About the David Suzuki Foundation

We find solutions for living within the limits of nature. Through a combination of sound science and active public engagement, we seek to motivate Canadians to take action on the environmental challenges we collectively face. Our Foundation is an independent charity, supported by over 30,000 donors from across Canada and abroad. With headquarters in Vancouver and offices in Toronto and Montreal we address issues from coast to coast to coast, in both official languages. With the support of scientists, academics, progressive businesses, governments, non-governmental organizations and tens of thousands of Canadian we aim to achieve this vision: That within a generation Canadians act on the understanding that we are interconnected and interdependent with nature, and with each other. You can learn more about us at www.davidsuzuki.org

The David Suzuki Foundation hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equality and diversity within its community and to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Position Title:

Director General, Ontario & Northern Canada

Terms:

Full-time position

Based at our Toronto office

Reports to:

CEO

Job status:

D - Director

Description:

This is a senior leadership role with significant organizational leadership responsibilities for creating social change in Canada towards a vision of positive environmental awareness and action. Reporting to the CEO and working with a highly motivated management team and board of directors, you are responsible for the strategic development and management of DSF’s work in Ontario and Northern Canada. You also hold responsibility for integrating this work within DSF’s national mandate and for delivering a productive and high quality work experience for your team.

Responsibilities:

1. Programmatic leadership:

You are responsible for the strategic direction and effectiveness of DSF’s work in Ontario and Northern Canada.

· In consultation with DSF program directors, you are responsible for guiding DSF’s regional agenda and overseeing the development and implementation of programs that support the objectives established in DSF’s strategic and annual plans.

· Establish a strong profile in the region’s key communities to promote understanding of DSF’s goals and objectives. Act as DSF’s key regional spokesperson and present DSF’s position on issues and activities as appropriate to media, foundations, government, corporations and communities. Accept speaking engagements to advance DSF’s work.

· Ensure that DSF’s aim to be a truly national organization is reflected in regional projects to the extent possible. Present DSF’s regional work in forums across Canada.

2. Strategic leadership and management:

You will be a driving force for envisioning and facilitating DSF’s long term development through the success of your department and in collaboration with the CEO and management team and Board. You demonstrate aligned values, good judgment, solid ethics and appropriate care and discretion in all your dealings.

· Sponsor regional projects and broker integrated DSF contribution to regional projects and activities.

· Build trusting, collaborative and productive working relationships to deliver integrated strategic results and further organizational development.

3. Integrated team leadership and fundraising:

· Work collaboratively with leaders across DSF to support the development of your team members’ careers as experts, project leaders, volunteer managers and as public spokespeople. In time, develop a diverse and representative regional staff team and network of volunteers.

· Abide by DSF employee policies in a consistent and fair manner and with support of the HR Director as needed. Facilitate and draw upon the value of dotted-line reporting of regional staff to core service and expertise leaders within DSF.

· Contribute to effective internal communications and maintain two-way communications with DSF staff across Canada.

· Apply sound relationship stewardship and knowledge management practices to support the continuity and evolution of DSF’s regional impacts and potential.

Education and Experience

Advanced degree or equivalent in a natural, social or political science discipline required. Ten years leadership experience in a programmatic or related function required, with at least five years’ experience leading a high performing cross-functional team; preferably within a non-profit context. You are politically astute and are very well connected to a regional network of community constituents, influencers and donors in Ontario and Northern Canada. You are an exceptional communicator and can effectively negotiate and inspire internal and external contribution to your team’s work.

Sound knowledge of political landscape and social change context of sustainability related work in Canada required. You have experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations and are knowledgeable about and have respect for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). English, French bilingualism preferred; other language skills are an asset.

Skill set

· Understands public policy and the political dynamics in which a high profile organization with broad-based stakeholders functions. You possess the political savvy required to reach out to policy makers and affect the policy-making process.

· You have demonstrated success in leading a cross-functional advocacy team or organization that is aligned, engaged and able to achieve transformative change on social or sustainability initiatives. You have the stature, presence and credibility to represent DSF in high profile situations and to gain the respect of staff, funders and external stakeholders.

· Your values fit with DSF’s mission, as demonstrated through your work and/or community involvement to date. You are principled and seek to explore and demonstrate what it means to live sustainably. You believe that integrity, trust, ethics, respect, consistency, teamwork and collaboration are critical to both personal and organizational success. You have the strength of character to manage conflict and challenge in an open and honest manner.

· You are an engaging, self-confident, self-aware, diplomatic individual with an open and collaborative style. You thrive on a high level of interaction with others; a natural networker. You are able to engage and build rapport with a wide range of political, media, environmental and corporate leaders. Proactively reaches out to others to make them feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

· You are an articulate and clear communicator with highly effective presentation and active listening skills. Can assess a situation to determine appropriate tone and messaging. Is comfortable in many settings – academic, non-profit, government/policy, corporate and community. Combines excellent oral and written language skills.

· You have exceptional leadership and strategic planning abilities, including experience investigating unstructured and highly complex sustainability challenges involving technology, human and/or programmatic issues.

· Demonstrated ability to manage the operations side of a program, including budget management and project management. Experience leading projects within a matrix organizational structure is preferred.

· You have excellent storytelling skills; you are able to translate and promote the relevance of sustainability to everyday challenges we collectively face.

· Superb written and spoken English language skills required. French language skills are a definite asset.

Please submit your cover letter and your resume online and submit your application by going to http://www.davidsuzuki.org/about/employment/ the position will be open until it is filled. Rolling interviews will be conducted as soon as qualified applications are received.

We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.