Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors

Locaon: At home with occasional travel to Carleton Place

Employment Type: Part-time, Contract

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the manager of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Foundation (the Foundation), a registered charity dedicated to protecting and restoring the natural environment in the Mississippi River and Carp River watersheds. The ED provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational excellence to advance the Foundation’s mission of fostering sustainable ecosystems, supporting environmental education, and empowering communities to carry out environmental stewardship projects.

The ED works closely with the volunteer Board of Directors to implement the new strategic plan, run the Foundation’s operations, build brand awareness, develop partnerships, and expand the donor network.

The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, a background working in the environmental non-profit sector, a successful track record in fundraising and grant wring, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

WHY WORK FOR THE FOUNDATION?

• Grow the Organizaon. The Foundation’s new strategic plan is focused on donor growth, particularly in the Otawa, Carleton Place, and Mississippi Mills areas.
• Meaningful Work Experience: Through grants, the Foundation contributes to the success of environmental stewardship and education projects that have a meaningful impact on the Mississippi and Carp River watersheds and its residents.
• Professional Development: Network with other environmental non-profits, community organizations, businesses, and the Conservation Authority across 11 municipalies in Eastern Ontario, including the City of Ottawa.
• Free access to Conservation Area locations in the watersheds.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A key first task is to secure sustainable, multi-year funding for the ED posion, with the potential to grow it into a full-time and salaried position if merited by an increase in the scope of the Foundation’s donor base and grant-making capacity.

1. Leadership
   • Develop and execute a plan to implement the Foundation’s strategic plan. Report progress for Key Performance Measures.
   • Develop partnerships that advance the Foundation’s fundraising and environmental goals.
   • Promote the Foundation’s brand and reputation as a trusted environmental funder.
   • Prepare the Foundation’s annual report, a public-facing document.
   • Support diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and across its partnerships.
   • Ensure compliance with all legal, ethical, and operational standards.
2. Operations
   • Carry out the day-to-day operational funcons of the Foundation.
   • Develop and administer fundraising campaigns. Lead fundraising strategies, including grants, major gifts, and collaborations with other foundations, NGOs, and the private sector.
   • Oversee grant making programs that support environmental stewardship, biodiversity, education, climate adaptation, conservation science, and community-based environmental initiatives.
   • Manage and grow the Foundation’s digital presence and brand awareness; develop website, social media content, and mail outs.
   • Culvate relationships with donors, partners, and government agencies to advance environmental iniaves.
   • Evaluate program effectiveness and ensure measurable outcomes.
3. Governance and Board Relations
   • Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, providing clear communication, informed recommendations, and regular updates.
   • Implement policies and decisions established by the Board, ensuring transparency and accountability.

4. Financial Stewardship

• Oversee fiscal management, including budget preparation, financial reporting, and investment oversight (with support from the Foundation’s treasurer).
• Work with the Board and investment advisors to maintain the Foundation’s longterm financial sustainability.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in environmental science, public policy, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Experience in environmental philanthropy, nonprofit management, or sustainability sectors, ideally in a leadership posion.
• Proven success in fundraising, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong understanding of environmental issues such as conservation, climate change, and sustainable development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, and organizational operations.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire diverse audiences.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• The contract is for one year at 20 hours (2.5 days) per week.
• Potenal for renewing part-time position or expanding into full-me position after first year.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
• Work from home with occasional travel to Carleton Place and stewardship sites in the Mississippi River and Carp River watersheds.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a résumé, cover letter writen by you, and three professional references to careers@mvc.on.ca by May 31, 2026. AI-generated responses will not be accepted.