The Opportunity

As we face twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, Nature Canada is working hard to ensure government action to follow through on their commitments to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, as well as protect 30% of Canada’s land and oceans by 2030. Nature Canada has always been about the love of nature, but we are at a moment in history when science is clearly telling us that we are undermining the conditions of life on Earth. We aim to be a part of reversing that trend and need a Policy Director who is passionate about shaping public policy, affecting government decision making, influencing the media landscape, and ensuring our voice is heard by the right people.

Organization

Nature Canada connects the dots between local action and systemic change. A charitable organization, for more than 80 years, we have been Canada’s voice for nature. We work to ensure that solving the biodiversity crisis is a government priority. We advocate on behalf of other species for habitat protection and good policy. We facilitate mobilization among our extensive network of partners and individual nature-lovers to achieve our shared goals and generate the political will for needed transformation. We recognize that Indigenous-led conservation is vital to the success of defending and restoring nature.

Job Summary

This position is right for you if:

• You have experience in government relations, especially on environmental issues.
• You are a campaigner at heart who wants to make change.
• You are an excellent project manager.
• You have strong opinions on best practices but also know how to compromise and collaborate in a team-based environment.

Based out of our Ottawa office, the Policy Director will oversee Nature Canada’s government relations work on protected areas, nature-based climate solutions, reforestation and oceans work, among other things. This will include strategic leadership within and outside of the organization to define priorities and to chart pathways to achieving them. You will help form partnerships with First Nations and NGOs, liaise with government officials at all levels, and work with teams within the organization to execute activities that help Canada meet its goal of halting and reversing nature loss.

The Policy Director reports to the Executive Director, is a member of our Management Team, and works closely with all program staff. We are an organization that emphasizes collaboration.

Description of Duties

In your role as Policy Director, you will oversee all of Nature Canada’s government relations (primarily at the federal level). Your primary responsibilities shall include:

Work with senior Nature Canada staff to develop strategic pathways for protected areas, halt and reverse, reforestation, nature-based climate solutions, environmental law, genetically engineered animals, and other files;

Providing strategic leadership within and outside of the organization to define Nature Canada priorities;

Provide policy support to all teams within Nature Canada, including communications & development staff and the nature network organizers, to develop strategies to support priority campaign areas;

Participate in efforts to enhance Nature Canada’s anti-racism policies and reconciliation strategy;

Forge and maintain partnerships with First Nations, government agencies (Federal and Provincial), NGOs, and other actors to move forward our policy agenda;

Represent Nature Canada in a variety of coalition spaces and work within those coalitions to advance shared policy goals;

Conduct earned and social media work (as needed).

Summary of Qualification and Experience

When assessing your application, we will look for:

• Relevant higher education and/or experience, at least 10 years
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically about policy and government relations;
• Demonstrated skills in working within coalitions;
• Direct experience with media;
• A strong, clear writing style;
• Strong interest in nature/environmental issues;
• Fluency in English. French an asset.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $90,000-110,000/year, depending on experience, with a benefits package that kicks in after a 3-month probation period.

To Apply

To apply for this position, please send a resume and a cover letter describing your motivations for applying and why you are suitable for this job to info@naturecanada.ca with “Policy Director job application” in the subject line.

Deadline March 20, 2023

We thank all candidates for their interest, but we will only contact those selected for an interview.

We encourage applications from members of equity-seeking groups. Nature Canada is committed to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment and intimidation where everyone can participate safely, freely and confidently.