Executive Director

Scout Talent; Okotoks; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on conservation is seeking an Executive Director in Okotoks, Canada. Ideal candidates will bring 3-5+ years of leadership experience, with skills in fundraising and community engagement, driving long-term sustainability and conservation initiatives at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Four weeks of paid vacation

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of progressive executive leadership and fundraising experience.
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting and risk management experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in securing operational funding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the organization's management, operations, and volunteers.
• Spearhead fund development efforts, including grant writing.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and community leaders.

Skills

Fundraising expertise

Public speaking

Relationship building

Education

Degree in Environmental Science or Business Administration

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

• Lead a passionate team in a truly inspiring setting, surrounded by nature every day
• Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and an office view that’s second to none
• If you thrive outdoors and enjoy connecting with people, this opportunity is made for you

About Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation

The Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park (GRPP) and other lands that possess an important heritage and ecological value. Established in 2007 by the Harvie Family, our Mission is to protect and promote Glenbow Ranch and Provincial Park through engagement, education, collaboration, and conservation. Our Vision is to make Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park one of the most inspiring, accessible, and healthy protected urban parks in North America.

GRPF values the diversity of the people we hire and serve. We strive to foster a workplace where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected. We work to fully develop and utilize each person\'s talents and strengths as we work together to protect and promote Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Open year-round, the 3300-acre Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is situated along the north banks and the Bow Valley Corridor escarpments between Calgary and Cochrane. As a native and active grassland, it is one of Alberta’s newest provincial parks, protecting various natural and cultural resources.

For more information, please visit https : / / grpf.ca / about /

About the Opportunity

• Are you a creative and forward-thinking leader with exceptional interpersonal and networking skills to foster collaboration and strategic partnerships?
• Are you a ‘big picture’ thinker who thrives on finding creative and practical solutions to complex problems?
• Do you have a passion for nature, environmental education, and conservation for future generations?

The Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation is seeking an experienced Executive Director to oversee the organization\'s management, operations, and volunteers in the provincial park and the visitors center.

As Executive Director, you will report to the board of directors and be responsible for fostering stakeholder relationships, overseeing financial planning and risk management, managing staff and volunteers, and ensuring compliance. The ideal candidate will have not-for-profit experience, familiarity with fund development including grant writing, and the ability to find and leverage opportunities to ensure the financial stability of the organization.

Your essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

• Aligning all public programs, events, and services with GRPF\'s mission, vision, and strategic plan
• Spearheading fund development efforts, including grant writing, reporting, and donor engagement
• Leading organizational strategic and business planning to drive long-term growth and sustainability
• Directing communications and outreach initiatives across newsletters, website content, social media, and media relations
• Overseeing donor- and grant-funded capital projects from planning through execution
• Building and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including Alberta Parks, landowners, tourism agencies, and community leaders
• Providing leadership for the volunteer program, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing development
• Partnering with the Education Director to deliver diverse programming, including camps, educational initiatives, guided tours, and conservation projects
• Collaborating with the Board of Directors and sub-committees to advance organizational priorities
• Overseeing core departments (conservation, education, visitor experience) and managing hiring, training, contracts, payroll, performance reviews, and team development
• Managing bookkeeping and partnering with the CFO to ensure financial health and sustainability
• Developing and presenting the annual budget to the Board of Directors
• Supervising contractors, including IT support and marketing service providers
• Representing the foundation on external committees, serving as a trusted ambassador
• Securing grant funding through persuasive, results-driven proposals
• Delivering keynote presentations and public speeches, advancing the foundation’s mission and inspiring conservation action

About You

To qualify, you must have 3-5+ years of progressive executive leadership and fundraising experience , with a proven ability to secure significant operational funding . You will also bring a strong background in one or more of the following fields : Environmental Science, Business Administration / Management, Ecotourism, Business Development, Youth Programming , or other relevant areas.

The following are required :

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle
• Ability to undergo a criminal record and vulnerable sector check
• Hold or ability to obtain First Aid Certification

The following attributes will be critical to successfully performing this role :

• Demonstrated expertise in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relationship management, with the ability to secure significant annual operational funding
• Established community networks in Calgary, Cochrane, or Rocky View (or the proven ability to build them quickly)
• Exceptional relationship-building abilities with donors, government bodies, stakeholders, and community leaders
• Skilled in impactful presentations and public speaking, with the confidence to represent GRPF publicly
• Proven ability to balance conservation priorities with promoting park usage, tourism, and community engagement
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting and risk management
• Effective leadership and team supervision skills, including managing and developing staff and volunteers
• Knowledge of not-for-profit governance and working productively with boards
• Background in conservation, land trusts, or environmental parks and programming (asset)
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office

As an impactful leader, you thrive in a solutions-focused team environment. As the park\'s steward, you bring a passion for nature and conservation, but view the position through a lens of donor engagement and community relationships. Your leadership of staff and volunteers allows you to concentrate on building connections, securing funding, and strengthening partnerships that sustain the park\'s future.

You will thrive in this challenging yet rewarding position as a true nature lover, motivated to be fully involved in the day-to-day operations and beauty of Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, while driving the fundraising and outreach needed to support its long-term growth and sustainability.

About the Benefits

As a valued member of our leadership team, you will be rewarded with a $95K–$110K annual salary, commensurate with skills and qualifications and negotiable for the right candidate, along with :

• Four weeks of paid vacation, plus one additional week during Christmas and New Year’s
• Competitive Health, Vision, and Dental benefits package
• Group RRSP with up to 4% employer match
• Annual Health Spending Account of $1,200
• Work in a stunning location with a fantastic view from the office and a chance to connect with nature every day

If you are looking for a challenging, yet rewarding career in a not-for-profit organization that builds meaningful connections within your community, this may be the role for you! Apply now!