Communications, engagement & events

Position Title: Communications and Engagement Officer
Organization: TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-based Solutions
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

TransCoastal Adaptations: Centre for Nature-Based Solutions (TCA) at Saint Mary’s University is seeking a full-time Communications and Engagement Officer for the Centre. The Communications and Engagement Officer will manage the communications and engagement for the Centre and support multiple communications plans for various short-term and long-term projects ongoing with our project partners.

Start date: April 2025
Salary: $51,506 - $58,306 commensurate with experience, plus benefits
Status: Full-time (35 hrs a week)
Duration: End Date March 31st, 2028, with possibility of renewal

The mission at TCA is to help build climate-resilient coastal communities and ecosystems by protecting, enhancing, and restoring natural processes through innovative research and collaboration, and by implementing nature-based adaptation solutions. The Communications and Engagement Officer will be based at Saint Mary’s University and report directly to the Centre Operations Officer, and work alongside the Education and Outreach Coordinator. They will join a dynamic, passionate and energetic team at TCA who are committed to applying innovative, nature-based climate change adaptation solutions on the ground. We offer a dynamic, flexible work environment with opportunities to get your hands dirty on applied projects in the field.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing and creating content for website, social media, quarterly newsletters, and other communication materials;
• Developing and implementing communications and social media strategies, both independently and in collaboration with partner groups;
• Communicating and engaging with TransCoastal Adaptations partner groups regionally, nationally and internationally;
• Managing the Centre’s email communications;
• Managing internal communications including coordination of team meetings and activities;
• Planning and organizing the virtual webinar series and coordinating a bi-annual conference or large-scale workshop (150+ attendees);
• Maintaining internal resources (mailing lists, contacts, photo, branding materials, etc.);
• Writing, editing and formatting reports and project deliverables as required; developing other communication materials and graphics, including interpretive signs, posters, and brochures.

PROFILE

We are looking to hire a dedicated and flexible professional who thrives in a dynamic, academic
environment and who strives to support the success of the project and the research team. The Communication and Engagement Officer will be knowledgeable about science communication, nature-based solutions and committed to and passionate about the environment.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Completion of post-graduate education in a related field such as communications, journalism, geography, environmental science, planning, communications, or related field; or equivalent experience;
• Minimum 2 years of related experience;
• Past experience in event planning;
• Should have experience with website management, MailChimp, Microsoft Outlook and be skilled at social media engagement;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and engage diverse stakeholders and rightsholders including NGOs, rural landowners, planners, scientists, First Nations communities and decision makers;
• In-depth understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation in coastal regions;
• Experience working with First Nations Communities is considered an asset;
• Experience with graphic design and communications software such as Adobe Illustrator or Canva is considered an asset;
• Demonstrated experience in relationship building and engagement;
• Must have strong written and oral communication skills;
• Must have strong organizational and time management skills;
• Must be highly motivated, independent and hard-working;
• In-depth understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation in coastal regions;
• Experience working with First Nations Communities is considered an asset; and
• Position is based at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, flexible work opportunities are available but some in-person work required;
• Must be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to work in Canada.

APPLICATION

To apply:

If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter describing your background and fit to the position, along with a resumé or CV and list of references, merged into one document, via email to the Centre Operations Officer, Madison Marshall, Madison.Marshall@smu.ca, and copy Dr. Danika van Proosdij, dvanproo@smu.ca .

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Application deadline: Open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications on March 3rd, 2025. We thank all applicants, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at hr@smu.ca