Climate Communications & Engagement

Position: Senior Communications & Engagement Specialist – Climate Change
Organization: West Coast Environmental Law
Location: at our Vancouver office or remote in BC
Application Deadline: January 20, 2025

Reporting to the Director of Communications and working closely with staff in our Climate Program, the Senior Communications & Engagement Specialist will support our team with ongoing communications and community engagement activities, including digital outreach, event coordination and the creation of materials to support our climate work. This position will be instrumental in advancing exciting climate law initiatives, such as the Sue Big Oil campaign and advocacy for strong federal climate laws.

As West Coast’s Senior Climate Communications & Engagement Specialist, you will be at the forefront of developing and distributing engaging content for a range of audiences through digital channels (website, email, social) and community events, as well as mainstream media. The successful candidate will be an experienced communicator who understands the power of storytelling and community engagement in driving change. They will be proficient with a variety of communications tools and will be ready to hit the ground running.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are seeking an individual who:

• Is a skilled writer, with the ability to professionally draft, edit, and proofread materials for print, online and social media
• Has a broad understanding of climate change, its causes and major drivers, and climate communications
• Is adept at translating information on complex and challenging issues into accessible, compelling stories for a variety of different audiences
• Has a solid understanding of current digital and social media trends, and a strong capability with social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (X) and BlueSky
• Has experience executing successful earned media campaigns
• Has the experience and commitment to help deepen our organizational engagement with groups and individuals from all walks of life, inspiring understanding and action for systemic environmental solutions
• Is competent in developing and implementing communications guided by justice and equity principles
• Has experience coordinating and promoting community events, such as town hall meetings and public forums
• Is detail-oriented and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to get the job done
• Has strong time and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to meet multiple and concurrent deadlines
• Is comfortable using digital tools for internal/team communications and project management (e.g. Slack, Outlook calendars, Zoom etc.)
• Is familiar with email marketing tools such as Mailchimp or Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and has experience with content management on Wordpress, Drupal or similar website platform
• Has a degree in communications, public relations or similar field, and/or a minimum of five years’ experience in a communications role

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with West Coast’s Climate Program and the communications team to develop and implement communications strategies, with a focus on the Sue Big Oil campaign, climate law reform advocacy, climate litigation and other climate-related initiatives
• Research, develop and help disseminate program-related materials, including blog posts, press releases, email newsletters, social media content and printed materials
• Proofread and copy edit content for print and online platforms, in alignment with West Coast’s style guide
• Attend meetings and collaborate with partners and coalitions on shared communication strategies and projects
• Design and implement tactics intended to communicate the local and/or costed risks of climate change and engage the public on the Sue Big Oil campaign
• Monitor and manage content on Sue Big Oil’s Wordpress website; assist with managing climate-related content on West Coast’s main website
• Work with the Sue Big Oil team and volunteers to maintain and grow campaign-focused social media channels
• Assist with press release distribution and pitches to media; maintain lists of key reporters, producers and media outlets for pitching stories on climate issues; maintain relationships with journalists consistent with West Coast’s mandate and brand
• Assist with layout and design of program communication materials and publications
• Coordinate advertising and/or digital marketing for program-related activities and events (including Facebook Ads, Meta Business Suite)
• Co-organize program-related events, meetings and webinars (including setup, venue coordination, promotion, live administration, logistics and follow-up communication with attendees)
• Work with West Coast’s communications team to coordinate timelines for key campaign moments, outreach and events as they relate to West Coast’s broader organizational plans
• Meet regularly with West Coast’s Communications Committee
• Coordinate with lawyers and development staff on program-related fundraising
• Help ensure standardization of fonts, colours, logos, and image use on West Coast/Sue Big Oil branded material
• Other related tasks assigned by Director of Communications or Climate Program staff

Remuneration: Salary range is $67,000-72,000, commensurate with experience.

About West Coast Environmental Law: West Coast Environmental law harnesses the power of law to solve complex environmental challenges. We work to transform environmental decision-making and strengthen legal protections for the environment through collaborative legal strategies that bridge Indigenous and Canadian law. We approach our work through an environmental justice lens, conscious of the importance of breaking down silos between environmental and other social justice movements. Our work seeks to address environmental harms while simultaneously promoting an equitable society. By putting the law into the hands of communities and creating legal risk for those who would harm the land, air and water, we are building the collective power to build a more sustainable future for all. Read West Coast’s values statement here.

TO APPLY:

Please submit your CV and cover letter to admin@wcel.org by Monday, January 20, 2025. Please quote “Senior Climate Communications & Engagement Specialist” and include your name in the subject line.

Please mention you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

West Coast Environmental Law aims to promote equity and challenge discrimination. We recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, races, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, abilities and beliefs. We strongly encourage Indigenous and/or IBPOC (Indigenous, Black/Brown and People of Colour) individuals to apply.

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices. Applicants with a disability or any specific needs may make a request for accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, and we will work with you to meet your needs. Such requests should be communicated to Milena Cunha, Administrative Coordinator – mcunha@wcel.org .

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Visit our website: wcel.org