, including chapters, groups, grassroots volunteers, committee members and staff at all levels
Cultivates effective relationships with a wide variety of external audiences, including governments, media, funders, donors, community groups, like-minded organizations, partners, and educators

Capacity Building
Is accountable for ensuring that plans and initiatives are pursued to achieve the development and capacity-building goals as set out in the organization’s national strategic plan
Leads the organization in ensuring its long-term stability through dynamic vision, empowerment, mentoring and the pursuit of strategic opportunities
Is accountable for the successful development and implementation of long-term national strategic and short-term operational plans

Fundraising and Financial Management
Leads SCC’s fundraising initiatives, and cultivates strong ongoing relationships with donors and funders
Is accountable for the overall fiscal health of the entire operation. Ensures the establishment of appropriate financial systems to meet the needs of the organization and its funders
Oversees the preparation, assignment and monitoring of the annual budget, commissions an annual audit of the consolidated accounts, and ensures that adequate controls are in place to monitor actual performance
Board relations and support
Ensures timely and effective communication with the Board, keeping it informed of developments and issues that might impact the organization and its reputation

Authority
The Executive Director reports to the national Board, through its president. S/he is the direct supervisor of national office staff.  S/he also provides leadership and direction to the implementation of the entire Club's vision, objectives and policies, and ensures the most beneficial allocation of resources.

Qualifications
Academic Training and Knowledge
Degree in law, biological and/or ecological sciences, political science, economics, or a related discipline
Extensive background in environmental issues
Professional Experience
Minimum 5 years experience managing grassroots not-for-profit organizations
Successful track record in fundraising and donor cultivation; CFRE designation an asset
Experience in lobbying and advocacy
Experience within government an asset

Skills
Excellent media relations skills
Excellent internet based social and professional marketing skills
Superior analytical skills
Strong written, oral and public speaking skills in both official languages
Able to balance a consultative style with an ability to take the lead and make decisions
A dynamic, energetic and articulate leader, with ability to inspire others
Sierra Club Canada offers a generous vacation allowance, and a solid benefits package. Salary for this position is competitive, and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Sierra Club Canada is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from members of diverse backgrounds and historically marginalized communities.

Deadline for applications: Monday, September 14, 2009