Overview
You are a purpose-driven leader who likes to contribute to making your community a better place to live, now and for future generations. Committed to inclusion and collaboration, you have developed and delivered on plans that have moved your organization forward over time. You are energized by setting and achieving goals, knowing that when your team succeeds it improves the quality of life for those it serves. You know your talents and energy and experience are making a real difference in the world and you cannot imagine a more rewarding career path than that. If this sounds like you, leading Sustainable Kingston as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) may be the rewarding next step in your successful career.
About Sustainable Kingston
Founded in 2012, Sustainable Kingston is a non-profit organization that supports Kingston and its surrounding communities in increasing resilience and sustainability.
Sustainable Kingston is governed by a Board of Directors, has a core staff team, and a committed group of active volunteers. Sustainable Kingston receives funding from the City of Kingston, project funding (further to Federal and Provincial grants), and revenue from its sustainably.eco program.
Sustainable Kingston is dedicated to sharing knowledge, raising awareness, and building community—starting with our own organization. Our mission is only possible when everyone feels represented, valued, and empowered to share their experiences and ideas, so we actively work to create a culture of listening, learning, and inclusion. We believe diverse voices and different perspectives lead to deeper understanding, stronger partnerships, and better innovation.
About the Position
We are hiring a new Chief Operating Officer to take our organization to new heights. Sustainable Kingston is poised for growth and we require an exceptional leader who can effectively scale our organization’s initiatives.
The Chief Operating Officer provides oversight, overall management, planning, vision and leadership for Sustainable Kingston’s initiatives. Key activity areas include strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, team building, stakeholder engagement, communications, governance and project management. The Chief Operating Officer employs an empowering approach when collaborating with team members to nurture an environment of shared responsibility and accountability.
Experience and Assets:
The new Chief Operating Officer will benefit from previous experience in the non-profit or charitable sectors, the environmental sector, and the co-operative or other business sector. They will demonstrate an attitude of respect for all people, excellence in collaboration and a thoughtful blend of idealism and ability. Appreciating teamwork with others within a shared bigger vision will be a foundational leadership orientation.
The ideal candidate possesses excellent leadership and communication skills to interpret and communicate the Sustainable Kingston vision to others and to welcome the valued ways that others find connection with Sustainable Kingston, including the excellent staff team, volunteers, families, supporters and community. Demonstrated effectiveness in developing and nurturing funding sources is also a key component.
Ideal Experience:
More than 3 years of experience in a similar role, as a senior manager, and/or with equivalent fundraising, management, and leadership capabilities;
Experience in the energy, environmental or conservation sector in Canada and an understanding of the organizations and individuals working in this field;
Proven ability to empower people to work collaboratively to overcome challenges, adapt to opportunities, and celebrate successes;
Experience designing and managing successful public interest campaigns.
Experience in grant writing, administration and reporting.
Experience with Quickbooks, and/or financial management.
Desired Skills and Qualities
These skills and qualities will also help to ensure the Director will succeed in their new role:
Self-motivated with an infectious enthusiasm for Sustainable Kingston’s mission;
Confidence in your vision and the ability to communicate it clearly to a variety of audiences;
Track record of building and growing an organization or initiative that engages a broad diversity of supporters across geographic, political and social spheres;
Experience with engagement and collaboration with community-based organizations;
A proven record of professional achievement and innovation;
Flexibility and ability to adapt and seize new opportunities as circumstances evolve;
A proven ability to think strategically, develop and implement plans and manage complex and changing projects;
Experience with human resources, supporting management and staff, and a history of contributing to a healthy organizational culture. This includes knowledge of best practices relating to accessibility, diversity and inclusion;
Exceptional interpersonal and teamwork skills, in particular the ability to trust and value the contributions of your team;
Experience reporting to or sitting on a Board of Directors, Steering Committee, or similar advisory group;
To Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume to jsalter-keane@cityofkingston.ca citing the Subject Line “Sustainable Kingston Chief Operating Officer Application”.
Deadline for applications is February 16, 2021.