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 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, BC & 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 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? 

About the role:

You are a communications specialist extraordinaire who is adept at responding quickly to breaking environmental stories. You are a writer who produces exceptional, fresh, inspiring and actionable copy including news releases, editorials, briefing notes, blogs, emails and compelling web and social media content.

You are a multi-skilled communicator who can move from media relations to engaging online audiences, copy-editing reports, and planning and producing successful communications strategies for the team. You have experience managing social media channels and websites using content management systems.

You’ll be working a variety of key stakeholders everyday including First Nations, academic, business, municipalities, environmental groups, project managers, scientists, campaigners, policy analysts, and digital and engagement specialists. You enjoy working within a team, and for a cross sectional team of experts. You have a proven record of strategic development and delivery of key Foundation messages through a myriad of channels, to regional and national target audiences.

You’ll lead communications responses for all DSF Western Region projects including biodiversity and wildlife conservation, protection of marine areas, fisheries reform, natural assets, sustainable seafood, wild salmon recovery and aquaculture. Working closely with the Regional Director, you are the expert that will ensure successful regional communication resources and capacity are fulfilled ongoing.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the communications responses in collaboration with team members and across the organization for the Foundation's Western Region projects including writing blogs and editorials,   emails, news releases, briefing notes, and web and social media content.
• Define and deliver on long-term regional audience engagement goals. Ongoing liaison with the Foundation's Digital and Technology Department is required to help ensure content is shared optimally through all channels.
• Key contributor to the development of integrated strategies and content for communications, government relations, campaigns, funder reports, and project delivery to support DSF's biodiversity goals.
• Develop and deliver creative and effective communications plans. Key participant in planning and strategy sessions.
• Plan and execute events (within pandemic restrictions), online engagement, media relations and other communications related activities as needed.
• Identify and respond to opportunities arising from the news cycle related to Western Canada priorities. Respond quickly and effectively to breaking environmental stories.
• Develop compelling presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Share key information across DSF departments and regions and among key stakeholders (First Nations, academic, business, municipalities, environmental groups, etc.)
• Skilled Copy-Editor as needed.
• Attend meetings, conferences and events on behalf of DSF as required.

Skills, Experience and Knowledge Required

Education and Experience:

• University or College degree/ diploma in communications with a minimum of 5+ years professional writing experience in all aspects of communications.
• Experience in non-profit, community or government communications role and working with diverse stakeholders including experience with Indigenous communities.
• 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.
• You like working in a collaborative team environment, supporting the expertise of your colleagues through exceptional communications.
• Editorial experience (assignment, copy, web content, etc.) is required.
• Self-starter and quick responder; you are able to work independently.

What you bring to the role:

• Non-profit knowledge. Experience working with non-profit networks and coalitions on shared goals (e.g. sign-on letters, court cases, news conferences).
• You’ve worked with First 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 make impacts.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.