Chief Executive Officer

About this position

FOCA is on a mission to champion the conservation of Ontario's lakes, lands and rivers. We’re dedicated to the sustainability of rural waterfront properties that inspire and sustain the cottage experience.  We are the province-wide umbrella group for Ontario’s 250,000+ waterfront property owners, whether seasonal or year-round residents of their rural communities.

Our members are more than 525 lake and road associations across the province, and the permanent and seasonal residents they represent.

With an office in Peterborough, Ontario, we’re looking for a dynamic, highly skilled CEO to help us fulfill this important undertaking. Reporting to the President of the board of directors, the CEO will oversee all strategic and operational efficiencies of our programs and staff. This energetic leader will not only understand current trends and issues in waterfront living but will also have experience in developing and implementing a successful fundraising plan, in support of our advocacy and programs. Experience in hiring and managing staff working virtually is essential.  Experience establishing and maintaining relationships with members, sponsors, donors and building relationships with partners, and governments is critical. Above all, the CEO should be highly effective in a leadership role that requires clear communication skills, teamwork and decisiveness.

Objectives of this role

• Work closely with staff, board directors and committees to assess and address issues affecting the organization
• Develop and implement an actionable plan for fundraising and managing revenue and costs
• Create and develop program delivery partnerships and sponsorships to achieve our objectives
• Oversee operations of the organization, providing executive direction for program strategies and efficiencies, compliance, and quality assurance
• Identify and address staffing requirements for efficient operations, and maintain a positive, strong work culture that attracts and retains people while driving the organization’s mission
• Increase awareness of the organization by being the key spokesperson and liaison with local, provincial and national media, on social media and with government and partners
• Comply with all national, provincial and local regulations

• Create business plans for achieving goals and objectives set in collaboration with board of directors
• Meet aggressive annual fundraising goals, in partnership with board of directors, by expanding membership, and securing financial support from corporations, individual donors, government funding sources and foundations and trusts.
• Working with staff and board on regular events, and oversee all external communications, including website, marketing collateral, newsletters, and social media
• Serve as the face of the organization and participate in external events to increase visibility, credibility, and market brand, and develop strategic partnerships to further increase community awareness and expand programs
• Build and lead an effective virtual team that’s dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission through highly successful programs, community engagement, and fundraising
• Overseeing and managing staff members and clients whose experiences, cultures, and languages reflect the community served by the organization

• Experience in a leadership role, preferably within nonprofit organizations
• Strong experience in public relations, marketing, and fundraising
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles for nonprofit organizations
• Proven success working with a board of directors
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with innovative approach to business planning
• Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being the public face of an organization

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business, human resources, or finance
• Sound understanding of waterfront living culture
• Experience in managing budgets
• Experience working in a charity or not-for-profit environment
• Significant networking and stakeholder/partner engagement experience
• Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills

• Competitive salary of $100 to $125k commensurate with experience
• Potential performance bonus
• Flexible benefits
• 3 weeks paid vacation plus an additional week during Christmas shutdown
• Supported work at home / virtually
• 20% travel with allowance