Strategy Lead, BC Improved Forest Management

nature; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Nature United invites a Strategy Lead, BC Improved Forest Management (IFM) who is a strategic, collaborative, and systems-minded leader to guide our IFM strategy in British Columbia. This role drives forest management transformation to support a resilient forest-based economy while advancing Nature United's 2030 goals in BC.

The position emphasizes First Nations partnerships, policy alignment, and cross-team collaboration with ecology, conservation, and government stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience leading conservation or forestry strategy.
• Proven ability to work with First Nations and government partners.
• Strong systems thinking and cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead IFM strategy in British Columbia and align with 2030 goals.
• Define and refine Theory of Change for IFM strategy.
• Coordinate with policy, partnerships, and operations teams.
• Represent Nature United to ENGOs, funders, and governments.
• Oversee budgeting, planning, and risk management for the strategy.
• Build an inclusive, high-performing team culture.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Systems thinking

Collaboration

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together: Flexible in British Columbia, Canada

Nature United is seeking a Strategy Lead, BC Improved Forest Management (IFM) who is a strategic, collaborative, and systems minded leader to guide our IFM Strategy in British Columbia. This role will drive efforts to transform forest management across the province to support a resilient forest-based economy while advancing Nature United's 2030 improved forest management and conservation goals in BC. This includes work aimed at aligning conservation and forest management with the needs and interests of First Nations, strengthening resilient local economies, and prioritizing biodiversity and ecosystem health in land use and management decision making. The Strategy Lead, IFM will be responsible for leading the team advancing this work in British Columbia and working collaboratively with other Strategy Leads and interdisciplinary teams to ensure alignment and amplify impact.

There are two main components to the IFM strategy:

1. A portfolio of place-based projects where Nature United partners directly with First Nations to support conservation and improved forest management. These projects generate real world models, learning, and evidence about what works-and what does not-as well as create outcomes in place that benefit people and nature;


2. The strategy is complemented by work to strengthen the enabling conditions required for change at scale. This includes shaping supportive policy, advancing innovative financing solutions, and cultivating strong relationships with First Nations, government, the forest sector, NGOs, and other key partners.

This role is ideal for a systems thinker who understands both the technical and relational dimensions of conservation and forest management. The Strategy Lead, BC IFM will help chart a new path for BC's forest-based economy and secure critical conservation outcomes towards Nature United's 2030 goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

Strategy Leadership and Direction

Reporting to the BC Program Director, this role will lead the Improved Forest Management (IFM) Strategy to transform forest management in British Columbia and advance Nature United's 2030 goals.

Provide overall strategic direction for IFM, including ownership and refinement of the IFM Theory of Change through periodic strategy reviews.

Performance and Adaptive Management

Work with the metrics team to define success indicators and implement systems for tracking progress toward 2030 IFM goals.

Identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities across conservation, forestry, climate, policy, and Indigenous rights, and adjust strategic direction accordingly.

Partnerships, Policy, and External Alignment

Collaborate with Nature United's strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and communications teams to align IFM strategy with priorities of First Nations, governments, the forest sector, and funders.

Partner with the BC Policy Advisor to advance enabling policy conditions that support Indigenous-led conservation and improved forest management.

Represent Nature United's IFM Strategy internally and externally, building support among ENGOs, funders, governments, and industry partners.

Portfolio Integration and Cross-Team Coordination

Work closely with the BC Conservation Portfolio Manager, Forest and Climate Strategist, and other Strategy Leads to ensure alignment, foster learning, and improve implementation.

Foster integration across strategies and geographies, including collaboration with Emerald Edge and Columbia Basin programs, to strengthen organizational learning, align priorities, and scale conservation impact.

Finance and Operations

Collaborate with the BC Program Project Manager on budgeting, work planning, risk management, and adaptive management systems.

Team Leadership and Culture

Leads the IFM team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture that supports growth, creativity, and wellbeing.

Travel (approximately 10-20%) and work flexible hours as required.

We're Looking for You:

Are you looking for work you can believe in? Nature United is a workplace where we care about each other and know that what we do matters, and that our work makes a difference. We're looking for someone who can lead the implementation of our IFM strategy, and work closely with the existing team. This person will represent Nature United's work for a variety of internal and external audiences critical to the success of this strategy. The ideal candidate would have demonstrated experience in conservation, forestry, and have experience working with and across: First Nations, governments, industry and the conservation sector. Lastly, we're looking for someone who has an affinity for systems thinking and sees the opportunity for change.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by supporting the work of our team. Join us as we impact conservation across British Columbia, Canada and 80+ countrie