Outdoor school, Nonprofit leadership

Position: Co-Director – Finance, Fundraising and Governance
School: The Guelph Outdoor School
Location: Hybrid – Guelph ON

Type: Full Time - One year term with the possibility to become permanent for the right candidate
Salary: $58,000.00 - $61,000.00

About The Guelph Outdoor School (GOS)

Guelph Outdoor School was born in the fall of 2012 as a solution to a growing constellation of unmistakable needs.

A non-profit, service organization, GOS outdoor immersion and mentorship programs have come to be recognized as an effective option at the intersection of mental health, education, and community well-being. GOS programs for kids are central and run throughout the week, during school hours. GOS also runs adult workshops and courses, delivers in-school programs, and hosts special events, field trips, and popular summer programs.

Mission
Guelph Outdoor School aspires to provide accessible, immersive, nature-based education that nurtures curiosity, connection, and stewardship. We offer transformative programs that support youth, families, and educators in developing skills for resilience and well-being. Through play, mentorship, and experiential learning, we cultivate a thriving community where people of all ages feel safe, valued, and inspired within the natural world.

Vision
A world where all people build deep, lifelong connections to nature and community. Through accessible outdoor learning and mentorship, Guelph Outdoor School fosters resilience, belonging, and a recognition of our interdependence with and responsibility to care for all life.

About the Role

The Guelph Outdoor School is seeking a Co-Director to join our team. This is a director level position that will work collaboratively with our existing Director of Programs and Development and share responsibility for the organization's overall leadership, sustainability, and integrity.

Together, you will collectively steward the mission, support staff and instructors, ensure program excellence, and guide the organization through its next stage of growth following a transition in founding leadership.

While the existing co-director focuses on the following areas: program quality & pedagogy, training & staff experience, community partnerships, and fundraising; the incoming co-director will focus on systems, financial oversight, non-profit governance, fundraising and grants, and organizational function, growth, and stability.

Process
This position will start as a 1 year contract to ensure the relationship is the right fit for both the organization and the candidate. The onboarding we will be engaging in will be intentional and slow, with regular check-ins, feedback and room for growth.

In the first year the focus will be on Listening and Building Trust: Getting to Know Each Other. This will happen through a transfer of organizational historic knowledge, rooting within community culture and relationships with your team and the land, building a shared leadership understanding, and working towards predetermined benchmarks to ensure professional abilities related to the role.

If after the first year both parties determine that the relationship is a good fit the candidate will be hired on in a permanent full time position capacity and engage in a two year onboarding process that will lead to full autonomy and authority within the role.

Key Responsibilities

Non-Profit Governance

• Ensure excellence in non-profit function (bylaws, board meetings, AGM)
• Support board development, and engagement
• Support implementing the move to attain Charitable Status

Financial Stewardship and Oversight

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal stewardship
• Support and manage a small finance team
• Develop and implement financial policies and financial reporting processes for board meetings

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Development and coordination of fundraising plan
• Identifying and applying to granting opportunities
• Stewardship of monthly and major donors

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Lead and support working groups within the portfolio of this position (finance and fundraising)
• Coordination and implementation of Organizational Objectives and Key Results (OKR’s)
• Coordination and creation of annual, grants, and special reports

Community Stakeholder Relationships

• Support land based partnerships
• Collaborate in the coordination of parent and volunteer committee
• Collaborate in building and stewarding community partnerships

Relevant Skills and Experience

• 3-5 years of nonprofit or senior leadership experience
• 3-5 years experience working within nonprofit financial and fundraising systems
• Strong project and team management skills
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and non profit governance
• Strong fundraising, granting and campaign knowledge and skills
• Collaborative leadership style and strong communication skills
• Alignment with the mission and values of the organization
• Relevant education possibilities that are an asset: diploma, certificates, degrees in Management, Leadership, Finance, etc.
• GOS values lived experiences and acknowledges at times it is as valuable as degrees, diplomas, etc.

Prioritization

This position is open to all qualified candidates. GOS strives to attract, develop, and retain talented staff from diverse backgrounds, allowing the children, families, and communities we serve to benefit from and celebrate a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. People from diverse, traditionally underrepresented, and marginalized communities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to a hiring process that is inclusive and barrier-free. If you require accommodations at any point, please let us know.

How to Apply
Link Here for Application

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Application Deadline: March 6th, 2026 @ 5pm

GOS will be hosting interviews between February 23rd, 2026, and April 3rd, 2026

Thank you to all candidates for your interest. Only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment.