Youth, Climate Change, Sustainable Development

Position: Executive Director
Organization: Finance Engage Sustain
Location: Anywhere in Canada, this is a virtual, work-from-home position

• Eligbility: Between the ages of 18 to 30 at the start of the job placement.
• Position: Full-time, permanent
• Number of positions: 1
• Pay Scale: $70,000 - $85,000, depending on experience
• Start Date: December 16, 2024 (projected)
• End Date: This position does not have a definite end date.

ABOUT FINANCE ENGAGE SUSTAIN (FES)

The Finance Engage Sustain (FES), is a youth-led and youth-serving sustainable development organization and Canadian registered charity. As the final generation that can solve climate change, FES empowers young Canadians to create a more inclusive, fair, prosperous, and sustainable future. FES’ intended impact is to see to it that by 2030, Canada is implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies compatible with a climate-resilient future, through the influence and action of young leaders. To do so, FES deploys three programs:

The Youth Harbour. A youth-for-youth climate support system that provides financial and technical support for youth-led organizations and youth organizers. Mainly, FES pools philanthropic funds, redistributes funds to youth, and provides administrative support. In addition, FES offers various other support services to youth leaders such as branding support, co-working spaces, and coaching.

N:OW for Net-Zero. An educational program that provides youth and educators with the necessary tools, connections, and resources to implement net-zero-related activities in their local communities.

SDGs LAB. A program geared for educational institutions, to introduce students to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and its strengths, implications, and compatibility with local contexts.

POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Director is someone who can get people excited about an idea and get behind it — a self-aware and humble young leader to assemble Board members, advisors, and staff to balance the weaknesses and magnify the strengths. We are looking for a thoughtful system-thinker who can deeply understand our world in all its complexity of global, regional, and national patterns across sectors and then translate that understanding into practical, tangible, impactful, real projects on the ground. We are looking for a results-obsessed, execution-oriented, learning-hungry visionary who can get stuff done.

The Executive Director is the key management leader of Finance Engage Sustain (FES). The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

This position is complemented with support from a Managing Director. While the Managing Director is primarily responsible for internal and operational tasks, it is the responsibility of the Executive Director to guide strategic direction and be the face of the organization to key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advocacy.
  • Represent the organization in advocacy efforts to promote the mission and goals of the charity across multiple stakeholder groups.
  • Build and maintain relationships with government officials, policymakers, and community leaders.
  • Develop and implement advocacy strategies to influence public policy in favour of youth development and climate action.
• Board Relations.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the board of directors and the organization.
  • Assist the board in setting strategic direction and policies with the support and direction from committees.
  • Ensure effective communication and reporting to the board on organizational performance and key issues.
• Communication.
  • Perform as the key communication lead for the organization, including the design of external strategy and executing the strategy publicly and strategically.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive communication strategy to enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation.
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization.
  • Oversee the creation of communication materials, including newsletters, reports, and press releases.
• Culture Champion & Team Management.
  • Lead and manage the organization’s staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team, and supporting the Managing Director in upholding organizational culture and policies.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture that reflects the values and mission of the charity, leading efforts to build and maintain a strong sense of community within the organization.
  • Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for staff members.
  • Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of employees.
  • Promote an environment of collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Strategy Development and Executive Leadership.
  • Provide visionary leadership to the organization, setting the strategic direction and ensuring alignment with the mission.
  • Lead the emerging development and execution of the organization’s strategic plan, continuously assessing and adapting the organization’s strategy in response to changing circumstances and opportunities.
  • Inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.
  • Monitor and evaluate the implementation of strategic initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Financial Management.
  • Oversee the financial health of the organization, ensuring sound financial practices and stability.
  • Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Managing Director and board of directors.
  • Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Fund Development.
  • Lead the organization’s fundraising efforts, including major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support organizational growth and sustainability.
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with donors and funding partners.
• Governance.
  • Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain and update organizational policies and procedures.
  • Oversee the organization’s risk management efforts and ensure effective internal controls.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, volunteers, and community members.
  • Engage stakeholders in meaningful ways to support the organization’s mission and goals.
  • Represent the organization at community events, meetings, and conferences.

The role of the Executive Director is emergent and other duties may arise as part of the organizational head.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Qualifications*:

• A profound depth of understanding in meaningful youth engagement is required.
• Leadership experiences in both high school and post-secondary are highly preferred. Entrepreneurial experiences – both successes and failures – are valued very highly.
• Experience and knowledge in every province and territory are valued highly.
• Strong command in both French and English is valued highly.
• Between the ages of 18 to 30 at the start of the job placement.

Other Technological Qualifications:

• Experience working with Slack, Monday.com, Salesforce, G-Suite, and Quickbooks is highly preferred.

Projected Timeline

• Applications Open – September 25, 2024
• Applications Close – November 12, 2024
• Round 1: Interviews* – November 19 - 29, 2024
• Round 2: Assignment* – December 3 - 6, 2024
• Decision – December 9, 2024
• Onboarding – Until January 31, 2024

*Compensation may be given to all candidates that participate in Round 2 assignments.

To apply for this position, please send a copy of your resume and a cover letter (no more than 4 pages total) to admin@fesplanet.org with your name and the job title as the subject by November 12, 2024 @ 11:59PM PT.

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

FES does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by federal, provincial, or local law. FES encourages applications from equity-deserving groups, minorities, womxn, and all other qualified applicants.