ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
The Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) is a community developed farmer delivered conservation program. It is a voluntary program which helps farmers return marginal and environmentally sensitive farmland into native vegetative cover and wetlands for the production of ecosystem services. ALUS Canada supports the delivery of the ALUS program across the country.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
As a member of the ALUS team the successful candidatewill support the implementation of the national ALUS business model. The incumbent will mobilize emerging ecosystem market funds and support policy development, they will foster business partnerships and lead grant and fundraising in the west. This position is ideal for an individual with a background in business, marketing, policy development and an interest in sustainable agriculture, ecosystem services and valuation, and the role of business in sustainability.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Business Development:
Lead the development of emerging consumer and commercial for ALUS ecosystem services.
Stay current on general EG&S policy and approaches in the west, and Canadian EG&S policy and approaches that effect markets for ecosystem services.
Support the development of the value proposition for the measurement, valuation, and verification of ecosystem services arising from ALUS projects.
Foster business partnership and relationships leading to fund development for ALUS Canada long term.
Research market opportunities and develop appropriate communications materials.
Lead the marketing of the ALUS conservation credit, representing the stacked ecosystem services provided by ALUS projects to potential partners.
Policy Development:
Network with research and policy partners at the local, provincial and national level, agencies, and individuals pertaining to market development areas.
Fund Development:
Lead fund and grant development for ALUS in western Canada.
Research grant and funding opportunities pertaining to key business development and market research areas.
Support fund development initiatives for the regional and community ALUS programs.
SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCE:
University education or equivalent in Business Administration, Commerce and/or Marketing or equivalent.
Demonstrated experience in business and marketing preferably related to agriculture or natural resource management.
Knowledge of municipal, provincial, and federal legislation and regulations governing ecological goods and services, agriculture and natural resources.
A strategic thinker familiar with the role of business and sustainability, sustainable business models and able to work productively in a complex environment.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects and activities and meet required deadlines.
Experience writing funding proposals, grant applications and reporting.
Excellent skills in public relations, communications, relationship building and ability to network with diverse partner organizations.
MUST HAVE:
Thorough understanding of the practices relating to the field of business and marketing.
Knowledge of ecosystem valuation and ecological goods and services concept.
Proven ability to work as a member of a team and in situations without direct supervision.
Good communications, administrative, negotiation and organizational skills.
Excellent word processing skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel.
Must be aware of safe working practices for volunteers, partners and self, and must have a basic understanding of the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
A valid Ontario Driver’s license.
Working environment and compensation
Normal working hours are Monday to Friday; 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week.
Compensation is commensurate with experience and education.
Based in Calgary, opportunity to work from home.
This is a one year contract from date of hire with the possibility of extension subject to funding.
Please submit your resume and cover letter (Microsoft Word or Adobe pdf) to:
lbishop@alus.ca
by 5pm, September 4, 2015.