Coast Opportunity Funds (the “Coast Funds”) are two newly established non-profit entities set up to invest $120 million contributed by government and private funders to support sustainable economic development, self-sufficiency and conservation management in coastal British Columbia. The Funds will invest in viable businesses and conservation initiatives developed by coastal First Nations. The Funds have evolved out of groundbreaking land use decisions made by First Nations and British Columbia and represent an innovative and globally significant model of conservation financing.

The Funds are currently offering exciting opportunities for dynamic, outgoing, highly motivated and skilled professionals to take on the challenges of the inaugural senior staffing team critical to the successful launch of the Funds’ programs.

The Coast Funds are currently seeking to fill the two senior positions described below. Salary and benefits packages are competitive and will be commensurate with experience. Please send a cover letter and resume to Coast Opportunity Funds at HR.coastfunds,,,telus.net. Please indicate the position you are inquiring about in the subject line. Positions will remain open until filled.

Job One
Program Director – Conservation Initiatives

Based in Vancouver and reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for all aspects of the development, implementation and ongoing management of the Coast Funds’ conservation grant-making program, including primary responsibility for reviewing grant applications and making recommendations to the board and ongoing monitoring, evaluation, reporting and strategic development of the program. This fund will make grants from the earnings of Coast Funds’ $60 million conservation endowment fund. Working closely with the Program Director, Economic Development, and the CEO, you will also build successful and collaborative relationships with the 27 First Nation communities within the project region on the central and northern coast of BC and Haida Gwaii, as well as other partners and stakeholders to ensure meaningful and measurable success.

Qualifications:
* Passionate commitment to the values and goals of the Coast Funds
* Demonstrated knowledge and at least 7 years relevant professional experience in strategic development, implementation, management and evaluation of conservation programs, including capacity building initiatives, ideally in coastal British Columbia;
* 3+ years grants management experience;
* Experience working with First Nations communities and building collaborative, multi-party relationships;
* Strong initiative, resourceful, creative and smart thinking
* Excellent communications and writing skills, and the proven ability to work cooperatively and effectively with many different public, private, non-profit and community partners.
* Graduate degree in related field is preferable

Job 2
Program Director – Economic Development

Based in Vancouver and reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for all aspects of the development, implementation and ongoing management of the Funds’ economic development grant-making program, which will oversee the investment via grants of $60 million over a 5-7 year time horizon. Key responsibilities will include management of the due diligence process to evaluate sustainable businesses and other economic development initiatives applying for funding; working creatively to develop financing and other partnerships to leverage the Funds’ success; and, developing measurement and reporting tools to evaluate program performance and recommend ongoing program enhancements. Working closely with the Program Director, Conservation Initiatives, and the CEO, you will also build successful and collaborative relationships with the 27 First Nation communities within the project region on the central and northern coast of BC and Haida Gwaii, as well as other partners and stakeholders to ensure meaningful and measurable success.

Qualifications:
* Passionate commitment to the values and goals of the Coast Funds.
* Demonstrated knowledge and at least 7 years relevant professional leadership experience in economic development program design, implementation, management and evaluation (ideally conservation based) and including capacity building initiatives (ideally in coastal British Columbia);
* 5+ years management experience with financial due diligence and comprehensive project evaluation of non-profit and for-profit businesses for financing purposes;
* Experience working with First Nations communities and the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with many different public, private, non-profit and community partners.
* In-depth knowledge of modern economic development practices and a successful track record achieving measurable results.
* Strong initiative, resourceful and creative with demonstrated skills in communications, political acumen and problem solving.
*Graduate degree in a related field is preferable