Chief People Officer, Nature Conservancy of Canada

2022-10-04

ORGANIZATION:                          Nature Conservancy of Canada

POSITION:                                       Chief People Officer

LOCATION:                                     Flexible (major Canadian urban centre)

POSITION DETAILS:                    Full Time, Permanent

REPORTS TO:                                 Vice President, Corporate Services

DIRECT REPORTS:                       Manager Human Resources, Manager Employee Engagement, Manager Payroll & Benefits, Manager Health & Safety

WEBSITE                                          https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/

THE ORGANIZATION

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain.

As a non-profit, charitable organization, NCC works in partnership with individuals, Indigenous partners, corporations, governments, and other non-profit groups to protect Canada’s most important natural treasures and deliver nature-based solutions. NCC takes a collaborative and evidence-based approach to delivering its mission to create a legacy for future generations by conserving important natural areas and biological diversity across all regions of Canada.

Since 1962 NCC and its supporters have protected 15 million hectares (more than 35 million acres) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. The organization has over 400 employees across the country and revenue of $170 million. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

THE POSITION

Taking care of the environment has never been more important than it is today. NCC is looking for a Chief People Officer to join a team committed to protecting Canada’s most important natural areas that sustain all life.

The Chief People Officer (CPO) reports to the Vice President, Corporate Services and works closely with a highly motivated team of Executives, Senior leaders, and Regional Vice Presidents. Key to success in the role is the ability to provide effective strategic leadership to the HR function which is the critical foundation of NCC’s ability to reach its bold goals for growth and environmental leadership as set out in its strategic plan for 2022 – 2030.

The CPO drives HR best practices and initiatives and has accountability for talent management, coaching and learning development, organizational design and change management, performance management, succession planning, total rewards, and employee engagement. The CPO is also a key partner in advancing and fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace, working closely with other senior leaders and the EDI Advisory Committee.  Having direct oversight of a team of HR professionals, the CPO is responsible to lead, assess, mentor and support team members to ensure daily HR operations are handled in a timely and appropriate manner.  The CPO is empowered to make data-driven decisions and deliver transparent and people first programs.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in the leadership and management of Canada’s leading conservation organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic

  • Working closely with the VP, Corporate Services and CEO, develop a People strategy that aligns with the overall organizational strategic and business plan framework resulting in a high-performing culture of success and accountability, and embodying our values of Determination, Big Thinking Collaboration and Empowerment.
  • Optimize and refine delivery of key processes, activities, and programs.
  • Provide guidance and recommendations on compensation philosophy, HR analytics & reporting, and HR program design, implementation and change management.
  • Lead and support special projects in conjunction with the VP, Corporate Services, and the Governance, Nominating and Human Resources Committee.

HR Functional Leadership

  • Coach, mentor and guide the HR team.
  • Manage staff resources for highest efficiency and effectiveness, including setting, enabling, and assessing performance and development objectives.
  • Develop annual work plans and budgets and manage them effectively.

Talent Management & Total Rewards

  • Work with the VP, Corporate Services and Executive Team to ensure a competitive approach to talent acquisition that encompasses recruiting best practices.
  • Develop and strategically manage search firm relationships to support select hires across Canada as needed.
  • Support employment and contract negotiations on prospective new hires.
  • Coach People managers on recruitment and on-boarding processes.
  • Oversee compensation practices and philosophy including regular salary benchmarking and surveys providing timely and data-driven recommendations.
  • Enhance the job evaluation methodology and effectively manage the process from end to end.
  • Ensure the competitiveness of NCC’s benefit plan design and manage provider relationships to ensure cost efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Oversee the exit interview process to ensure that any issues or concerns raised are communicated appropriately and learnings incorporated for continuous improvement of employee experience.

Performance Management & Succession Planning

  • Lead the implementation and ongoing development of NCC’s performance management process and system (Reflektive), including the integration of newly developed behavioural competencies.
  • Provide support and advice to People managers on performance management issues and the development of performance improvement plans.
  • Lead the implementation of a comprehensive organizational succession plan including training and supporting senior leaders on the associated tools and process.

