Specialist, Environmental Outreach and Communications

Who are we?

Credit Valley Conservation is one of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing our local natural environment. We care for the Credit River, its streams and tributaries from the headwaters in Orangeville to the shores of Lake Ontario in Mississauga. We are scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, environmentalists, stewards, planners, foresters, recreation experts and much more. We create connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. We’re leaders and explorers. We are professional and we’re inspired. We know our stuff, and we work every day to make a difference.

Who are you?

You want to be part of an organization with an environmental goal. You get up every day and go to work with purpose. You accept that you may not change the world, but you’ll try to make an impact in your corner. You like to partner with skilled people across many professions. It’s as natural for you think about the outdoors as it is to think out of the box. You’re passionate, responsible and approachable. You do what’s right, not just what’s easy. You care, and it shows.

Why work for us?

We offer competitive public sector pay. We have a good employee benefits program. We’re members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension fund. We have flexible work hours for many positions. We find time to have fun and celebrate successes. You’ll have free access to our parks and discounts on recreational equipment rentals. You’ll know your co-workers by name and will make fast friends. You’ll like being at work.

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

The Environmental Outreach and Communications Specialist advances private land stewardship and fosters behaviour change with landowners throughout the Credit River Watershed by providing marketing and strategic support to CVC’s landowner engagement and stewardship section. The position develops and coordinates the implementation of communications, marketing, promotion and social media for landowner engagement programs, activities and campaigns. The specialist works closely with senior program coordinators to meet individual program needs, manages the integration of private land stewardship marketing and promotion across CVC, and coordinates performance evaluation and customer relationship management processes and tools for landowner engagement and stewardship.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Post-secondary education in communications, marketing, public relations, social sciences or related discipline
• Training or experience in science communications, environmental sciences/studies, ecology, natural resource management or related area is an asset

Experience

• Minimum five years of experience related to major tasks
• Experience in or knowledge of Community Based Social Marketing and Social Marketing
• Experience in the following:
  • developing and implementing creative marketing and promotion strategies, campaigns and tactics; in particular to motivate behaviour change
  • planning and coordinating social media marketing and digital marketing campaigns
  • audience segmentation and analysis
  • writing articles, preparing ad and campaign copy and copy editing
  • developing and managing evaluation strategies, tools and processes
  • performing research, data collection, analysis, and report preparation
  • preparing and managing budgets and project work plans
  • engaging with members of the public, business leaders and stakeholder groups
• Supervisory experience is an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Ability

• Familiarity with ecological principles, stormwater management, local ecosystems and environmental conservation principles and practices
• Ability to develop and implement engaging and effective outreach, communications and promotional materials and tactics
• Knowledge and proven expertise using social media and digital communications tools to reach landowners and encourage stewardship
• Ability to think strategically and bring creative solutions to program and promotional development activities
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; ability to create, compose and edit a variety of different communications materials including articles, newsletters, project proposals and reports
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Creative problem solver with a strong work ethic and ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Adaptable and able to work with diverse personalities and styles
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to effectively manage multiple tasks without compromising quality and positive working relationships with colleagues
• Experience in MS Office, Excel, database management and Outlook
• Valid class ‘G’ Driver’s License in good standing
• Able to work some weekends and evenings
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in inclement weather

SUMMARY OF MAJOR TASKS

Develop and implement marketing strategies and promotional tactics to advance private land stewardship

• Provide strategic advice to guide development of strategies and approaches that enhance and/or improve landowner outreach program delivery throughout the watershed.
• Conduct/coordinate social market research to inform program development, respond to emerging needs and measure program performance.
• Develop and implement promotional strategies and messaging to build awareness with landowners and drive participation in programs and activities.
• Create copy and coordinate design, production and distribution of promotional materials such as brochures, signage, postcards, posters, and ads.
• Develop strategy and implement use of new media tools such as social media, video, and online engagement (such as webinars).

Develop and distribute landowner outreach program materials

• Develop strategy, write and edit content and coordinate production and distribution of landowner communication tactics such as newsletters and landowner profiles.
• Coordinate design, production and distribution of educational resources such as fact sheets, native plant lists and how-to videos and booklets.
• Coordinate design and production of program materials such as program guides and property assessment plans.
• Review and update content on landowner outreach program web pages; develop new content as needed in collaboration with program leads.

Develop and implement targeted outreach campaign communications

• Assist program leads with development of targeted outreach campaign strategy and tactics.
• Develop and implement campaign marketing and communications plans and tactics.
• Create copy, and coordinate design, production and distribution of campaign materials.
• Coordinate integration of targeted outreach activities with regular on-going program activities and promotional tactics.

Coordinate integration of private land stewardship marketing and promotion

• Develop and manage project workstreams including project management and follow-ups.
• Coordinate the implementation of marketing and promotion across multiple programs and serve as a principle point of liaison between program leads.
• Support development and implementation of customer relationship management strategies and processes.
• Collaborate with CVC Marketing and Communications team to design and produce materials and ensure compliance with corporate brand direction.

Administration

• Develop and manage communications and marketing effectiveness tracking tools and processes; analyze effectiveness data; prepare reports.
• Contribute to proposals for special projects, targeted outreach and enhanced landowner outreach programming.
• Support budget planning, development and updating; manage expenditures within a fixed budget.
• Supervise, train and coach employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Other duties and projects as appropriate to the position.

Anticipated Start Date: January 16, 2023 (35 hours/week)

Annual Salary Starting At: $75,509 per year and will be commensurate with experience.

To apply for this opportunity, please submit a resume and cover letter via our website by December 4, 2022, at: https://cvc.ca/jobs/22-87r-specialist-environmental-outreach-and-communications/

Resumes/letters submitted electronically must be submitted in Word or Pdf. format as one document.

We thank all applicants for their interest.  However only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  No phone calls please.

New employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by the Ministry of Health as a condition of employment and must have satisfied the full post vaccination period required to ensure vaccination efficacy. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to the Ontario Human Rights Code.  If you are not fully vaccinated, a documented medical reason provided by a physician or registered nurse and time period for the medical reason may be accepted.

CVC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In accordance with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), CVC will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.  If you require disability – related accommodations, please inform the Human Resources (HR) staff.  All personal information is collected under the authority of the municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.