Head, Urban Programs

About this position

Location: Ottawa preferred but remote location with regular travel to Ottawa would be considered

Language requirement: Bilingual, English and French

Accountable to: Chief Program Officer

About Tree Canada

Since 1992, Tree Canada has worked relentlessly to grow Canada’s tree canopy through our greening programs, research, and engagement efforts. We are the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments. Our track record of collaborating with all levels of government, the urban forestry sector, business partners, and community groups uniquely positions us to engage Canadians in the fight against climate change. Together we plant millions of trees each year, helping to grow resilient ecosystems and healthier, greener communities across Canada.

About the Position

The Head of Urban Programs reports directly to the Chief Program Officer and will lead the definition of program priorities and build long-term partnerships to design and deliver high-quality urban forestry programs. The Head of Urban Programs will manage the performance of a diverse team to create impact and focus on delivering urban forestry initiatives to underserved ecologies and populations. The Head of Urban Programs will provide technical leadership in identifying strategic plan priorities and KPIs for urban programs, including program quality, operational efficiency, partnership, and monitoring outcomes. The position will be operationally accountable for timely and on-budget delivery of urban programs. The Head of Urban Programs and the Chief Program Officer will represent the organization in building strong partnerships with stakeholders and partners in urban forestry.

The Head of Urban Programs will preferably be based in Ottawa or work remotely with an ability to regularly travel to Ottawa to work with the urban team. The position will have up to 20% time allocated to travel with an aim to build strong partnerships, manage stakeholder relationships and report on impact of programs and partnerships.

Areas of Responsibility

Program Quality (25%)

• Lead the development of new program models for expansion and deepening of the impact of urban forestry programs
• Guide the development of programs and partnerships with a clear focus on tree equity in urban forestry programs
• Lead the development of program indicators that enable shared reporting of impact across programs
• Guide the developments of tools to deliver and monitor program quality
• Partner with the development team to identify funding opportunities to support program innovation

Program Strategy (20%)

• Provide leadership in identifying strategic plan priorities for urban programs
• Lead the annual planning process to achieve the strategic plan priorities
• Identify and build strategic partnerships with cities and stakeholders in urban forestry
• Develop a clear plan to further truth and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in urban program strategy
• Work closely with the research and engagement team to identify research priorities for the organization

Program Management (20%)

• Lead continuous improvement of urban forestry program delivery mechanisms
• Contribute to the continual improvement of program policies and procedures
• Lead the development of operational plans and budgets

Team Management (20%)

• Lead the development of an adaptive learning culture within the urban team
• Maintain and nurture a culture of high-performance within the urban program team
• Guide the identification of professional development needs within the team
• Coach team members to nurture strong relationships with partners and deliver impactful programs at scale

External Representation (10%)

• Build and steward strategic partnerships in collaboration with the Development team to raise revenue
• Represent the voice of the urban programs team to the executive team
• Represent Tree Canada in urban forestry networks and advocacy forums
• Building strategic long-term program partnerships with peers and community-based organizations
• Represent Tree Canada’s urban planting, stewardship and contribution to conservation efforts with media

Perform other duties as assigned (5%)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Over 10 years of progressive experience in design and delivery of high-quality urban forestry and/or sustainable urban development programs.
• Deep understanding of design and delivery of project promoting sustainable nature-based solutions in urban settings.
• Deep knowledge of urban forestry, with an academic background in urban forestry, urban ecology, urban planning, or climate science.
• Experience of building partnerships with cities and urban environmental groups
• Skills and experience to creating complex project plans and budgets
• Progressive experience in leading culturally diverse and remote teams
• Experience of managing culturally diverse teams, including managing indirect reports
• Experience of managing multiple portfolios at the same time with diverse needs and complexity.
• Resourceful, self-motivated, and passionate professional with progressive work experience
• Committed to continuous learning to improve program quality and administrative processes.
• Lateral thinker with an ability to build partnerships and collaboration across diverse sectors.
• Experience in managing large contracts and budgets
• Detail oriented and organized with a demonstrated client-focused mindset
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills (verbal and written) in English and French
• Ability to work both independently and with a team in a collaborative and fast paced environment
• Strong computer skills including proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Respect for the values and differences that all members of a small team bring to an office environment; adaptable to different approaches and flexible to move in new directions
• Commitment to the work and values of Tree Canada, in particular a passion for the environment and a belief that organizations and individuals can and do improve lives by planting trees and addressing climate change

Education and Experience

Post-graduate degree in forestry, urban ecology, urban planning, or related field. Minimum 10 years of progressive experience working in design and delivery of urban forestry programs for not-for-profit organizations.

Tree Canada Work Environment and Culture

Tree Canada values our passionate and skilled team. We truly believe that each employee, contractor and volunteer contribute directly to the growth and success of our organization. We put trust in our talented team and are pleased to offer a hybrid work environment. Together, our team is intentionally creating a work culture that is collaborative, respectful, caring, impactful and productive. We aim to create a culture of care so that each team member may thrive, contribute and grow professionally at Tree Canada.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tree Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We believe in equality and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and disability. Tree Canada encourages and welcomes applications from members of racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and with the skills/knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is barrier free. If you need any accommodations or adjustments throughout the interview process and beyond, please indicate this in your application.

You don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Tree Canada!

We sincerely thank all those who express interest and apply, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.