JOB OPPORTUNITY

Position: Executive Director
Organization: Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society
Location: Calgary, Alberta

The Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society

Between the time the park opened in 1975 and the early 1990s, Calgary's population had grown by more than 160%. As the city grew, Fish Creek Provincial Park (the "Park") began to suffer the effects of increased use. In 1992, Park staff began collaborating with a small group of citizens at the Environmental Learning Centre at Shannon Terrace to raise awareness about conserving the Park. The Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society (the "Friends") was established in 1992 and incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization in 1993. In the late 1990s, the Friends moved into its current location in the Cookhouse at the Bow Valley Ranch.

Today, the Friends work with Park management, over 300 volunteers, and more than 800 members, sponsors, donors, and community organizations to deliver programs, courses, and events in the Park. The Friends deliver programs within the spirit of a Cooperating Agreement as directed by the Friends' strategic plan and in support of the articles of the Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (the "AEP") mandate.

The Friends cooperate and partner with AEP to encourage appreciation of Alberta's natural and cultural heritage. Subject to the Minister's approval, the Friends support, develop, deliver, fund, and sponsor educational and recreational activities and resource management and research programs to achieve positive social, environmental, and community outcomes for Canada's second-largest urban park.

Job Title: Executive Director ("ED")

Position Overview: The ED is responsible for leading and managing the Friends' overall operations, supervising a small staff that includes sector specialists. The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors (the "Board") and oversee reporting requirements to grant providers and funding bodies. The role involves strategic planning, financial management, program development, and public relations to ensure the Friends' mission and objectives are met effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management:

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Friends.
• Manage and mentor a small team, including recruitment, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Oversee the administration of the Friends' compensation and benefits program and payroll and ensure the availability of IT resources and tools necessary to support staff and operations.

Board Relations:

• Facilitate and prepare for bi-monthly meetings with the Board.
• Provide regular updates and reports on organizational performance and strategic initiatives.

Financial Oversight:

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget to ensure financial health and sustainability.
• Seek funding opportunities and oversee fundraising (including through grant submissions).
• Oversee reporting requirements for grants and funding providers, including the annual provincial grant.

Program and Project Management:

• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Friends’ ecological and conservation programs.
• Ensure programs align with organizational goals and effectively address environmental and educational objectives.

Public Relations and Outreach:

• Represent the Friends in public forums, media, and community events.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and other organizations.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
• Prepare and submit reports to grant providers and other funding bodies as required.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a leadership role within the not-for-profit sector.
• Solid leadership skills, including a strong track record of leading, mentoring and supervising a small but skilled staff group.
• The ability to provide clear direction to staff in guiding operations while recognizing the skills of sector specialists.
• The ability to lead a team with patience and resiliency.
• Able to work independently, be flexible, innovative, self-motivated, diplomatic, and a problem solver.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and solid presentation skills.

• Excellent skills in fund development, member recruitment and retention, financial management and office administration.
• Experience with board governance.
• Well-developed organizational, time management, public relations, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams; and experience working with IT professionals to ensure the strategic deployment of computerized resources.
• An eagerness to connect with the Friends' dedicated community of volunteers.
• A love of people, communities, and the environment.
• An environmental or ecological background in the Canadian context would be invaluable.
• Any of the following would be an asset: diploma or degree in non-profit management; CAE (Certified Association Executive) or CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive); a university degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field; previous experience in grassland and riparian restoration.

To apply, please e-mail your resume and a brief covering letter to:
hr@friendsoffishcreek.org
subject: Executive Director

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