Executive Director-University of Ottawa, Institute of the Environment

JOB POSTING: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Location: University of Ottawa, Institute of the Environment

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Start Date: July 1, 2009

Closing Date for Applications: May 15, 2009

Mission of the Organization: Sustainable Prosperity (SP) is a fast-growing nonprofit research and policy network
based in Ottawa. Our mission is to create a Canadian economy that both supports a
healthy environment and delivers a lasting prosperity.
SP’s develops workable, nonpartisan solutions through advanced research,
innovative conversations and compelling policy proposals.

Job summary:
The Executive Director’s job is to build SP in strength and influence and make it the
leading voice on environment-economy policy in Canada. Reporting directly to the
Steering Committee through the Chair, the Executive Director directs all strategic
and operational aspects of the organization and communicates its mission and
activities to a wide set of stakeholders in the government, academic, business,
media and environmental sectors.

Primary functions 

Leadership
• Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization
• Keep Board informed on a timely basis of significant issues affecting the development and delivery of programs and services 
• Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting
materials
• Foster effective team work between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff
• In addition to the Chair of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization and represent SP on appropriate committees, network and joint projects 

Operational planning and management
• Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives thatwork towards the strategic direction of the organization
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
• Ensure development of annual budget and present to Steering Committee for evaluation and modification as required 
• Maintain relationships with funding sources and prepare funding proposals  
• Recruit and supervises all staff consistent with organizational needs and 
resources 
 
Development and dissemination of SP research and policy  
• Monitor research and policy needs of different constituencies on an ongoing
basis and develop programs and services consistent with those needs 
• Connect academic research goals with current and medium-term
environmental and economic policy imperatives in Canada
• Direct SP branding and communications through website, news releases,
interviews and report dissemination 
• Stay engaged with academic and media coverage of issues of importance to
SP and, where appropriate, participate in that discussion
• Annually prepare and provide to the Board, and other applicable bodies,
summary reports of programs and services, including recommendations for
future improvement and change 
 
Personal Qualifications
We are looking for an innovative and dynamic individual who excels in an
entrepreneurial environment.  Candidates should possess the following attributes:
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including the ability to build a team of highly
motivated and well qualified staff, and to foster the integration of diverse,
multi-disciplinary actors into focused initiatives addressing clear targets;
• Experience engaging policy-makers, the media and the Canadian public in
policy discussions;  
• Strong strategic and analytical skills, including a talent for crystallizing key
strategic options for discussion and decision;
• Excellent diplomatic and communication skills, including an ability to work and
communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals (individual
donors, business leaders, public figures, other non-profits);
• Ability to work in both English and French is an asset.

To apply, please contact Irena Pawlowski, Network Coordinator, Sustainable
Prosperity at irena@sustainableprosperity.ca with a cover letter and a CV by
May 15th.