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. 

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 different abilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. 

Position Title: Communications Specialist, Nature & Western Region

Terms: Full-time (34 hours / 4-day week)

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

Reporting to: Director-General, BC & Western Region

Salary: $50-60K, based on experience

• Are you a talented and adept communications professional who loves working for nature and the environmental issues of our time?
• 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? 

About the role

You are a communications specialist who produces exceptional, fresh, inspiring and actionable copy, including compelling web and social media content, news releases, editorials, briefing notes, emails and more.

You can move from media relations to engaging online audiences, from writing reports to planning events and developing and implementing successful communications strategies for the team. You have experience creating engaging and shareable content about complex issues for social media channels and websites.

You’ll be working with a variety of partners, governments and organizations, including Indigenous nations, academics, businesses, municipalities, environmental groups, project managers, scientists, campaigners, policy analysts and other specialists.

You enjoy working within and across teams primarily in B.C., Ontario and Quebec. You have a proven record of strategic development and delivery of key messages through myriad channels, to regional and national audiences.

You’ll lead communications responses for DSF’s Nature portfolio and its Western Region team, with projects including biodiversity and wildlife conservation, protection of marine areas, fisheries reform, natural assets, sustainable seafood, wild salmon recovery and aquaculture.

You are the expert that will ensure successful nature-focused and region-specific communication resources and capacity are fulfilled.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications for the DSF’s Nature team in collaboration with team members across the organization including developing social media and web content, editorials,   emails, news releases and other materials.
• Key contributor to the development of integrated strategies and content for communications, government relations, campaigns, funder reports and project delivery to support DSF's Nature goals.
• Develop and deliver creative and effective communications plans. Key participant in planning and strategy sessions.
• In addition to supporting and leading on communications strategy, also lead on functional tasks required to bring your communications products to life (technical briefs for email and online petitions, copy-editing requests, social post scheduling, etc.)
• Respond quickly and effectively to breaking environmental stories, through effective traditional and social media monitoring.
• Proactively seek out opportunities for increased media coverage.
• Develop compelling presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Support or lead occasional event coordination (news conferences, webinars, etc.)
• Share key information across DSF teams, regions and among partner groups (Indigenous, academic, business, municipalities, environmental groups, etc.)
• Attend meetings, conferences and events on behalf of DSF as required.

Skills, experience and knowledge required

 Education and experience

• University or college degree, or equivalent, in communications with a minimum of 3-5+ years professional experience in multiple aspects of communications.
• Extensive experience leading non-profit, community or government communications; and working with diverse organizations including Indigenous communities. If your background is in private sector, please explain how it will benefit you in this role.
• 3+ years of demonstrable experience creating engaging content across multiple channels.
• Proven experience working for media, getting earned media placed (news, opinion) and/or responding to media requests effectively.
• Proven ability to translate complex issues into simple narratives and messages for diverse audiences across multiple channels.
• Demonstrated success in strategic communications, planning, objective setting and plan execution.
• You enjoy working in a collaborative team environment, supporting the expertise of your colleagues through exceptional communications.
• Editorial experience (assignment, copy, web content, etc.) is an asset.
• Self-starter and quick responder. You are able to work independently.

What you bring to the role

• Non-profit knowledge is helpful but not required. Experience working with non-profit networks and coalitions on shared goals (e.g. sign-on letters, court cases, news conferences) is an asset, but experience outside the non-profit / charitable sector is also valued.
• You’ve worked with Indigenous nations, local, regional and provincial governments.
• Experienced communicator: you know how to successfully communicate about environmental and social justice issues for a variety of audiences, platforms and channels. You write content that fits the scenario.
• Committed and passionate about building a better world. You have the talent and heart to deliver and have an impact.
• 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.
• You have experience working with a number of key digital channels and software systems, including (but not limited to): Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, Hootsuite, Meltwater, Microsoft Office suite.
• Passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion with the ability to support purposeful change.
• Exceptional attention to detail and quality while managing multiple projects. You are organized.
• Superb project management skills. Proven research skills. Used to content driven deadlines.
• Superb written and spoken English language skills. French language skills are an asset.

What you get

• Being a part of a team of superstars, working on the issues of our time.
• Generous benefits package.
• 4-day work week.
• Amazing work culture with smart colleagues that really care.

Additional Information

Please submit your cover letter and your resume online and submit your application by visiting 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.