Communications and Outreach Coordinator

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Location: Fernie, BC and surrounding rural areas.

Compensation: $27-34/hr (subject to experience) & comprehensive benefits package. 

Hours: 37.5 h/week

Term of Employment: The position reports to Program and Operational Directors. The position is flexible, with some capacity for hybrid work if desired. 

Start Date: Early/mid-October

Application Deadline: Sunday, September 21st (primary interviews start Sept 23rd)

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About the Elk River Alliance

The Elk River Alliance (ERA) is a watershed charity with a mission to connect people to the Elk River using science, education, and community collaboration to ensure sustainable stewardship of the Elk River watershed. ERA projects and programs focus on water quality and quantity monitoring, restoration of streamside vegetation, and community engagement and education. All ERA programs are supported by community volunteers, and ERA has become a respected voice for the Elk River. 

Job Description

ERA is seeking a passionate science communicator to lead our science communication, community engagement, and education initiatives. Depending on aptitude, the successful applicant will contribute to ERA’s projects and programs by creating online content, managing social media channels, writing articles and press releases, designing interpretive signage & infographics, recruiting volunteers, making educational videos, and organizing events and workshops. A solid understanding of environmental sciences, aquatic biology, impacts of land uses and resource extraction, and Indigenous engagement will be key to excelling in this role. The applicant may also contribute to ERA projects and programs as needed, including fieldwork, project development, data analysis, and community consultation. 

Roles & Responsibilities

• Uphold ERA’s public reputation, representing the organizational position within the community
• Uphold and develop ERA’s communications strategy 
• Maintain ERA’s website, social media, and outreach channels
• Create clear and engaging content, including: promo posters, social media content, infographics, interpretive signage, pamphlets, educational web pages, articles and press releases, videos, photos, merchandise, presentations, annual reports
• Manage, track, and maintain metrics (Meta Business Suite and Ad Center experience)
• Manage school education program, engaging teachers and growing capacity
• Assist with fundraising efforts from a communications perspective
• Collaborate with staff and board to create communications materials
• Maintain relationships with diverse community partners, including Indigenous groups, industry, government and municipalities, businesses, and other non profits
• Manage volunteer recruitment, coordinating with field team members to ensure safety 
• Organize public outreach events, including community education evenings, volunteer appreciation nights, Annual General Meetings, etc.
• Manage the maintenance of a membership program
• Write grant proposals to support programming
• Manage project budgets and schedules ensuring timely and cost effective delivery
• Contribute to other ERA organizational needs as required
• Knowledge of Elk Valley environmental issues is an asset

Requirements

• Proven strong written and verbal communications skills
• Demonstrated experience in developing impactful communications materials (strong preference for an environmental communications background)
• Graphic design experience (preference for strong Inkscape or Illustrator skills)
• Web management and building experience (strong preference for experience with WordPress) and CRM management experience (FluentCRM considered an asset)
• Videography and photography skills, including editing (Da Vinci Resolve experience preferable)
• Project management experience (including budget management)
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Gmail etc.)
• Must have an interest in environmental science and environmental sustainability
• High tolerance for managing stressful situations, tight deadlines, and changing priorities 
• Canadian work eligibility (preference given to Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee status)
• Degree in a communications or environmental science field
• Clean criminal record (police background check required prior to employment)
• Ability to work independently and within a team

Skills and qualifications considered an asset 

• Proven grant writing experience
• Data visualization skills (especially using R)
• Given equal merit, preference is given to young persons  
• Given equal merit, preference is given to a members of equity deserving groups (see below)
• Current first aid certification
• Class 4 or 5 driver’s licence and reliable personal vehicle

To Apply: Apply to [email protected]. We thank all applicants for their interest. We will only contact those shortlisted for the position. In your application email, please include:

• Your resume or CV demonstrating relevant experience and qualifications. Please include two samples of your writing and relevant samples of graphic design, social media, or videography/photography. 
• (Optional) Record a short video uploaded to YouTube with a link. In the video, answer the following questions:
• Tell us about yourself
• Why do you think you would be great for this position?
• Explain a time you created impactful content 
• An informative and interesting fact about the Elk River ecosystem
• (Optional) submit a simple infographic targeted at a general non-scientific audience explaining 3 values of wetlands. 
• Please note: the interview will include an “in-basket” assignment that you will have 4 hours to complete within 24 hours. 

The Elk River Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining an inclusive working environment and does not discriminate based on sex, gender identity, religion or ethnicity. Where possible, employment is offered to minority and equity-seeking groups, including indigenous and racialized (BIPOC) individuals, women in STEM, LGBTQ2S+, young professionals and recent immigrants.