Job Duties
As a small charity, every team member does a little bit of everything, and we are always willing to help each other. The Communications & Development Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of OFT’s communications strategy. In short, we need you to help us communicate the need for farmland protection (and the impact we are having), in order to help us protect more farmland in Ontario. Main expectations include:

Communications
Come up with creative strategies for outreach and engagement.
Maintain public communications through our website, blog, e-news, and social media.
Maintain our contact database and manage member relations (we use Keela).
Prepare outreach and communications materials, including an annual report.
Get to know our supporters and why they care about protecting farmland. Maintain an active schedule of one-on-one engagement with our supporters.
Find new ways to thank our donors.
Design communications campaigns, including mailings and e-appeals, that tell compelling stories about the need for farmland protection.
Oversee the planning of events that celebrate newly protected farms.
Philanthropy
Identify and engage prospective donors creatively and effectively to encourage support.
Steward and deepen long term relationships with existing donors to maximize support.
Lead our Fundraising Committee (made up of staff, board, and volunteers).
Be willing to learn about various fundraising techniques and implement our Fundraising Strategy.
Research and write grant applications to various foundations (shared by all staff).

Required Skills & Attributes
Experience in marketing, communications, or fundraising.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Passionate about agriculture, farmland protection, and land conservation.
Creativity and a willingness to learn (and test) new skills.
Excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to manage tight deadlines and competing priorities.
Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, social media, and web communication tools. Design skills considered an asset.
Team-player with a positive attitude and commitment to working cooperatively with others.
Ontario Farmland Trust is a great place to work
Our team is motivated and we work hard, but we are also strongly committed to a balanced lifestyle. We allow for flexible work hours and telecommuting.
We pride ourselves in having a supportive culture that facilitates communication, creativity, and professional development.
We have an engaged team that is constantly learning, improving, and having fun.
We value each team member’s unique perspective. We are interested in your opinion and we want to know what you think!
We are committed to protecting farmland and rural landscapes in Ontario. You will have the chance to join us on site visits to our protected farms.
We are part of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance – you will have the ability to connect with (and learn from) colleagues from across the province.
We have a small staff complement of three full time staff. We have very low turnover, and permanent opportunities do not arise often J
Location:
This is a work from home position, with regular check-ins and video team meetings. An ergonomically correct workstation is required. Occasional in person meetings may resume at our office at the University of Guelph. Events may occur across Ontario.
Details:
This is a full time permanent position, 30 or 37.5 hours per week (negotiable). Compensation will be commensurate with experience, in the range of $47,000 – $62,000 (full time equivalent). The ability to work flexible hours is occasionally required for events and meetings.

To Apply:
Please forward your cover letter, resume, and references (in one document) via e-mail to kathryn@ontariofarmlandtrust.ca by Thursday June 10, 2021, 12pm EST. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.