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Ducks Unlimited Canada
Chief Executive Officer
 

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitat for North America’s waterfowl and for the benefit of wildlife and people, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer.

Organizational Overview:

In 1937, a group of conservation-minded sportsmen set out to contend with the destruction and neglect of wetland habitat. They initiated habitat conservation projects in Canada—where seventy percent of North America’s waterfowl originate—by raising funds in the United States. They called their effort Ducks Unlimited. DUC was formed in 1938 to continue the conservation effort in Canada. More than 75 years later, DUC has grown and increased Canadian support and funding for wetland conservation.

People are DUC’s most valuable asset. DUC’s conservation programs have secured 6.2 million acres of habitat and positively influenced 95 million acres more. DUC has completed over 8,880 projects and worked with over 19,200 Canadian landowners to conserve habitat. DUC produces approximately 519 events a year and is supported by over 6,600 volunteers. Moreover, DUC’s outreach to young people through the Webfoot program has resulted in over 36,400 youth becoming active members of the organization. As an organization, DUC’s overall assets exceed $260 million, which includes conservation land holdings. The organization’s operating budget is $80 million. In addition to the national headquarters office located in Oak Hammock Marsh Conservation Centre in Stonewall, Manitoba, DUC also maintains eighteen offices across Canada. DUC has 409 employees on payroll and 59 active Board members, who meet three times a year.

DUC has become Canada’s most trusted and respected waterfowl and wetland conservation organization. DUC is part of the larger Ducks Unlimited family, which has representation in both the United States and Mexico. DUC is a proud program partner of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP). NAWMP is considered one of the most successful conservation organization initiatives in the world. This international agreement unites federal, provincial/state and municipal governments, non-governmental organizations, private companies and many individuals. The common goal is to support wetland habitat for the benefit of migratory birds and other wetland-associated species.

DUC’s conservation efforts take many forms. On-the-ground work is guided by the wetland and waterfowl research of DUC’s scientists. DUC works to change policy in favor of wetland and habitat conservation. DUC also delivers wetland and environmental education programs to teach Canadians about wetlands and the need to conserve them.

Moreover, DUC is guided by the following principles and values:

• Waterfowl and Wetlands: We conserve North America's waterfowl and wetlands.

• Ethics: We act to uphold the reputation of DUC, treating people and wildlife with respect.

• Science-Based Decision: We are committed to science to ensure our programs are sound, efficient and credible.

• Team DUC: We work together as volunteers and staff.

• Waterfowling: We value and enjoy the sport and heritage of hunting.

• Collaboration, Not Confrontation: We partner with those who share complimentary conservation ethic.

• Passion & Commitment: We celebrate the culture of DUC as we serve our members.

The focus on DUC has remained constant since it was formed by a small group of U.S. waterfowl hunters in 1937. That focus, often referred to as a “Singleness of Purpose,” is built upon the understanding that sustainability of waterfowl is determined by success in conserving sufficient habitat in key landscapes. DUC’s vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever, is as compelling today as it was at the founding of the organization.

Wetlands play a vital role in the health of our watersheds and are critical to the well-being of the environment, waterfowl and the people who live and enjoy them. Achieving DUC’s vision will require the organization to strengthen its capacity to support and deliver conservation programs that meet the challenges facing continental waterfowl and wetland conservation. That challenge means demonstrating the value of wetland habitat to an increasingly urban population often far removed from the nature that sustains them. Moreover, it means creating public-private partnerships to increase the scale and work of protecting important wetland habitats. The organization must also increase its efforts to influence public attitudes and policy at all levels of government; increase the scientific capacity to support policy and habitat conservation work; and enhance its private philanthropic activities to increase support for the organization. DUC must also prepare and inspire the next generation of conservationists to carry DUC’s mission forward.

The vision and inspiration which guided the foundation of DUC in 1938 remains vital, not only to those who share a passion for waterfowl and wetlands, but to all who benefit from the many societal values provided by this important habitat conservation work. DUC is prepared to embrace the uncertainty of the future by creating strategies and plans to guide its application of science-based solutions to complex watershed and habitat conservation activities. For more information on Ducks Unlimited Canada visit their website at: www.ducks.ca.

About the Position: Chief Executive Officer

Supported by a committed Board of Directors and a dedicated professional staff, the CEO will be challenged to provide leadership at an important time in DUC’s history. The CEO must fully appreciate the qualities that make DUC a leader in Canadian wetland conservation community – a commitment to science-based wetland habitat conservation; a cohesive and integrated management and leadership operation; support for on-the-ground projects and public policy work to protect, restore, manage wetland habitat; and a commitment to broadening the engagement of volunteers and the public in the mission of the organization. The CEO reports to the President and serves the Board of Directors. The CEO is based in the national headquarters located at Oak Hammock Marsh Conservation Centre, Stonewall, Manitoba.

