Environmental philanthropy, grantmaking 

JOB POSTING

Position: Environment Program Director
Organization: Metcalf Foundation
Location: Toronto, Ontario

Salary: $150,000 to $160,000
Work Arrangement: Full-time, Hybrid
Deadline: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

The Metcalf Foundation is one of Canada’s leading private foundations. Our mission is to enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to help Canadians imagine and build a just, healthy, and creative society. Our work is primarily focused on:

• advancing economic dignity and prosperity for low-income people and communities in Toronto;
• working with leaders across Canada to safeguard lands and waters for generations to come; and
• supporting individuals, organizations, and field building in the performing arts.

We believe that change happens when we share hopeful visions of the future, work and learn collectively, and think broadly in pursuit of comprehensive solutions. The issues we work on can be complex and interconnected. We partner with a range of philanthropic peers and sector leaders to collectively push into new spaces, building movement and momentum around emerging insights, ideas, and opportunities.

We are a small but mighty team: we work closely together, pay keen attention to both strategy and detail, and love the work, issues, and people we engage with. We are seeking a new Environment Program Director.

About the Environment Program

Our Environment program is focused on strengthening the political, economic, and leadership conditions for conservation to thrive in Canada. We advance this work by supporting a mix of complementary approaches including producing timely research and analysis, convening around shared goals, piloting new approaches, collaborating for greater impact, building awareness to inspire action, and seizing windows of opportunity. Central to this is support for Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship.

About the Role

This role provides a unique opportunity to shape and lead a notable philanthropic program and advance conservation efforts across Canada through strategic leadership, partnership development, and systems-level impact. The Environment Program Director holds primary responsibility for the vision, strategic development, and implementation of all aspects of the Environment program, and contributes to Metcalf’s broader mission and mandate including the Fellowship program and other cross-foundation initiatives.

We are looking for a person who is curious, enthusiastic, experimental, generous, ambitious, and thoughtful. They will demonstrate sound, mature judgment and confidentiality. We seek an outstanding colleague who can drive results in this important area of work.

Team and Reporting

As a core contributor to Metcalf’s team, the Environment Program Director reports to the President & CEO and works closely with the other Program Directors, the Communications Manager, and other staff members. They also regularly engage with external partners, including Indigenous leaders, environment sector representatives, philanthropic colleagues, all levels of government in Canada, and other stakeholders.

Compensation and Work Mode

This is a full-time, permanent position, with a salary range of $150,000 to $160,000, plus health, RRSP contribution, and other benefits. Metcalf has a hybrid work environment with three days per week in the office. The role requires periodic travel across Canada, including occasional trips to remote regions.

Key Responsibilities

The Environment Program Director will have a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including daily management and strategic oversight of the Environment program and Metcalf Environment Fellows (when applicable).

Program Strategy, Management, and Implementation

• Implement, assess, and refine the Environment program focus and strategy to ensure it remains relevant and is effectively meeting the program’s goals
• Work constructively with applicants, grantees, and partners to develop applications and support ongoing relationships
• Provide clear and concise communication to the President & CEO and the Metcalf Board of Directors on grant proposals and recommendations
• Maintain oversight and control of the Environment program budget
• Inspire, support, and provide direction to staff, advisors, and fellows in their roles, as needed
• Identify emerging issues, trends, and potential strategic responses within the Environment and Metcalf Fellowship programs
• Work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-sector context on complex issues, facilitating progress towards tangible results and solutions

Collaboration, Leadership, and Network Development

• Expand Metcalf’s leadership by convening a variety of leaders who are advancing conservation efforts across Canada
• Encourage and participate in collaborative efforts, particularly those with philanthropic colleagues, that cross sectors and build broad alliances
• Nurture and develop existing and new relationships with a wide range of organizations and individuals to advance Metcalf’s mission and programmatic goals, and expand our networks
• Collaborate and build relationships and partnerships with all levels of government in Canada
• Proactively connect issues, people, ideas, and organizations to advance the Environment program strategy and Metcalf’s mission and mandate

Communications, Research, and Policy

• Work with the President & CEO and the Communications Manager to ensure the program’s public communications objectives are met
• Develop and oversee research and policy initiatives
• Prepare and deliver clear communications to external audiences and the Metcalf board and staff regarding Environment program activities
• Foster broad awareness of Metcalf and the Environment program among external stakeholders such as funders, governments, nonprofits, academics, and other prospective partners

Organizational Development and Learning

• Collaborate with Metcalf’s board, President & CEO, and staff to realize the organization’s broader vision and mission
• Work in cooperation with other Metcalf program areas to develop and support integrated grantmaking practices and approaches
• Contribute to the alignment and management of cross-foundation programs such as the Fellowship program

• Help build and contribute to Metcalf’s culture and values of collaboration, learning and reflection, innovation, and risk-taking
• Actively monitor and assess new and innovative approaches in the sector that can enhance Metcalf’s impact

Key Qualifications

The Environment Program Director should have knowledge of the dynamics, networks, initiatives, and actors in the environment sector in Canada. This includes experience with, or an understanding of, public policy change processes. Ideally, they will possess the following skills and experience:

• At least eight years of relevant work experience with significant knowledge of the issue areas in which the Environment program is focused; previous grantmaking experience is an asset
• Bachelor’s degree; a Master’s degree related to the environment sector is an asset
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a small team; an effective team player with a positive outlook
• Excellent verbal and written communications; an effective communicator in many settings
• Strategic and analytical thinking skills with the ability to conceptualize the characteristics and evolution of an issue and devise effective responses
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience including the ability to build strong relationships and collaborative partnerships
• High level of energy and passion for Metcalf’s mission, programs, and role within the philanthropic landscape
• Excellent research and policy development experience
• Ability to plan, take initiative, and work creatively; excellent project management skills and experience, and attention to detail
• Judgment in organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines
• Works effectively across multiple issues as it relates to both programmatic content and broader social change processes
• Flexible and enthusiastic approach to work; ability to adapt to changing circumstances and shifting priorities
• Proficiency in basic financial management; Microsoft Office (Mac) functions (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint/OneDrive, Teams/Zoom

• Knowledgeable in philanthropy and of the sectoral issues in Metcalf’s other programmatic areas is an asset

Application Process

Qualified applicants are invited to submit the following:

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) that addresses:
  • why you’re interested in Metcalf and how your work experience and skills would be an asset to the role and Metcalf’s broader mission; and
  • highlight two learnings from your past work experiences in the environment sector that would inform your approach to this role and/or contribute to your understanding of our Environment program.
• Your resume.

Please send your application to: info@metcalffoundation.com with the subject line “Environment Program Director Search” by Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 2:00 PM ET.

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We anticipate first interviews will take place the weeks of March 23 and 30, and second interviews the week of April 13, with the expectation that our new colleague would join our team in May. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Metcalf is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. We encourage Black, Indigenous, and racialized candidates, and persons with disabilities to apply. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise Metcalf of the accommodation measures, if required, which would enable you to be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.