Position Summary
Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) is a registered charity with a mission to protect environmentally significant land throughout our region. Our objective is the effective conservation of priority natural areas within the TTLT area of interest and associated habitat and species targets, focusing on private land securement and stewardship based on good science. We are looking for a permanent Executive Director to provide dynamic leadership in the development and implementation of a well-funded, community-based land conservation program that aligns with TTLT’s strategic plan. This is not just a managerial position. Our Executive Director will have the flexibility and autonomy to build their own job, creating a vision for TTLT and driving it forward with the support of staff, committees, and the Board of Directors. We are looking for someone who excels at building relationships, has a passion for conservation and is and up for a challenge!
This position will be responsible for: identifying and developing new opportunities to advance strategic plan goals; managing staff; developing and managing annual operational plans and budgets; furthering the development of TTLT’s financial and organizational capacity; taking a lead role in fundraising and major donor cultivation; building partnerships within local communities, other organizations and government agencies; communicating regularly and effectively with communities, agencies and existing or prospective partners; leading land securement negotiations and overseeing conservation planning and property stewardship work.
Working with TTLT means flexible working hours, an office located where you can enjoy nature on your breaks and a close-knit team of passionate people to work with!

Major Duties and Responsibilities
Management
Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to deliver priority activities as outlined in the Strategic Plan including measurable targets and deadlines;
Supervise TTLT staff to ensure goals and performance targets are being met; perform staff performance evaluations; and maintain good working conditions for staff;
Oversee all programs and activities of TTLT including the day to day operations of the office, maintenance of records, and monitoring of legal requirements of TTLT;
Work with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to prepare an annual budget for review and approval by the Board and appropriate committees;
Support governance work of the Board; and participate in board and committee meetings, as appropriate;
Hire and train new staff and/or contract workers in accordance with TTLT policies and federal/provincial laws;
Be alert to potential issues and opportunities that may affect TTLT and ensure that proactive positions are taken; and
Facilitate the development of new programs as outlined in the strategic plan and annual work plan.

Development and Fundraising
Develop funding priorities and oversee fundraising activities, including sponsorships, campaigns, planned events, grant writing, and planned giving/legacy gifts;
Identify, cultivate, and request funds from both existing donors and new prospects, including individuals, businesses, foundations, government sources, and non-government organizations;
Work collaboratively with the Membership and Marketing Committee to ensure the growth and broadening of TTLT’s member base, including both individuals and organizations; and
Monitor and evaluate progress in meeting TTLT’s fundraising objectives and ensure that funds are available to meet annual and long-term program and operational plans and commitments.
Community and Partnership Liaison
Build awareness and support for the conservation programs of TTLT and its partners;
Represent TTLT in external relations and communications functions, including public speaking, meetings, and media relations; and
Foster and maintain positive, productive and open relationships with donors, supporters, private and public landowners, volunteers and local planning authorities, through personal contact, webinars and workshops, newsletters and other innovative approaches.
Property Securement

Develop land securement strategies for TTLT’s area of interest and develop partnerships to promote land conservation;
Implement land securement projects with support of Land Securement Committee;
Work with landowners, appropriate professionals, partners and agencies to ensure smooth land conservation transactions; and
Develop and implement fundraising initiatives to support land securement projects.
Conservation Planning & Stewardship
Oversee the development and implementation of conservation plans at a natural area level as well as property management plans and other stewardship planning activities; and
Support fundraising efforts for stewardship project implementation.
Skills and Aptitudes

Required
Passionate about the cause and mission of the Thames Talbot Land Trust;
A degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of five years of related management experience;
Demonstrated ability to manage staff and/or volunteers;
Demonstrated experience in making public presentations;
Capable of easily communicating and building relationships with a wide range of people from the public and private sectors;
Project management skills, including excellent problem solving, planning and organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage timelines effectively;
Flexible, reliable and self-motivated, and able to work both as a leader and as part of a team;
Proficiency with MS Office; and
Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours at times (e.g. attendance at evening committee meetings, weekend events).

Beneficial
Prior experience with not-for-profit management;
Prior experience with fundraising;
A solid understanding of land conservation issues, real estate, tax and conservation law, and conservation incentive programs; and
Prior experience with database and GIS software.

To Apply
If you are interested in joining our team, please email your resume along with your cover letter in one file (MSWord or PDF only, with the file named your last name followed by your first name) to president@ttlt.ca and refer to “TTLT Executive Director” in the subject line.
You must also fill out this brief eligibility survey in order for your application to be considered: https://forms.gle/2nGQbQWSXeKgfPP57
Applications are due by midnight on Saturday, February 20, 2021.