Executive Director

Focus on Nature (FoN) is a small to medium size not for profit organization based in southern Ontario. FoN provides digital photography workshops for children through schools and camps. We focus on teaching visual literacy and environmental science through appreciation of the natural world. The organization was founded in Guelph, Ontario as a grassroots program and has since expanded across several school boards in southern Ontario. FoN now provides thousands of children with an immersive, outdoor learning experience each year.

FoN has an active Board of Directors with representatives from a variety of backgrounds and locales across southern Ontario. As a working Board, members participate on various committees including program planning, marketing, finance and human resources along with special ad hoc committees as required, as well as holding traditional Board governance responsibility. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and meet once a month for full Board of Directors meetings, in addition to the aforementioned working committees. It is expected that the Executive Director partners with the Board and these various committees in execution of their responsibilities.

Position Summary

Reporting to the President and Chair of the Board, the Executive Director (E.D.) is responsible for the leadership and management of Focus on Nature. The E.D’s main tasks are to increase program awareness, reach and scope, and build a sustainable organization capable of executing the strategic vision successfully. The E.D. is responsible for overseeing day to day administration and execution of the strategic plan leavers as agreed with the Board of Directors. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach to elevate the organization's impact and brand awareness. Aspects of the E.D. role can be completed remotely. However, the E.D. is expected to be the face of FoN to our communities and stakeholders, much of which will be done through an active in person presence, therefore the successful candidate must reside within FoN’s current regional footprint. FoN currently operates the following regions; Guelph, Waterloo, Halton, Hamilton, London, Niagara, Peel and Toronto. The E.D. position is a full time, permanent role with some weekend and evening work required.

Operational Management

• Responsible for oversight and management of successful onsite program delivery.
• Secures appropriate feedback on operational efficiency and provides recommendations for enhancement to the Board.
• Ensures all operational policies support organizational strategy and provide proper guidelines and efficient process through continuous review and proposal of new or amended policies by the HRC and Board.
• Responsible for safety and security of all FoN material and proprietary assets, including program content, hardware, and any personal information encompassing both employees and client data.

Financial Planning and Oversight

• Working with the Board of Directors and relevant committees/individuals responsible for developing annual budget and providing monthly updates on actuals to budget addressing gaps with actionable measures.
• Primary responsible for funding efforts and tracking, including locating new and creative sources of funding, managing the application process and tracking/reporting on status of activities on a monthly basis to ensure adequate cash flow to support program delivery and expansion.
• Working with the Board ensures legislative compliance including annual audits and related activities.
• Responsible for tracking and approving staff hours, expenses and payroll..

Organizational Leadership

• Ensures sustainable staffing and all aspects of workforce planning including hiring, training, developing staff aligned with program requirements and budgetary guidelines.
• Maintains a positive and safe culture which is inclusive and growth oriented, encouraging open and respectful feedback to address performance or people organizational issues as required.

Program Management

• Works with the Board of Directors and committees to continuously develop and expand program materials and delivery.
• Knowledge of similar programs and partnerships which can provide additional insight for expansion and program improvement and diversification.
• Secures feedback on program efficiency to support evidence based continued enhancement and growth of F0N offerings.

Community Relationships

• Ambassador of FoN within served communities, ensuring the organization’s reputation is maintained and awareness expanded.
• Acts as the main point of contact for served communities and clients, particularly within education and arts sectors, ensuring open lines of communication and rapid response to any issues which may arise.
• Promotes, develops and sustains effective partnerships in support of FoN’s strategic mission.
• Seeks opportunities to showcase and celebrate FoN’s student/participant photos within the broader community.

Governance and Risk Management

• Working with the Board of Directors and committees ensures FoNs compliance with all applicable provincial and federal legislation.
• Attends monthly virtual FoN Board of Directors meetings to provide E.D. report and contribute to strategic discussions.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility within Non-Profit Organizations, preferably with educational, arts or training focus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead remote teams.
• Understands how to work within financial parameters including adherence to budget and provides recommendations and actions to address funding and performance gaps.
• Experience working with children in group settings is desired.
• Grant application and fundraising experience is preferred.
• Exposure to the Arts would be an asset.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors would be an asset.

Education

• Preference given to candidates possessing a University degree with a diploma or degree related to FoN’s core functions i.e. education, arts, marketing, fundraising.

Skills

• Familiar with online platforms including Google, Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc.
• Experience in working on social media platforms.
• Knowledge of marketing platforms and web design desired.
• Self directed, able to work with minimal daily direction in a remote environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills supporting relationship building across a spectrum of employees, partners and community members.

All successful candidates must have the following:

• Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check.
• A valid Ontario drivers license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Able to transport equipment and other training materials to sites.

FoN provides an inclusive and purposeful working environment and the opportunity to lead a growing organization of likeminded professionals. We offer a competitive salary, personal development, paid vacation, Christmas break and paid provincial holidays.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to FoN-Hiring@outlook.com. Focus on Nature thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Focus on Nature is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who require accommodation should discuss their needs with us.