Staff Opportunities

Impact Network Program Manager

SWR is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Impact Network Program Manager to lead our flagship program and drive meaningful environmental change across all the regions we serve. This role is ideal for a customer-service oriented sustainability professional who is passionate about advancing the local clean economy and supporting organisations and individuals in achieving ambitious sustainability goals. As a key member of our team, the Impact Network Program Manager will oversee program delivery, foster strong member engagement, ensure credible data collection and reporting, and work closely with the Executive Director to shape the long-term vision and impact of the Impact Network.

The Impact Network is SWR’s flagship program. We foster the development of the local clean economy by supporting organisations through customized services, supports, events, resources, and member specific reporting, to set ambitious and realistic sustainability targets. We encourage an overall approach to sustainability, with focus on carbon, waste and water operations.

Given the long-term nature of the program, we are looking for candidates who can commit to a minimum two+ years tenure to ensure continuity and impact.

As the Impact Network Program Manager you would: 

Member Engagement

• Ensure all aspects of effective member management including:
  • Creating a strong, supportive, ongoing  working relationship with the champions and teams at all 70+ member organisations
  • Managing member concerns and proactively working to reduce turnover 
  • Working with members to set sustainability targets, strategies and plans
  • Acting as Green Team coach, facilitator and resource support
  • Assisting with developing member surveys and provide support to the Coordinator in data analysis
  • Oversight and content direction for member newsletters as well as SWR Community Update newsletter
  • Performing walk-throughs for program tools and resources, such as the Impact Tool, INgage, Memberlink, AI tool, etc.
• Own all aspects of member and sponsor recognition and communication including:
  • Social media support (both SWR owned and all member accounts)
  • Blogging 
  • Case study identification
  • Year-end report stories and awards
• Lead the planning and execution/implementation of engagement and climate mitigation across sector wide-programs, all-event footprints, community scale engagements
• Assist with business development opportunities for new members
• Support members with change management through resource development and strategies
• Attend and engage in Impact Network member working groups and specific events

Data Management

• Support members in ongoing data tracking through the Impact Tool, according to international best practices based on the GHG Protocol
• Lead the ongoing data management process (analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of member data)
• Create and execute practices that ensure data quality and completion for all members in the tracking and reporting phase of the program
• Assist members in understanding data, making data driven decisions, and alignment with strategic priorities and targets
• Coach member champions to understand the intersection of energy data, business data and energy, waste, and water footprints for progressive target setting and achievement

Program Resources and Success

• Manage Impact Network  program resources, develop organisational tools, and define targeted performance metrics to ensure the programming is sufficiently supported
• Monitor the program for consistent engagement and delivery of services, analyzing program trends, identifying risks and escalating these to the Executive Director as necessary for mitigation and achieve program KPIs
• Maintain the Program framework by engaging members through the Program Milestones and updating key process documents

Team Management, Collaboration & Mentorship 

• Directly manage program volunteers and staff on a day-to-day basis including mentorship, professional development and performance management
• Collaborate with the Events team to create impactful events in alignment with program and member objectives and provide event execution support 
• Foster strong external relationships with partners such as BCorp, Green Economy Canada and software providers

• Complete monthly Board reporting through ED Report
• Manage program budget and expenses 
• Participate in team meetings including: Office Team, Functional Area Manager, SWR Team, and program meetings (as applicable) 

Other duties as required.

As a strong candidate for this role, you have the following skills, attributes, and experience:

• Completion of post-secondary program of studies in Environmental Studies, Business, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5 years management in customer service experience working, and minimum one year of GHG accounting
• Exceptional relationship builder with a commitment to service, support, and collaboration for long term success
• Deep knowledge of greenhouse gas accounting, waste audits, water footprinting and related frameworks (such as SBTi, TCFD, CDP and GRI) required
• Strong business background with understanding of how sustainability programs can contribute to organisational goals, KPIs and meeting the mission
• Proven ability to manage and build strong, complex, collaborative business relationships with diverse people and organisations
• Team player with established success coaching and developing a strong team.
• Exceptional skills in project and program management
• Excellent communication and presentation skills 
• Results-oriented, self-driven to succeed, with the ability to understand quickly and hit the ground running
• Impressive time management and organizational skills with strong attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple projects of varying natures simultaneously
• Experience with software applications including Mailchimp, PowerBI, WordPress, GHG accounting, and Salesforce
• Access to reliable transportation to visit member locations throughout the region as necessary.
• Availability outside of 9 AM-5 PM for events and volunteer meetings

Employment Details: This is a full-time permanent position based on a 40 hour work week

Base Salary: $55,000 annually

Additional: Employer paid health benefits package (after 3 month probation period), professional development budget valued at .5% of salary, annual retirement contribution, potential annual bonus payout (dependent upon annual organisational  financial outcomes), flexible work hours, generous vacation package, 10 paid sick days available annually, mileage reimbursement, discounted corporate GRT pass.

Working Location: This position is hybrid. Weekly, every Wednesday, the team works in person at the SWR office located at 420 Wes Graham Way, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 0J6. For the rest of the week, the team member may choose to work remotely or in person. The number of and specific in-office days are subject to change.

To apply: Send an email with your current resume and cover letter to recruitment@sustainablewr.ca.  Please include the role title and your name in the subject line.

Deadline: There is no deadline for applying; however interviews will begin immediately and continue until a successful candidate is found.

Sustainable Waterloo Region is committed to creating an accessible and diverse culture where everyone belongs. We commit to actively working to empower full participation and ensure fair treatment within our organization, for those we serve, and for generations to come. 

We believe diversity strengthens our organization, and we strongly encourage applications from qualified candidates of any background and lived experience. If you require accommodation, please let us know.