Summary
CPAWS is based on the unceded and unsurrendered lands of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation, and works in both unceded and treaty lands of First Nations, Métis and Inuit throughout the country known as Canada. CPAWS is committed to operating in a way that upholds justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). We are also working to ensure our office is an inclusive and safe place for people from diverse backgrounds.
Are you passionate about the ways that strong communications can shape an organization’s image and values? Do you catch yourself telling your friends about tools, templates and tricks for better digital media engagement? Do you care about nature and want to help protect it? Do you want to work for one of Canada’s leading environmental charities and the only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land and water? Are you bilingual, and especially strong in French? If this sounds like you, let us know!
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) has an exciting short term contract opportunity for a bilingual, National Communications Coordinator to support to the National Communications team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early career environmental communicator to gain professional experience with one of Canada’s leading environmental charities.
The successful candidate will help the CPAWS conservation team develop and execute campaigns, with a significant focus on creating impactful digital content. You will also maintain and deploy products on online platforms, support events, and help to ensure the organization adheres to brand and language management protocols.
We value each employee’s creativity and innovation and offer a collegial work environment.
Role and Mission
CPAWS (cpaws.org) is a national charitable organization with 13 chapters across Canada, almost 100 staff, and hundreds of volunteers who have helped to protect over half a million square kilometres of Canada’s public land and water, since 1963.
Our conservation vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water in a framework of reconciliation – for the benefit of both wildlife and humans.
The successful candidate will support projects and day-to-day work that is focused on the stewardship of CPAWS’s conservation work. They will also provide support for brand and corporate communications, corporate partnerships, shared tools, processes, forums and other communications campaigns in support of the priorities of the organization.
The CPAWS team in the National office is focused on federal conservation, government relations, communications and development work, and collaborates regularly with our regional Chapters across the country. The Communications team contributes to this important work by coordinating projects and campaigns, developing communications strategies and products, stewarding relationships with our donors and partners, and doing our part to sustain organizational growth and operational effectiveness.

Responsibilities
Campaign Communications (40%)
Meeting with the project leads to plan and implement communications strategies for conservation campaigns.
Creating campaign materials for social media and other platforms in English and French.
Writing press releases in English and French, in support of campaign goals.
Supporting the creation and delivery of materials, including conservation reports.
Setting up and deploying e-alerts, action pages, and advertising on digital channels to support CPAWS National, and chapters where appropriate, on CPAWS’ websites, via Engaging Networks and Meltwater, for digital and event marketing, and on affiliated external websites (e.g., Canada Helps).
Corporate Communications (40%)
Developing and deploying content and branded assets for CPAWS channels, in English and French, to support corporate communications and corporate initiatives, including but not limited to:
Social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Hootsuite, etc.);
Websites;
Emailings;
Internal communications;
Events; and
Other owned and paid content.
Supporting the production of English and French communications products including the annual Impact Report, the bi-annual magazine, biographies, reports, handouts, swag, event collateral, etc.
Monitoring, measuring, and adapting advertising and marketing content in English and French to support campaigns and initiatives.
Providing support for the engagement of the organization in strengthening the CPAWS brand and formalizing the use of brand assets.
Providing communications support for the National CPAWS Corporate Partner Program.

Other Duties (20%)
Serving as a French proof-reader for National content.
Participating in staff meetings, retreats, and events.
Participate in the development of annual communications and development plans and programs for CPAWS’ National office.
Stay up to date with current communications trends and ensure CPAWS stays in line with industry best practices.
Using analytics to improve the effectiveness of campaign and corporate communications.
Accountability and Authority
The National Communications Coordinator will report to the National Director, Communications, and will work closely with other members of the Communications and Development teams. Regular collaboration with other communications and conservation team members throughout the organization will be required.
All staff are accountable through the staff structure to the National Executive Director for the planning and delivery of programs and services for which they are responsible. The National Executive Director is responsible for staff management and development, and the effectiveness of programs and services within the priorities and budgets approved by the Board.
The Human Resources Policy guides the National Executive Director in the day-to-day management of the organization. All CPAWS staff will ensure they have read, understand and adhere to the policy manual.

Qualifications & Expectations
Essential Assets
The successful candidate will be passionate about protecting nature in Canada and will have some knowledge of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada.
At least 2 years of experience in communications or public affairs, or relevant studies combined with other experience.
Strong technical skills in website tools (e.g., WordPress, Google Analytics 4), social media channels and management tools (e.g., Facebook Manager, Hootsuite), collaboration tools (e.g. Trello, Slack, Sharepoint), etc., and MS Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Experience in researching, writing, and editing content, and planning release on multiple channels in English and French.
An effective communicator both in writing and verbally – able to present ideas and facilitate internal meetings and workshops about communications.
Exceptionally organized with excellent attention to detail.
An inclusive, collegial, and collaborative work ethic with strong teamwork skills.
Nice to Have
Experience working or volunteering in non-profit/ charitable sector, or in campaigning or community organizing.
A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. technical college diploma or university degree)
Experience with design software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) and engagement- management software (e.g., Engaging Networks)
Experience with campaigning and fundraising
Experience working with Indigenous Peoples and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Experience in not-for-profit organizations or associations.
Application Submission and Hiring Process
CPAWS is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the populations we serve. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including applicants from all cultures, racialized communities, abilities, diverse sexual and gender identities, and others who may contribute to equitable representation and diversity of perspectives and ideas. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier-free. Please contact us if you should require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process at info@cpaws.org

To apply,
send a cover letter, resume, and three examples (or hyperlinks to examples) of your communications work including a social media post and a sample of writing for a public audience.
These documents should be saved into a single PDF with the file name LAST NAME_NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR and sent by email to employment@cpaws.org .