Program Director in Ontario, Ontario at The Nature Conservancy of Canada

Position details: Full-time, permanent

Position title: Program Director

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Program Director to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

NCC is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, we have brought people together to conserve and restore more than 20 million hectares across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

NCC recognizes that we work on lands that have long been cared for by Indigenous Peoples under their own laws and knowledge systems. We are committed to transforming how we do our work, advancing Reconciliation through conservation, and working with Indigenous Peoples in meaningful, respectful, and supportive ways.

Position Summary

The primary focus of the Program Director is to develop and implement effective land conservation strategies to protect the Ontario’s natural features. Core functions of this role include being an NCC ambassador in northern Ontario, fostering strong partnerships with conservation organizations and industry alongside Indigenous and local communities in support of NCC’s conservation goals. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in partnership development, a keen understanding of the northern Ontario geography and strong organizational skills to manage complex conservation projects and budgets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Identify and Implement Conservation Strategies

• Oversee land conservation programming to Identify opportunities for land securement on private lands, as well as other effective conservation measures on non-private lands, assessing resources required, and determining the case for conservation;
• Guide staff and undertake landowner contact and negotiations for long term protection of priority private lands in consultation with the Director of Conservation;
• Support the development and implementation of conservation landscape plans by working with a broad range of partners;
• Support conservation beyond NCC properties such as providing input on land use, forest management and protected area plans;
• Support staff in land management actions needed to maintain or improve the conservation values of land NCC cares for.

2. Business Development and Fundraising

• Work with development staff to cultivate meaningful supporter relationships with NCC;
• Collaborate with staff to support fundraising from both existing NCC donors and new prospects, including individuals, businesses, foundations, governmental sources, and non-governmental organizations;
• Support related administration, and the creation of content for conservation projects to aid in development, marketing and communications activities;
• Manage land conservation grants with the support of development and finance staff.

3. Community and Partnership Liaison

• Act as an ambassador and NCC spokesperson in northern Ontario for external relations and communications to build awareness and support for the conservation programs of NCC and its partners (e.g. public speaking, meetings, donor tours, media relations);
• Support and lead the development and maintenance of key partner relationships – industry, provincial government, Indigenous Nations and organizations, conservation groups, and communities – to achieve strategic conservation goals.

4. Manage the overall program and financial administration activities

• Lead business planning process for securement activities, including developing and managing work plans and budgets, and support stewardship planning and budgeting;
• Lead on reporting of key metrics in accordance with program goals and budgets
• Other related duties as assigned by the Director of Conservation

Position Requirements

• A degree or diploma in environmental sciences or related discipline; equivalent experience in northern Ontario industry, partnerships or other related fields that meet position criteria will be considered;
• Exemplary organization, planning, communication (written and verbal), and project management skills;
• Flexibility, reliability, self-motivation, and ability to work both independently and as a leader within a broader team;
• A strong communicator, with an ability to explain complex topics in simple terms; experience in negotiation is valuable;
• Entrepreneurial, with a strong ability to seek and implement new opportunities to advance conservation goals;
• Previous experience working with landowners (negotiating land deals) and Indigenous Peoples is an asset;
• Must be prepared to travel and work flexible hours at times;
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, experience with GIS and Conservation Standards is an asset;
• A commitment to conservation and a love of nature;
• Possessing NCC’s core values: Big Thinking, Collaboration, Determination, and Empowerment;
• Bilingualism is an asset.

Application Deadline

November 8, 2026 | 11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

At NCC, we're committed to providing a healthy, safe, barrier free and inclusive, workplace, where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We strive for bold conservation achievements in which equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are the norm. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. NCC implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, contact us by email at hr@natureconservancy.ca to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at hr@natureconservancy.ca.