Reports to: Director of Development & Communications, Ontario
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Grade Level: 3

Overview

Reporting to the Director of Development & Communications, the Communications Manager is responsible for the implementation of a comprehensive program to strengthen the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s visibility and brand in the province of Ontario. The Communications Manager will develop a program that maximizes opportunities for internal and external communications. The incumbent will conduct day-to-day work in the areas of planning, writing, print/electronic communications and publications, media and public relations, production, project management and marketing. S/He will work collaboratively with regional and national staff to deliver a communications program designed to enhance NCC’s profile and, directly or indirectly, support its fundraising capacity in Ontario. The Communications Manager will advance knowledge of NCC’s work through proactively building key media contacts in core areas of interest. The Manager will advise and mentor other staff in public relations, and ensures that regional communications conform to national and regional standards and policies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Communications, Outreach and Marketing Coordination – 30%

Design, implement, coordinate, and evaluate all communications programs for Ontario region (reporting results to senior management);
Work closely with management and staff to ensure Ontario regional priorities and national priorities are coordinated and reflected in program delivery;
Oversee the direction (visual and editorial) and production of all regional communications products, including written materials, property and interpretive signs, speeches, advertisements, and presentations for use by regional program and senior staff for both internal and external audiences;
Provide writing and editing support to program and development staff for outbound donor communications, ensuring effectiveness and adherence to style and brand guidelines;
Represent NCC in a variety of external relations and communications functions, with the goal of building awareness and support for the conservation programs of NCC and its partners;
Elevate emerging issues for appropriate management and coordination;
Ensure consistency of NCC voice, through messaging and effective use of resources;
Foster a culture of storytelling;
Leverage program achievements, to enhance organization’s profile on multiple platforms;
Develop and monitor communications budgets;

2. Media and Partnership Liaison – 30%

Act as the lead Ontario Region spokesperson for all media inquiries;
Build awareness and support for NCC, its programs and partners;
Grow earned media exposure through news releases and feature pitches, actively seeking opportunities to raise awareness of NCC Ontario Region activities;
Develop relations and maintain key media contacts, create media materials and lists;
Plan, manage, and execute a variety of media events and opportunities (interviews, matte stories, advertorial opportunities, etc.);
Recruit media partners to support communications initiatives, and manage the on-going relationship with these partners;
Work closely with outside contractors to develop effective public service announcements;

3. Manage Communications for Specific Projects and Programs – 20%

Support the development and delivery of communications deliverables for specific conservation projects, or deliverables required to fulfill NCC’s contractual obligations of partnership agreements and grants;
Support the development and delivery of communications deliverables outlined in NCC’s Natural Area Conservation Plans;

4. Electronic Media – 15%

Manage, maintain and update the Ontario Region section of the NCC national website on a regular basis;
Develop content for blog, e-newsletters, website and social media;

5. Other – 5%

Other duties as assigned by the Director of Development & Communications or Regional Vice President, which may include Government relations – thus experience an asset;

Skills and Aptitudes

Minimum five years demonstrated successful experience in a communications role, including program design and implementation;
Post secondary degree or diploma in journalism, communications, public relations or other related field;
Exceptional verbal and written communications skills, including presentation skills in English essential;
Experience writing a variety of communications products including news releases, speeches, articles, etc.;
Portfolio of work (media, print and web) designed to engage broad audience;
Demonstrated, effective media relations experience;
Experience managing 3rd party contractors for the creation and production of communications/marketing materials;
Experience researching, developing and managing partnerships with community, corporate, and government institutions;
Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, web publishing tools, Publisher, and PowerPoint; experience with InDesign would be an asset;
Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced and changing environment;
Commitment to core values and mission of Nature Conservancy of Canada;
Experience, and interest in communicating natural sciences;
Demonstrated interest in land conservation and stewardship as well as natural heritage programming.
Valid G driver’s license is required.

If you have a keen interest in nature and conservation and are interested in joining our team, please forward your resumé and cover letter, indicating “Communications Manager – Ontario Region” in the subject line, by August 31, 2015, to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, via e-mail:
careers@natureconservancy.ca

We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.