Position Overview
The purpose of this position is to coordinate the Nature Guardians Youth Program and support collaborative projects, as required. The Education Coordinator coordinates efforts with youth, partners, member groups, other organizations and agencies, as well as planning, communications, fundraising and reporting related to the Nature Guardians Youth Program. The program brings youth together through nature-based experiences and leadership opportunities to inspire and grow the next generation of conservation leaders in Ontario.
The ideal candidate has a proven ability to engage and inspire youth (aged 14 – 30), coordinate projects and events, and collaborate respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds. Reporting to the Education Manager, they will join a team of 30 passionate staff members in a collaborative, impactful and fun work environment.
About Ontario Nature
Ontario Nature is a charitable conservation organization that protects wild species and wild spaces across Ontario through conservation, education and public engagement. We represent over 155 member groups, and more than 30,000 individual members and supporters throughout the province. We are there wherever and whenever nature needs us most. To learn more, visit: ontarionature.org.
Why Work With Ontario Nature
Flexible work hours and location, in accordance with our Remote Work Policy
Progressive workspace and membership perks at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto
Generous vacation leave and 4 paid days off in addition to statutory holidays during our office closure in late December; 12 paid sick days per year
Fulfilling, purpose-driven work, alongside 30 passionate and committed colleagues
An ongoing commitment to create an inclusive and equitable environment for employees, volunteers, members and supporters
Opportunities for advancement, skill development and cross-sectoral collaboration
Support for taking initiative and pursuing aligned personal interest projects
Team building and social opportunities
Principal Responsibilities
PROJECT AND EVENT COORDINATION
Coordinate the planning and delivery of annual program events including the Youth Summit, Youth Council leadership retreats, and conservation volunteering events.
Co-coordinate planning and delivery of retreats and events for the Youth Circle for Mother Earth (YCME) project, with input and support from partner organizations.
Engage the Youth Council in guiding, delivering, promoting and evaluating the activities of the Nature Guardians Youth Program.
Support Youth Council members with advocacy efforts and the delivery of youth-led campaigns and workshops as interests arise.
Assist with Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas-3 events involving youth.
PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION
Recruit and engage new and returning Youth Council members.
Co-coordinate with YCME partners to recruit and engage new and returning Coordinating Circle members.
Support relationship-building and joint fund-raising efforts with YCME partners.
Co-coordinate communications among partners for the YCME project to ensure all are up to date on plans, events and involved as appropriate.
Work with conservation, education, and youth-serving organizations to advance shared goals.
FUNDRAISING, BUDGETING AND EVALUATION
Assist with grant applications and funder reports, as directed.
Support updating funding plans and project budgets for the Nature Guardians Youth Program, program events and the Youth Circle for Mother Earth project.
Coordinate outreach with existing and potential Youth Summit sponsors.
Contribute to quarterly and monthly reports for the Board of Directors, as directed.
Work with staff, partners, and program participants to evaluate the Nature Guardians Youth Program and associated projects and activities.
COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH
Respond to inquiries, questions, and concerns relevant to the Nature Guardians Youth Program.
Support webpage and social media updates to promote public understanding of and support for the Nature Guardians Youth Program.
Support promotion program events and successes through posters, dedicated social media pages, ON Nature Magazine, webpages, e-newsletters, press releases, etc.
Engage Youth Council members in program communications and Ontario Nature events as opportunities arise.
Act as a program spokesperson with media, as directed.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Relevant experience in environmental education, outdoor education or a related field.
Proven ability to play an inspirational, leadership role working with youth in nature-based activities and programs.
Experience in event planning.
Experience working with diverse populations, including Indigenous and under-resourced communities.
Excellent listening and communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Good problem-solving skills, sound judgment and self-reliance.
Ability to demonstrate initiative and work effectively as part of a team.
Familiarity with internet-based social networking tools. Proficiency in all applications of the Microsoft Office suite of programs including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
Ontario Nature requires that all employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the communities we operate in. The selected candidate must provide proof of vaccination at the time of hiring.
Desirable Assets
Valid class G driver’s licence.
Experience coordinating and facilitating communications and meetings among diverse organizations.
Experience working or volunteering for the non-profit sector.
Experience working with and supervising volunteers.
Training in cultural empathy.
Knowledge of Ontario’s natural history.
Anticipated Start Date: October 2022
Type of Position: 1-year contract, full-time
Compensation: $44,000 – $54,000 per year
Location: This position is based at Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 720 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON. This position can work remotely in accordance with Ontario Nature’s operational Remote Work Policy, however the selected candidate must be willing to work from the head office occasionally for event preparation and team meetings.
Working Conditions:
This job requires travel within Ontario and occasional evening and weekend work. The job can be physically demanding, including hiking, tree-planting, hole-digging and camping in a variety of weather conditions. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time during some events.
To Apply
Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one PDF document, addressing your qualifications and experience
Include “Education Coordinator” in the subject line
Email your application to jobs@ontarionature.org
Deadline for applications: October 5, 2022