Employee Engagement

  • Partners with senior leadership to develop and monitor action plans to improve employee engagement as measured by the annual engagement survey.
  • Manages the annual survey and communication plan.
  • Develops and presents relevant updates on employee engagement initiatives in various forums.
  • Manages concerns raised by employees, escalating where required to provide timely and relevant responses.

Learning & Development

  • Lead the development of learning and development programs for all staff in support of NCC strategic objectives.
  • Develop and implement leadership development plans for executive and senior leadership roles.
  • Identify “emerging leaders” and other high potential employees for specific development plans and support this ongoing process.
  • Support and enhance NCC’s intern program and ensure that appropriate training and support is provided.

Health & Safety

  • Work closely with Operations leaders to develop a robust health and safety program that ensures NCC complies with the various provincial health and safety legislation across Canada.
  • Ensure that the Health & Safety program, which consists of training, policies and safe work best practices, are developed and maintained to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and accidents.
  • Ensure that all managers, supervisors, and employees understand their responsibilities in ensuring a safe workplace for themselves and their coworkers, including interns and volunteers.
  • Conduct or coordinate the investigation of all workplace violence and harassment complaints in accordance with legislative requirements.

Organizational & HR Effectiveness

  • Work closely with IT and other stakeholders to develop a roadmap for appropriate and scalable HR tools and resources to support NCC’s growth.
  • Ensure HR policies and procedures are initiated, updated, and appropriately communicated to guide HR practices, including compliance with provincial employment legislation.
  • Develop strong relationships with People Managers across the organization and provide effective counsel and support.
  • Identify and report on key metrics that lead to impactful reporting, analysis and recommendations for executive management.
  • Develop data-informed business cases and utilize data to understand and articulate the tradeoffs for decisions.
  • Advise executive and senior leaders on relevant compliance and employment law and introduce best practices to effectively manage organizational risk.
  • Conduct timely and effective investigations of employee issues as required.
  • Ensure the effective management of payroll processes and systems.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in progressive HR leadership roles which have encompassed strategy development, organizational effectiveness, talent and performance management and leadership development.
  • Experience in developing and implementing large scale HR programs, initiatives, and systems.
  • Strong technical knowledge of current HR legislation across Canada.
  • Senior level experience managing HR compliance in a complex organization.
  • Excellent managerial, planning and project management skills.
  • Experience in a national organization with a decentralized business model would be an asset.
  • A genuine passion and connection to nature, with a strong commitment to the cause and mission of NCC.
  • Understanding of the subtleties of working in a senior capacity with a large non-profit organization, including the need to influence and lead leaders, build functional relationships, and provide superior support to staff in their delivery of effective operations.
  • Bilingual in English and French is an asset.
  • University degree in a relevant field required; CHRL or CHRE certification highly desired.
  • A limited amount of travel within Canada will be required.

CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

  • A proven leader with the ability to think strategically as well as lead operationally.
  • Creative problem solver with sound judgement in identifying solutions to complex HR issues.
  • Collaborative, yet able to make and move decisions forward.
  • Possess a positive energy, optimism, and belief in NCC’s work.
  • Commitment to NCC’s conservation goals that address biodiversity and climate change.
  • Results focused, determined and adaptable.
  • Able to effectively balance multiple priorities and projects.
  • Excellent service orientation, interpersonal, facilitation, conflict management, and coaching skills
  • Outstanding communication skills, coupled with highly refined influencing and negotiation skills.
  • Demonstrated flexibility to multi-task in an environment with changing demands and priorities.
  • Analytical skills to support data driven decision-making.
  • Able to encourage, mentor and motivate team members while demonstrating respect and trust as a manager.
  • Culturally sensitive with high emotional intelligence (EQ).

COMPENSATION

Salary range: $150,000 to $170,000 annually plus a competitive benefits package and flexible workplace

program will be provided.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply by email with your cover letter and resume by no later than Wednesday, November 9th, 2022. Send to: NCC@searchlightpartnersgroup.com

NCC is an equal-opportunity employer and committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We strongly support and value diversity in the workplace. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, and individuals from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply.

We thank applicants for their interest, however; only those advancing in the process will be contacted.