FOREST MANAGEMENT & CONSERVATION

Hiring: Executive Director
Organization: Medway Community Forest Coop. and Nova Scotia Working Woodlands Trust
Location: Caledonia, Nova Scotia / Hybrid (40 mins from Bridgewater)

THE POSITION:

The MCFC and NSWWT are working in tandem to recruit a new Executive Director to serve both organizations.

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the MCFC and NSWWT according to the mission and objectives set by the membership and the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors (BoD) for each organization.

PRIMARY DUTIES INCLUDE:

Leadership and governance

• Participate with the Boards of Directors (BoD) for the MCFC and NSWWT in developing a vision and strategic plan with long-term goals and objectives to guide the organizations.
• Foster effective teamwork between the BoD and the ED and between the ED and staff.
• Identify, assess, and inform the BoD of internal and external issues that affect the organization and act as a professional advisor to the BoD on all aspects of the organization’s activities.
• Oversee the development of programs and projects (e.g. HWA) including business planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs and services to support the strategic directions of the organizations.
• Lead relations with the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables in negotiations, funding, administration and other activities related to the MCFC Crown land License Area.

Forest Management (MCFC)

• Provide oversight to ensure all forestry operations are undertaken effectively, and management of the license area is reflective of MCFC mission and objectives.
• In coordination with the General Manager, support development and updates to the MCFC Management Plan.
• In coordination with the General Manager, oversee the administration of tenders and contracts related to all forestry activities.

Nova Scotia Working Woodlands Trust

• Oversee the development and execution of landowner engagement, marketing campaigns and NSWWT’s land acquisition strategy.
• Engage and facilitate working sessions with woodlot management partners
• Participate on the Family Forest Network Steering Committee, or work with the Land Trust Manager to ensure participation.
• Provide oversight for the development of legal agreements and contracts.
• Engage with carbon developers and develop the framework for a carbon pilot project.

Hemlock Conservation Program

• Ensure treatment rollout each year to meet set targets for protected area hemlocks.
• Provide oversight on the hiring and training of strike team crews and the Hemlock Heroes Volunteer Program.
• Oversee outreach and education initiatives and events to ensure MCFC branding/alignment.

Human resources, financial planning and community relations

• Supervise staff deliverables and provide support with work planning.
• In coordination with Managers, execute project management for all consulting contracts and provide oversight for the execution of smaller grant-based projects.
• Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery in consultation with the BoD Executive Committees.
• Oversee the implementation of human resource policies, procedures and practices, and the development of job descriptions and contracts for all staff.
• Establish a positive, healthy, innovative and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.
• Work with the BoD and its committees to develop annual budget, sound bookkeeping and secure adequate revenue (and funding where necessary) for the annual operation of each organization.

• Maintain and establish good working relationships and partnerships with a variety of stakeholders to help achieve the goals of the organizations.
• Organize and facilitate AGMs, special meetings of the membership and stakeholder meetings as required.
• Oversee the annual outreach program, including newsletters, in-person events, and social media and help with execution as required.

EDUCATIONAL & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Relevant University degree in natural resource studies, forestry, environmental studies, biology or similar.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in management/leadership role.
• Familiarity with the principles of ecological forestry, forest carbon offsets and private woodlot management.
• Nova Scotia Class 5 Driver’s license or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong preference for individuals with some experience working in the forestry sector on Crown lands and familiarity with applicable acts, regulations and special management practices.
• Experience with land acquisition, conservation easements or similar private land protection mechanisms.
• Experience managing budgets of at least $250,000
• Experience managing staff and fostering a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of software including Microsoft 365 and database/project management and human resources programs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exceptional reasoning, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Alignment with the vision and mission of the MCFC and NSWWT.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Compensation: Salary will be commensurate with experience, starting at $70,000. Compensation is based on a 37.5-hour week, will include occasional evening and weekend work.

Submission: To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter to info@medwaycommunityforest.com . Applications must be submitted electronically as a single PDF and will be accepted until the position is filled. Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

The MCFC and NSWWT are equal-opportunity employers and encourage applicants from a diversity of backgrounds or who self-identify as part of an underrepresented group to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information visit: https://www.medwaycommunityforest.com/blog/join-our-team-executive-director-1