Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region, Ontario

Position: Executive Director
Organization: Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network (FABN)
Location: Ontario (Hybrid). Periodic travel required within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region (e.g., Kingston, Frontenac, Brockville, and surrounding municipalities).

Hours: Part-time (24–32 hours per week) with the goal of moving to full-time
Start Date: April 2026

The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network (FABN) is a not-for-profit organization responsible for administering the UNESCO-designated Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region.

Spanning approximately 2,700 square kilometres in southeastern Ontario, from Kingston to Brockville and from the St. Lawrence River to Westport and the Rideau Lakes, the Frontenac Arch is a region of global ecological significance. FABN works collaboratively with local communities, Indigenous partners, governments, researchers, and organizations to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through education, stewardship, research, and knowledge-sharing.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) provides strategic, operational, and relationship-focused leadership for FABN during a period of organizational transition and opportunity. The ED will play a central role in strengthening FABN’s financial and operational sustainability through proactive fundraising, partnership development, and strategic growth.

The ED is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, stewarding a small and dedicated staff team, and working closely with the Board of Directors. As FABN’s senior staff member and primary spokesperson, the ED will balance high-level strategy with hands-on execution, ensuring the organization remains resilient, relevant, and impactful within the biosphere region and beyond.

This role is well suited to a collaborative, values-driven leader who is passionate about conservation, community-based action, and systems-level thinking, and who is comfortable working in a hybrid environment with a mix of strategic oversight and hands-on execution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to guide the organization through transition and ensure strong governance.
• Collaborate with the Board to advance strategic priorities, with a focus on long-term financial sustainability and organizational resilience.
• Provide clear, timely reporting to support informed Board decision-making and effective governance.
• Oversee risk management, organizational compliance and UNESCO requirements.
• Support the review and implementation of organizational policies, procedures, and governance practices in collaboration with the Board.

Organizational & Team Leadership

• Lead and support a small staff team, fostering a collaborative, flexible, and values-driven culture.
• Operate effectively within a lean organization, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on support as needed.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and support recruitment and onboarding of staff, contractors, or consultants in collaboration with the Board.
• Responsible for people management and HR best practices.

Financial Management & Fundraising

• Lead the development and implementation of a diversified fundraising and revenue strategy.
• Work with the Board to identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, memberships, donations, partnerships, and earned revenue.
• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow management, and grant administration, ensuring accountability and compliance.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as FABN’s primary ambassador and spokesperson, building strong relationships with communities, Indigenous partners, members, donors, funders, FABN Advisory Council, and government.
• Strengthen and expand FABN’s network of partners and collaborators across the biosphere region.
• Represent FABN at meetings, events, conferences, and public forums.

Program Oversight & Impact

• Provide strategic oversight of FABN programs to ensure alignment with UNESCO biosphere principles, review requirements, and community needs.
• Support evaluation and reporting on program outcomes and organizational impact.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience leading or contributing to organizational change, strategic growth, or transition within a nonprofit or community-based organization.
• Minimum of five years of senior-level experience in a nonprofit, environmental, community-based, or related organization.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, sponsorship development, or business development.
• Experience with financial management, budgeting, and organizational planning.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and support staff and volunteers.
• Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Directors.
• Experience working in partnership with Indigenous organizations and communities.
• Strong understanding of, or willingness to learn about, conservation, environmental sustainability, and community-led initiatives related to local ecology.

Skills & Attributes

• An enthusiastic and inspiring, relationship-oriented leader who aligns with FABN’s values of collaboration, curiosity, inclusivity, and stewardship.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to balance big-picture thinking and hands-on work.
• Strong organizational skills, including prioritization, time management, and follow-through.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid role with the ability to work primarily from home.
• Periodic travel required within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region (e.g., Kingston, Frontenac, Brockville, and surrounding municipalities).

Compensation & Employment Equity

This is currently a part-time position (24–32 hours per week), with the intention of growing to full-time as organizational capacity allows. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The salary range, on an annualized full-time basis, is $65,000 - $80,000.

The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all its work. We work proactively to be fair and equitable in practice and welcome applications from women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons, which in turn builds diversity into our teams, programs and services.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known ahead of time.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to: hr@fabn.ca

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Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.