Program Manager, Northern Jobs

Program Manager, Northern

About the Foundation

At the Weston Family Foundation (formerly The W. Garfield Weston Foundation), more than 60 years of philanthropy has taught us that there’s a relationship between healthy landscapes and healthy people. That’s why we champion world-class health research and innovation with the same passion that we support initiatives to protect and restore biodiversity on our unique landscapes. We take a collaborative approach to philanthropy, working alongside forward-thinking partners to advance Canada and create lasting impacts. We aspire to do more than provide funding, as we enable others to find transformational ways to improve the well-being of people in Canada.

At the Weston Family Foundation, we are invested in the well-being of all people in Canada. Our national identity encompasses a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences. We aspire to develop and celebrate these differences in our working strategies and overall philosophy. We strive to take a mindful, deliberate approach, and to adopt policies and practices that advance and value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the Foundation, our operations, and our extended community. This approach is always evolving, it includes dedicating time and resources towards equitable hiring and communications, and cultivating a safe, welcoming, and accessible work environment. Our firm belief is that by taking this outlook, we will increase the beneficial impact of our philanthropy.

Since 2007, the Weston Family Foundation’s Northern Committee has committed nearly $40M to northern natural science research and collaborations with scientists, nonprofit organizations, and government organizations to better understand Canada’s North and foster more informed decision-making. The Northern Committee funds the Weston Family Awards in Northern Research, a graduate student scholarship program, but also supports applied conservation projects, research stations, and Indigenous-led research projects in Canada’s North.

The Role

The Program Manager, Northern is responsible for helping to support and execute the strategy of the Foundation’s Northern Committee (a committee comprised of a subset of Directors of the Board). They work to help manage the Committee’s program portfolio in support of the Foundation’s aim to restore and protect biodiversity in Canadian landscapes by funding organizations that conduct research, protect ecosystems, and connect Canadians to nature.

The Program Manager will work closely with other Foundation team members and report to the Program Director, Northern. The Program Manager is expected to use the best practices and approaches set forth by the Foundation’s leadership team to position the Northern Committee in strong internal and external standing. The Program Manager preferably holds an advanced degree and expertise in a relevant field, such as northern environmental/conservation science or natural resources management. They bring experience working in the charitable or not-for-profit sector, ensuring grant management is done to the highest standard. Working very closely with the Program Director and other members of the Northern Committee, the Program Manager uses their understanding and acumen of northern conservation and research to bring sound judgement, help uncover new opportunities, and recommend ideas in support of the Northern Committee’s vision and priorities.

Salary Range: $73,000 to $100,000 annually as well as a comprehensive benefits package

Key Responsibilities

Grants Management

• Assist with research and strategy development toward the design and implementation of novel grantmaking programs.
• Work with Foundation staff to ensure grant records are accurately maintained and kept up to date.
• Support formal calls for proposals relating to Northern programs, ensuring that timelines and guidelines are appropriately set and adhered to, including supporting the development of appropriate collateral materials such as advertisements, web pages, and social media content.
• Support use of grantmaking software applications in managing proposals, grants, and reporting.
• Coordinate and support the assessment of proposals to the Foundation, analyzing the eligibility and quality, potential impact, program alignment and organizational viability; obtaining appropriate expert advice and references; helping to reach a funding judgement through development and implementation of expert decision-making panels; and handling relationships throughout the process.
• Manage a portfolio of grants, including monitoring and measuring impact, analyzing reports to ensure appropriate financial management and deliverables, and reviewing grant payments.

Relationship Management

Work closely with the Program Director to:

• Convene multi-stakeholder groups to engage and build a constructive dialogue around the Northern Committee’s activities, including the planning, coordination, execution, and facilitation of convening activities (e.g., workshops, forums, speaker events, and webinars).
• Manage and build relationships with internal and external parties, including other Foundation colleagues, contractors, advisors, prospective and current grantees, and government or community representatives.
• Support planning and decision-making cycles of the Northern Committee, Pillar, Board, and Foundation.

Northern Committee Operations

• Support the drafting of relevant grant-making materials (e.g. grant agreements, reporting and payment schedules, etc.).
• Attend relevant events, conferences, etc. to enhance knowledge or represent the Committee and Foundation as needed.
• Support fiscal responsibility of the Committee budget.
• Help generate materials for Committee meetings, Pillar meetings, and Board Meetings.

Communications

Support the Program Director, Northern, and the Director of Communications to generate materials for external communications including:

• Social media
• Foundation website
• Press releases
• Third-party communications projects to ensure accuracy and alignment to overall Committee communications

Qualifications

• Strong background in project management, budgeting, and financial tracking.
• Knowledge of northern research and conservation approaches, and of the linkages between research, conservation practices, and biodiversity outcomes.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, ability to take initiative and make decisions, sound judgment, and experience applying creative solutions to problems.
• Demonstrable experience with northern Indigenous peoples, Indigenous-led research, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Aboriginal Law, or Indigenous studies.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with database management systems relating to granting and/or community engagement an asset (i.e. SmartSimple, GIFTS, Foundant, etc.).
• Ability to network and convene multi-stakeholder groups and build a constructive dialogue to address research and conservation issues in a collaborative way.
• Advanced communication skills to develop relationships with individuals and organizations at all levels, and analytical skills to drive initiatives forward and provide advice and support to the Foundation.
• An advanced degree in the natural sciences, with preference for expertise in northern conservation or research, ecology/biodiversity, and natural resources management, or the equivalent in applied work experience.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple demands and competing priorities with a minimum of direction.
• At least 3 years minimum practical experience in northern research, conservation, or Indigenous relations with a proven background in delivering tangible outcomes.

The Weston Family Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. We know our success depends on the perspectives and contributions of all our employees and that diverse backgrounds and experiences make us stronger. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for this position; however, preference will be given to Indigenous people (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).

If you are contacted for a job opportunity and require accommodation, please email [email protected], so we can ensure you have an accessible candidate experience throughout the recruitment process. All requests are confidential and used only to meet candidate needs.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.