In order to advance the work of DUC, the CEO will be challenged to lead an organization that fully utilizes its human and financial assets in the most effective manner possible. The CEO should be a person who possesses a deep conservation ethic and a vision that embodies the collective view of the whole organization to multiple constituencies. Moreover, the CEO must continue to usher forward creative and innovative approaches to resource development – targeting individuals, foundations, corporations and governmental agencies as well as expanding long-term investment opportunities in DUC.

Because of the breadth of DUC’s operations, the CEO must possess a demonstrated capacity to leverage the organization’s brand and strategic value to enhance impact on critical wetland habitat program and policy priorities. The CEO should also have an ability to involve all aspects of DUC’s organization into a highly effective team. The CEO will act to strengthen the fabric of DUC by convening, brokering and nurturing strategic relationships and partnerships. The CEO must be an energetic and entrepreneurial leader and possess sophisticated financial and management capabilities. The CEO must be able to direct, motivate and develop volunteer leaders and professional staff – empowering and inspiring all parties to reach and achieve critical organizational goals.

In the role as CEO, this person will also serve to carry DUC’s conservation message to critical international, federal and provincial public policy, philanthropic, nonprofit and corporate leaders. In that regard, the CEO needs to bring a genuine excitement and commitment about DUC’s mission. The CEO will continue to position DUC through its programs and activities as an innovative, inclusive and forward-looking wetlands conservation organization. The broad objectives for the CEO are as follows:

• To support the development of a vibrant future by continuing to cultivate, expand and make best use of DUC’s shared leadership structure of Board and volunteer leaders.

• To support the achievement of critical conservation and organization goals by fostering the development of a coherent and fully integrated professional organization - aligning critical staff competencies with organizational priorities and goals.

• To enhance the organization’s revenue and conservation goals by working with private landowners.

• To lead and implement strategies to enhance alignment among regional and corporate activities in order to insure greater accountability and impact.

• To diversify and expand Canadian revenue streams pursuing philanthropic funding sources and other creative and new sources of revenue for the organization.

• To increase stewardship activities with existing funders as a means to increase their level and regularity of giving.

• To continue to build a productive and fully engaged partnership with Ducks Unlimited, Inc and Ducks Unlimited de Mexico, respecting the different cultures and enhancing the bonds which will create a dynamic North American wetland habitat conservation strategy

• To continue to foster DUC’s communication and marketing activities as a critical strategic process imbedded in the organization and focused on identifying and meeting member and partner needs.

• To maintain DUC’s leadership as a science-based conservation organization.

• To manage key relationships that support collaboration and cohesion within the organization as well as with other key conservation, private and public sector and philanthropic organizations.

Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes:

The CEO should ideally possess the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:

Professional Qualifications:

• Leadership and business acumen; a proven record of organizational effectiveness, engaging and fully utilizing a Board; and competence with personnel management, budgeting, and stewardship of financial resources.

• Experience recruiting, directing, motivating and developing staff while building a nimble yet effective infrastructure to support a member and volunteer-based enterprise.

• Experience building effective networks, partnerships, and/or coalitions; and motivation to use new social media and other web-based tools to deepen organizational connections.

• Ability to listen to others and learn from their best ideas, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, approachability, and openness to input from all levels of staff.

• Superb organizational and interpersonal skills combined with an ability to diplomatically prioritize sometimes conflicting demands.

• Bachelor’s degree required with an advanced degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred.

• The highest level of personal and professional integrity and quality standards.

• Strong work ethic and willingness to travel extensively, often for weekend and evening meetings.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate commitment to the values and mission of DUC and a demonstrated conservation ethic.

• A deep personal appreciation for waterfowl heritage and hunting.

• Ability to inspire trust, lead and facilitate with strong interpersonal skills and move from ideas to action.

• A personal style of acting with humility and grace – in sum a superb professional and personal presence.

• Ability to think strategically, tactically and creatively.

• Visionary, articulate, and diplomatic.

Compensation

Compensation for the Chief Executive Officer includes a competitive base salary, performance bonus and an excellent package of health and other employee benefits.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter explaining how your skills and background fit this position and a resume to: Daniel Sherman, President, Explore Company at resumes@explorecompany.com. Refer to DUC/CEO in the subject line. No phone calls please.

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