Executive Director, Green Venture (Hamilton, ON)

Executive Director, Green Venture (Hamilton)

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full-time, permanent position with a 6-month probation period
• 35 hours per week, with semi-frequent evening and weekend availability required
• Reports to: Board of Directors
• Starting salary range: $80,000 - $88,000 - commensurate with experience
• Full salary range: $80,000 - $100,000 - progression beyond the starting range is available through annual performance reviews 
• Benefits: 12 paid vacation days, 11 paid holidays, 10 paid emergency and personal leave days, group health insurance and a flexible health and wellness spending account
• Location: Hamilton, Ontario - hybrid work including onsite at EcoHouse in east Hamilton, across the city at community events, and from a remote home office
• Deadline to apply: November 5, 2026 or until the position is filled
• Ideal start date: January 2027

ABOUT GREEN VENTURE

Green Venture is a community-based, non-profit organization that inspires and equips Hamilton residents to take individual and collective action to preserve our natural environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build a community resilient to climate change. We directly engage and support 15,000 people of all ages every year through hands-on environmental education programs at our EcoHouse demonstration hub, and via neighbourhood greening, and climate action and resiliency projects. Green Venture has a dedicated staff of 8 full-time employees plus a fluctuating roster of part-time, casual, and short-term employees; 200 occasional volunteers; and an annual operating budget of approximately $800,000.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan lays out a reinvigorated community-informed vision for a resilient, low-emission Hamilton, with a healthy natural environment for all. Key drivers identified to reach this vision include protecting and restoring nature; reducing climate vulnerability; developing and evaluating programs centering reconciliation, equity principles and community needs; and strengthening financial and employee development. We are looking for a passionate and dynamic Executive Director to drive this vision of Hamilton forward.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and confident leader, ready to steer a values-driven organization with a strong commitment to the local community. They will bring knowledge, conviction, and curiosity about environmental issues, and be willing to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to find creative and equitable solutions. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Hamilton with a well-established organization, a dedicated and passionate team, and a flexible and nimble working environment! 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Planning

• Develop goals for achieving the vision and strategic directions of the organization with the Board of Directors, guided by the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.
• Develop and implement long and short-term plans to attain these goals with the Board of Directors and staff.
• Develop and strengthen programs and partnerships that reflect community priorities, the political environment, and available resources. 
• Measure, evaluate and report on Green Venture’s impact, goals and accomplishments as required by the Board of Directors, partners, staff and funders.

Human Resources Management

• Facilitate organizational processes to support communication and effective working relationships among staff.
• Promote and implement our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to support a welcoming and accessible workplace. 
• Develop, update, and apply policies and procedures for effective operations and efficient personnel management.
• Oversee paid personnel including hiring/contracting, training, performance management and release of staff.
• Implement Health & Safety programs and ensure all staff, interns, and volunteers work in compliance with the Ontario Health & Safety Act and Regulations.

Funding & Financial Governance

• In collaboration with staff and Board, ensure sufficient financial resources to fulfil program/project goals; including developing fundraising strategies and identifying new funding sources.
• Establish appropriate budget planning and financial monitoring mechanisms, collaborating with Board and staff to facilitate effective program and budget management.
• Coordinate the establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships with funders.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of proposals and required reports for funding.

Partner, Stakeholder and Community Relations

• Work with the Board and staff to ensure strong and effective relationships with partners, including municipal government, local businesses, community organizations, volunteers and coalitions.
• Facilitate media relations and act as a media spokesperson.
• Support outreach and promotion of programs, projects, and key environmental issues in the community.
• Engage and collaborate effectively with diverse community groups and individuals and represent Green Venture in a variety of coalitions and committees.

Please note: Green Venture relies on funding from various agencies and partners to carry out our daily activities. Funding availability and source may have influence on the activities and responsibilities of the Executive Director.

COMPETENCIES

• Adaptable, agile thinker with the capacity to manage and lead change. 
• Ability to achieve goals and translate vision into action within a complex, multi-stakeholder non-profit environment.
• A collaborative, respectful, and adaptable leadership style.
• Demonstrated success in identifying shared interests and building inclusive and effective partnerships. 
• High ethical standards and commitment to environmental, social and organizational well-being.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in a relevant field.
• Subject-matter expertise or experience in an area of climate or environmental policy.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in each of the following: 
  • Budget planning and financial management; experience in the non-profit sector preferred.
  • Senior leadership and staff supervision, including team and consensus building as part of a professional multi-disciplinary team. 
  • Project planning, management, and evaluation; experience in environmental or sustainability projects is preferred. 
  • Fundraising, grant writing, impact measurement, and reporting.
  • Community engagement and collaboration.
• Demonstrated proficiency with QuickBooks and Google Workspace. 
• Excellent English oral and written communications skills. Fluency in a second language is an asset.  
• Legally able to work in Canada.
• Based in the Hamilton area and able to work in-person 2-5 days per week at EcoHouse and other community locations. 

HOW TO APPLY

Interested? Visit our website (greenventure.ca/careers) to learn more about our organization and hiring practices, then submit your cover letter and resume in a single pdf through the online application portal. Applications are not accepted by email, but questions or requests for accommodations may be sent to HR@greenventure.ca.