Executive Director, Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation

Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation; Newmarket; Hybrid; CAD 129,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, overseeing governance, revenue generation, and financial stewardship. You will build relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders to advance the Foundation's mission while ensuring regulatory compliance and strong governance.

The role reports to the Board, leads staff and volunteers, and drives fundraising campaigns to support environmental and educational initiatives in the Lake Simcoe

Qualifications

• University degree in business, economics, social science, or related discipline.
• CFRE designation considered an asset.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge and experience in fundraising, campaigns and donor engagement.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead governance by developing and monitoring the Foundation's strategic plan with the Board.
• Oversee staff recruitment, performance management and volunteer engagement.
• Drive revenue generation through grants, gifts, major campaigns and events.
• Ensure financial accountability, budgeting, reporting and regulatory compliance.

Education

University Degree

CFRE designation (asset)

Tools

Fundraising databases (Blackbaud e-Tapestry)

WordPress

Social media

Job description

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (the Conservation Authority), an internationally recognized leader in watershed management, has a vacancy for the position of:

Executive Director, Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation

Full Time

Newmarket, Ontario

Annual Salary Range: $129,195.23 - $151,140.15

The Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation (Foundation)is a registered charity whose mission is to raise funds for the environmental and educational initiatives of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority that lessen the impact of climate change and inspire action. Established in 1973, we inspire people and organizations to become connected to a healthier local environment. Our vision is of a healthy, resilient Lake Simcoe and its surrounding land that will enrich our lives for generations to come

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership to advance the Foundation’s mission, overseeing governance, people and volunteer management, revenue generation, financial stewardship, and stakeholder relationships. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads the implementation of the Foundation’s strategic priorities and fundraising initiatives while ensuring strong governance, financial accountability, and regulatory compliance. The role builds meaningful relationships with donors, community partners, the LSRCA, and other stakeholders to grow the Foundation’s impact.

Key Responsibilities

Governance

• Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Foundation’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board and key partners.
• Support effective governance by developing policies, facilitating Board meetings and strategic sessions, and ensuring appropriate Board orientation, records, and documentation.
• Monitor strategic and operational risks, developing mitigation strategies and recommendations for Board consideration and approval.
• Ensure the Foundation operates in compliance with applicable legislation, legal requirements, and Board-approved policies.
• Foster transparent and effective communication with the Board, Conservation Authority, and other stakeholders regarding the Foundation’s priorities, activities, and achievements.

People and Volunteer Management

• Lead, coach, and mentor staff, ensuring effective performance management, professional development, training, and access to the resources needed for success.
• Develop annual work plans, prioritize resources, and allocate staff and program capacity to achieve the Foundation’s objectives.
• Lead staff recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluation, and staffing decisions, including identifying future resource needs.
• Provide leadership and support to the Board of Directors and its committees, including recruitment, orientation, and ongoing engagement of Board members.
• Develop and oversee effective volunteer management practices and ensure the Foundation’s governance documents and regulatory filings remain current and compliant.

Revenue Generation

• Lead the development and implementation of revenue generation strategies and annual targets aligned with the Foundation’s strategic priorities.
• Oversee diverse fundraising programs, including grants, individual and corporate giving, major gifts, campaigns, and fundraising events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, community partners, and other stakeholders to cultivate and grow philanthropic support.
• Ensure effective fundraising policies, donor stewardship, recognition, communications, and confidential donor records, including compliance with CRA requirements.
• Lead major fundraising campaigns and initiatives, engaging campaign leadership, volunteers, and stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals and strengthen long‑term donor relationships.

Financial Management

• Oversee the Foundation’s financial management, including fundraising revenue, expenditures, disbursements, financial reporting, and accountability to the Board and Finance Committee.
• Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating, fundraising, and campaign budgets to support strategic priorities.
• Lead the annual Conservation Authority funding application and disbursement process, ensuring appropriate review, approval, reporting, and accountability for funded initiatives.
• Oversee the preparation and audit of annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting and charitable reporting requirements, including CRA filings.
• Provide oversight of the Foundation’s investment and asset management practices, ensuring policies are regularly reviewed and support the protection and responsible management of Foundation assets.

What you offer

• A University Degree in business, economics, social science or related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years previous senior‑level not‑for‑profit management experience.
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation considered an asset.
• Strong relationship‑building, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and customer service skills.
• Knowledge and experience in fundraising and campaign development, implementation, and donor engagement.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, including supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Strong analytical, research, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, with sound judgement and the ability to anticipate and address issues.
• Demonstrated political acumen and understanding of governance and protocols within conservation authorities, municipalities, and provincial government.
• Strong financial management, budget planning, project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with creativity, initiative, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, fundraising databases (Blackbaud’s e‑Tapestry), WordPress, and social media.

Learn more about the Foundation

https://lakesimcoefoundation.ca

Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation Strategic Plan

Start Date

November 2026

Hours of work

35-hour work week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm

This position is eligible to apply for hybrid work.

Some evenings and weekends required for events.

The Conservation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the Conservation Authority will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you are contacted regarding this competition and you require disability related accommodations, please inform Human Resources.

This job advertisement is for an existing vacancy. All personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.We thank all applicants for their interest in the Conservation Authority; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.