Vice President, Corporate Services, Nature Conservancy of Canada

2021-10-27

ORGANIZATION: Nature Conservancy of Canada

POSITION: Vice President, Corporate Services

LOCATION: Flexible (major Canadian urban centre)

POSITION DETAILS: Full Time, Permanent

REPORTS TO: President & CEO

DIRECT REPORTS: Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO), Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Executive Assistant/Office Manager, Corporate Counsel

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

THE ORGANIZATION

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s leading private land conservation organization.  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 partners have helped to conserve more than 14 million hectares (35 million acres), from coast to coast to coast. The organization has over 400 employees across the country and a current annual budget of $150 million.

We know there has never been a more important time for nature, nor a greater need for the mission of the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Beyond the pandemic, there are two global crises — dramatic biodiversity loss and climate change. These two powerful forces will mark the decade through 2030. Nature conservation is an integral response to both. Canada has adopted ambitious targets to contribute to global efforts. NCC recognizes that we have an imperative role to play, for the sake of our communities, our country and our planet. Our work must also be situated in the context of societal issues and events. Understanding this context, including a commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and an appreciation and support for equity, diversity and inclusion, also informs our vision for the years ahead.

THE POSITION

Taking care of the environment has never been more important than it is today. NCC is looking for a Vice President, Corporate Services (VP) to join a team committed to protecting Canada’s most important natural areas that sustain all life.

The VP reports to the President and CEO and works closely with a highly motivated team of Executive Vice-Presidents, senior leaders and the Regional Vice Presidents. Key to success in the role is the ability to provide strategic leadership and operational effectiveness to national support functions including finance / treasury / audit, administration, information management / technology, human resources / talent management and legal / intellectual property and insurance / risk management. The incumbent is a member of the Executive Management Group.

The VP is responsible for managing these centralized National services to ensure the highest standards of professionalism and a reputation with regard to NCC’s business processes. This position works closely with the President and CEO to coordinate the business planning process, manages the financial and business progress towards achieving these plans, and manages NCC’s risk management program. The position requires a candidate with strong financial acumen and relevant experience in HR and IT.

A new strategic plan for 2022 – 2030 sets out bold goals for environmental leadership with a strong emphasis on the growth of the organization. As part of the Executive Management team, the VP will be at the forefront of this important initiative and involved in its strategic execution.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance/Treasury/Investment/Audit

  • Compliance with all standard operating procedures, best practices, external audit, funder agreements and Federal / Provincial government contribution agreements.
  • Report on progress on financial and business objectives for all business units.
  • Manage the annual business planning and budget process.
  • Manage NCC’s financial investment strategy, including providing operational direction to external investment advisors.
  • Ensure appropriate banking relationship and agreements with internal and external financing available for business needs, as required.
  • Support the National Investment Committee in its oversight role of NCC’s endowment and investment portfolio and provide operational direction and support to external investment advisors.
  • Support the Audit and Risk Committee in its oversight role of NCC’s financial and risk management.
  • The VP supports and represents management on the Board of Directors’ Audit & Risk Committee and Investment Committee, while contributing to other Board committees as required.

Business and Strategic Planning

  • Advocate for investing in and/or reallocating resources to specific areas/projects, recommend and implement measures to improve effectiveness in service delivery and organization.
  • Manage Board reporting and analysis of progress on business plans and key performance indicators.
  • Monitor and review internal business unit performance, with recommendations to address any areas of concern.
  • Contribute to strategic planning and risk assessments.
  • Provide change management leadership to optimize support tools and foster efficiencies in a growing organization.

Information Management & Technology

  • Ensures adequate information processes, systems, and strategies to support the current and future mission of NCC.
  • Provide oversight on IT initiatives and projects, following approved project plans and budgets.
  • Ensure that operational IT and user requirements are supported efficiently and effectively.
  • Ensure that national technology service vendor agreements and contracts are appropriate to business needs.

Human Resources/Talent Management

  • Develop a culture that promotes collaboration and empowerment, drives engagement, and maximizes NCC’s commitment to EDI.
  • Ensure effective recruitment, orientation, training and development of staff and volunteers.
  • Oversee classification/grading, employee performance management, compensation and benefits.
  • Facilitate succession planning and leadership development.
  • Ensure the NCC’s talent management strategy is appropriate for the current and future business needs of the organization.

Legal/Intellectual Property and Insurance/Risk Management

  • Monitor legal issues and make recommendations concerning the commencement and management of legal action where warranted or necessary, including oversight of internal counsel and engagement of/liaison with external counsel.
  • Support the corporate risk management plan and ensure ongoing risks are monitored, reported and mitigated.
  • Manage corporate insurance policies.
  • Act as NCC’s Privacy Officer.

Corporate Office Administration

  • Manage contracts and approvals as delegated by the President and CEO.
  • Responsible for the planning of office space and entering into leases across the country.
  • Oversee the administration and operations of NCC’s national offices.
  • Maintain and seek continuous improvement in NCC’s corporate and management policies, procedures, guidelines and standards.
  • Manage external relationships with bankers, investment advisors, legal counsel, auditors, consultants, and suppliers.

A limited amount of travel within Canada will be required.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum 10 years of strong, strategic leadership, managing multi-departments that may include some or all of the following: finance, administration, information management and technology, human resources and legal, insurance/risk management and intellectual property.
  • Experience in a national organization with a decentralized business model would be an asset.
  • Familiarity with or an understanding of investment strategies.
  • A solid understanding of accounting and financial management principles, along with proven ability to manage financial risks.
  • Senior level experience managing compliance in a complex organization.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing and managing strategic plans, business plans, contractual agreements, and budgets.
  • A genuine passion and connection to nature, with a strong commitment to the cause and mission of NCC.
  • Some experience in a field related to NCC’s business, such as real estate, community planning, development, project management, or environmental consultancy or law would be an asset.
  • 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 the line, staff and sales functions.
  • Excellent managerial, planning and project management skills.
  • Bilingual in English and French is an asset.
  • University degree in a relevant field required; MBA or CPA designations an asset.

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 business 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.
  • 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 analyze markets, information and trends, anticipate implications and suggest alternative solutions and recommendations.
  • Able to encourage, mentor and motivate team members while demonstrating respect and trust as a manager.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package including base salary and benefits will be provided.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply by email with your cover letter and resume by no later than Friday, December 10th, 2021. 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.