Communications Specialist, Climate & Executive Director Support

  • Full-time

Company Description

Join the country’s most trusted environmental organization and become a force for good!

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. 

Job Description

Position Title: Communications Specialist, Climate & ED Support

Terms: Full-time 2-year term contract (34 hours/ 4-day week)

Salary: 55-65K, based on experience

Location: Based at our Vancouver Office, with remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic

Reporting to: Director, Communications and Director-General, Quebec & Atlantic Canada

  • Are you a talented and adept communications professional who loves working for Climate and the Environmental Issues of our times?
  • Are you passionate about communicating effectively in order to engage, inspire and motivate DSF audiences and communities to take action?
  • Do you want to work with a team of exceptionally talented and bright people to make a real difference in the world?

You and the Job

You’re an experienced communications specialist who is adept at responding quickly to breaking stories. You’re an exceptional writer who produces inspiring and actionable content; and a multi-skilled communicator who can move comfortably across different communications channels and tasks.

You’ll lead communications responses for a variety of projects under DSF’s Climate Solutions Portfolio and provide communications support for our (relatively) new Executive Director in forms such as social media content development and strategy, media message development and speech writing support.

You’ll be working closely with our Climate team, as well as a variety of stakeholders, including First Nations, academics, businesses, municipalities, environmental groups, project managers, scientists, campaigners, policy analysts, and digital and public engagement specialists.

You’re the expert that will ensure climate-related communication opportunities are fulfilled to a high standard with measurable results, and that key climate programs are well-represented through all DSF’s main communication channels (web, email, social media, media relations).

Your Responsibilities:

  • Lead our climate projects communications in collaboration with your team members.
  • Write exceptional and informed media releases and editorials, emails, briefing notes, and web and social media content.
  • Develop and deliver creative and effective communications plans.
  • Develop integrated strategies and content for communications, government relations, campaigns, funder reports and project delivery to support DSF's climate goals.
  • Work closely with the Director of Communications to help, lead and implement the Executive Director’s communications plan.
  • Facilitate media and speaking opportunities, write and pitch op-eds (working closely with our Senior Editor and Writer), manage social media accounts and more.
  • Identify and respond quickly and effectively to breaking climate stories and weekly news cycle opportunities.
  • Define and deliver on long-term regional audience engagement goals.
  • Liaise with our Digital team to help ensure content is shared optimally through all channels.
  • Develop compelling presentations for internal and external audiences.
  • Share key information across DSF departments and regions and in key relationships
  • Skilled copy-editor skills, as needed.
  • Attend meetings, conferences and events on behalf of DSF, as required.

Qualifications

Skills, Experience and Knowledge Required

Education and Experience:

  • University or college degree in communications (or related field) with a minimum of 5+ years professional experience in all aspects of communications, including executive director support.
  •  Experience in non-profit, community or government communications role and working with diverse stakeholders including experience with Indigenous communities is an asset.
  • Media relations expert: working for media, getting earned media placed and or
  • responding to media requests effectively.
  • Proven writing ability to translate complex issues into simple narratives and messages for different and diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated success in strategic communications planning, objective setting and plan execution.

What You Bring to the Role:

  • Experienced communicator. You easily and successfully communicate about environmental and social justice issues for a variety of audiences, platforms and channels. You write content that fits the scenario.
  • Team player. You thrive in a busy, deadline-driven and information-rich workplace.
  • Resilient and flexible. You are a quick learner and a collaborative colleague who enjoys being part of a team and can work independently.
  • Committed and passionate about building a better world. You have the talent and heart to deliver and make impacts.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and quality while managing multiple projects. You are organized and care deeply about producing high quality work.
  • Excellent project management skills. Proven research skills. You are used to content-driven deadlines.
  • Non-profit / charitable sector knowledge. You have experience working with non-profit networks and coalitions on shared goals (sign-on letters, court cases, news conferences).
  • You’ve worked with First Nations, local, regional and provincial governments and know how to build and support key relationships, based on mutual respect.
  • Passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion with the ability to support purposeful change
  • Excellent written and spoken English language skills. French and other language skills are an asset. 

What You Get

  • Ability to make a difference and protect the health of our planet.
  • Being a part of a team of superstars.
  • Generous benefit package.
  • 4-day work week.
  • Amazing work culture with smart colleagues that care.

Additional Information

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 it is filled.  Only qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews.

We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage women, Indigenous People(s), First Nations, Inuk/ Inuit and Métis candidates, members of visible minorities and persons with different abilities to apply.