General Manager

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre’s mandate is to help in the conservation of Ontario’s wild turtle populations, and the habitats in which they live. We carry this out through a multi-pronged approach which includes a CVO- accredited hospital to treat, rehabilitate and release injured or ill turtles, a hatchling program, field work, and a comprehensive education program. Our volunteer program is extensive and is instrumental to our success.

POSITION TITLE:

General Manager of Non-Veterinary Programs, Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC)

Job Purpose

The General Manager of Non-Veterinary Programs is a new position that will be responsible for the successful leadership and management of all non-veterinary programs at the OTCC, including the education program, volunteer program, and field program. While these programs are well established and instrumental to OTCC’s success, they are poised to now evolve and expand into OTCC’s new facility.

This position reports to the Executive Director and is a permanent full-time position.

Location – Peterborough, Ontario. This position requires full-time attendance at OTCC’s headquarters. Weekend and evening work may be required.

Salary - $65,000

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The General Manager performs or oversees the performance of the following:

Strategy, Vision and Leadership

· Working within the Organization’s Strategic Plan, participate with the Executive Director in developing a vision and strategic plan to specifically guide the growth of the non-veterinary programs at OTCC.

Team Support/Development/Leadership

· Utilizing the developed vision and strategic plan, work with the staff to develop milestones to achieving desired goals.

· Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.

· Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission.

· Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review.

· Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance.

· Counsel and take corrective action as needed, up to and including termination, after consultation with the Executive Director.

Program planning and management

· Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of these programs and services.

· Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization's mission and reflect the priorities of the Board.

· Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality.

· Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects.

Financial planning and management

· Work to prepare a comprehensive budget for these programs in consultation with the Executive Director.

· Work with the Executive Director to secure adequate funding for the operation of the programs.

· Write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization.

· Support the Grant Writer in selection and completion of funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization.

· Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate.

· Administer the program funds of the organization according to the approved budget.

Community relations/advocacy

· Support good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization and specific programs.

Qualifications

· Master’s degree in freshwater science, conservation biology, or related field.

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience with management in the Charity sector; specifically with conservation-based organizations and including personnel and budget management, short and long-term goal setting, program development and evaluation.

· Proven track record of success facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization.

· Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

· Strong mentoring, coaching experience within a team with diverse levels of expertise.

· Entrepreneurial team player who can multitask.

· Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.

· Self-reliant, good problem solver, results oriented, takes ownership.

· Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives.

· Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, and staff.

· Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker.

· Passion for OTCC’s mission.

· Possession of a valid and current driving license.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

· Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit/ voluntary organizations.

· Specific knowledge of turtle conservation, including rehabilitation, research, education.

· Knowledge of current challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization.

· Knowledge of human resources management.

· Knowledge of financial management.

· Knowledge of project management.

Personal characteristics

The General Manager should demonstrate competence in the following:

· Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.

· Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.

· Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.

· Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.

· Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.

· Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.

· Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.

· Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.

· Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities

· Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.

· Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

· Think Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization.

Please send CV to Dr. Sue Carstairs at suecarstairs@sympatico.ca. This position will be advertised until filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• What experience do you have in the wildlife conservation field?

Education:

• Master's Degree (required)

Experience:

• wildlife conservation: 5 years (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person