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About the David Suzuki Foundation

Always grounded in sound evidence, the David Suzuki Foundation empowers people to take action in their communities on the environmental challenges we collectively face. Through evidence-based research, policy analysis, education and citizen empowerment, we conserve and protect the natural environment to create a sustainable Canada.

Our mission is to protect nature’s diversity and the well-being of all life, now and for the future. Our vision is that we all act every day on the understanding that we are One with Nature. #OneNature

You can learn more about us at www.davidsuzuki.org

The David Suzuki Foundation hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equality and diversity within its community and to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. 

Position Title: Communications Specialist, Ontario & Northern Canada

Terms: Maternity Leave, 1-Year Term

Location: Based at our Toronto office 

Reporting: Associate Director, Communications

Salary: Based on experience

• Are you a talented media and communications professional looking for that next challenge to move you along on your career path?
• Are you passionate about saving the planet and want to put your skills toward an incredibly important cause?
• Would you like to be part of a renowned organization with a strong commitment to protecting nature’s diversity and the well-being of all life, now and for the future?

We’re a group of exceptionally talented, bright and passionate people working to make a real difference in the world. We’re currently looking for a multi-media savvy, committed and collaborative Communications Specialist to play a key role in the success of our Ontario & Northern Canada team.

You would work closely with our Associate Director of Communications to develop and support functions that make our regional communications and stakeholders shine!

You’re someone with a positive attitude, who brings creativity and fresh perspective to our Foundation’s voice. You easily create strong, cohesive and inspiring narrative across all departments and regions, and shine as an expert in creating engaging digital and video messaging. 

The Role:

You’ll be working with scientists, campaigners, policy analysts and communications and digital specialists. You’ll be key to strategic development and to the creation and delivery of the Foundation’s communications to our regional target audiences. Some travel will be required.

You’ll be working closely with our national Communications team to achieve shared goals and practices, and will be the regional liaison with our Digital Strategy department, to make sure key content is shared through all channels, including email, the web, social media and more.
 

Your Responsibilities

Strategic communications planning: 

You’ll work closely with the Regional Director-General in the Toronto office on all key communications issues and opportunities to build our constituency in Ontario & Northern Canada. You like to work closely with project leaders and others internally to build strategies and work plans, and you enjoy coordinating cross-departmental delivery of communications initiatives.

• Collaborate to develop and implement strategic communications and audience engagement initiatives
• Lead advisor on responsive and tactical communications. Always aligned with DSF’s broader communications goals.
• Coalitions and external partner communications. Development and execution of campaigns and strategies.
• Weekly Positioning & Messaging meetings to share info, develop best practices and contribute to overarching goals

Content creation, writing, editing, multi-media:

• Write news releases, opinion pieces (columns, op-eds), media advisories, newsletter articles, ads, web content, social media content (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), articles, presentations, backgrounders, executive summaries, etc.
• Development of additional multi-media materials, such as videos and designed collateral
• Edit and oversee production of scientific reports and other materials
• Work with our Development and Strategic Partnerships department to help with reporting to our funders and Board of Directors

 Media liaison and communications advisor:

• Write tactical communications and media advice for maximum message impact
• Analyze media response to continuously improve our publicity strategies
• Develop and manage strategic media contacts. Research and initiate opportunities.
• Pitch stories, articles and interviews to the media
• Assist with fundraising team activities, when required

Project planning and outreach: Work with the Ontario & Northern Canada Team to ensure:

• Projects and work plans incorporate our strategic communications and make the most of communications opportunities
• Materials are produced on time and on budget
• Development of annual communications work plans for the team
• Work with the Digital Strategy Team in initial planning for projects and campaigns
• Build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders, influencers and opinion leaders in the region. Support the Director-General in strategic relationship management.
• Develop and execute tactical communications plans in collaboration with multiple programs, external stakeholders, and engaging specific channel expertise.

Web maintenance, actions and digital engagement:

• Work with the Web Strategist and Content Manager, to ensure our regional work is reflected and project elements are up-to-date on website: news releases, project overviews, stories, articles, expert profiles and other content blocks
• In partnership with Digital Strategy Team, manage strategy and executions of online actions

Ad-hoc and related duties as needed:

• Support the ongoing development of an effective team
• Projects are completed on time and on budget
• Collaborate on cross-departmental initiatives
• Support the team as required with other projects and operational challenges

Your Qualifications

Skills, Experience and Knowledge Required:

• University degree or college diploma in marketing communications, journalism or related field
• Minimum 3-5 years in progressively senior communications, marketing or journalism
• Strong communicator, both oral and written. Expert in writing, editing and multimedia production across a variety of digital and traditional communications channels:
  • Strong communicator, both oral and written. You synthesize facts, concepts and principles quickly and accurately
  • Exceptional writing skills are essential. Editing skills are a major asset.
  • Writing and editing experience includes: news releases, op-eds, journalistic-style stories, expert articles, social media content, internal communications, internal brand-related protocols and guidelines, etc.
• Skilled team player! You lead through teamwork, collaboration and cooperation:
  • Ability to work on different teams, in different regions, on a variety of communications projects is vital
  • Ability to mediate conflict with tact and diplomacy (including media relations)
• Audience-centric approach to creating and delivering content. You know how to engage different audiences.
• Proficiency with various design and editing programs (PhotoShop, InDesign, PremierePro, etc.) and MS Office Suite

 What You Bring to the Role:

• Experience working in the environmental non-profit sector. You know our landscape!
• Strong work ethic, integrity and drive. You understand and practice confidentiality and discretion.
• Proven track record and success in project and campaign management. Superior customer service orientation.
• Good decision making and analytical skills. You identify critical issues quickly and accurately.
• Excellent ability to work quickly, seamlessly and under deadlines. Great organizational skills.
• Strong network of media contacts! You have a great knowledge of the Canadian media landscape, both in major centers and throughout the country.
• French language written and verbal skills are a valuable asset

 What You Get:

• Being a part of a team of superstars
• Generous benefit package
• 4-day work week
• Amazing work culture with smart colleagues that care
• A chance to lead change and have an impact on the health of the planet!
• An experience working in an organization with a focus on technology

Please submit your cover letter and your resume online and submit your application by going to https://davidsuzuki.org/careers/ .  The position will stay open until filled. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage women, First Nations, Inuit and Metis candidates, members of visible minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.