POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Toxics Program Manager is responsible for leading Environmental Defence’s efforts to achieve strong and equitable protections for Canadians and the environment from toxic chemicals and pollution.
The Toxics Program Manager will work in close partnership with environmental and health groups to reform Canada’s cornerstone pollution prevention and toxics law, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), and lead market campaigns to compel corporate action to eliminate chemicals of concern such as bisphenols, PFAS and phthalates from consumer products. Additionally, the Toxics Program Manager will oversee a campaign to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for its toxic pollution and its impacts on Indigenous communities and the environment.
We seek a highly committed, experienced, and outgoing program manager with a penchant for law reform, public policy development, creative campaigning, and scientific literacy and expertise with regard to chemicals and health.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead a team to design and implement creative and collaborative campaigns to advance regulatory and corporate policy and prevent pollution, protect vulnerable populations and eliminate the release of toxic chemicals of concern.
Lead government relations strategies, and liaise with representatives from the federal government and opposition parties to strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and its implementation.
Develop briefing notes, make submissions and recommendations on key chemicals management and pesticide policies, proposed legislation, risk assessment decisions, and engage with elected officials and government decision-makers.
Liaise with partner organizations in the Coalition for Action on Toxics and other allied organizations in Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere on law reform and/or campaigns and strategies to advance safer chemical policies.
Conduct issue research and analysis related to chemical, pesticide and toxic pollution issues.
Oversee the implementation of outreach to environmental justice communities and organizing strategies related to the program’s mandate and priorities.
Support other Environmental Defence staff in an ongoing program with communities and Indigenous organizations to address the threat of toxic tar sands tailings to human health and the environment
Write research and policy reports, lead on and contribute to regular blogs, opinion editorials, letters to the editor, reports, press releases, statements etc.
Work with the communications and engagement teams at Environmental Defence on media outreach, digital engagement tactics, public education resources and guides, and act as a spokesperson on toxics and related issues.
Contribute key content to grant and report writing and manage and track budgets for specific Toxics projects, working closely with the development team at Environmental Defence.
Contribute to the development of Environmental Defence’s next Strategic Plan in the area of toxic chemicals.

QUALIFICATIONS:
3 or more years of experience on related issues
Knowledge of environmental issues, especially chemicals issues and environmental justice
Strong grasp of scientific research methods and public health science
Strong analytical and research skills;
Experience with government relations and/or market campaigning;
Excellent interpersonal communications skills
Excellent oral and written communication; traditional and social media skills an asset.
Experience with media an asset
University degree in a related field; graduate training in science an asset.
Project management experience including project budget management a plus
Passion for environmental and public health
Familiarity with broader environmental issues/policy is an asset
French language skills an asset

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
Commitment to Environmental Defence’s vision and mission
Outgoing personality and enthusiastic communicator
Great attention to detail, highly organized, with a proven ability to meet deadlines
A drive for success.
Sound judgement and the ability to work independently and as part of a team

How to apply:
Send your cover letter and resume by email to hr@environmentaldefence.ca . Include “Program Manager – Toxics” in the subject line. No phone calls please.