Outdoor Learning, Outdoor Play, Outdoor Education

Take Me Outside is Hiring!

Position: Administrative and Communications Coordinator (ACC)
Organization: Take Me Outside
Location: remote, anywhere in Canada

We are looking for a self-motivated, tech-savvy, creative, and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about outdoor learning. Keep reading to find out more and how to apply!

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Application Deadline: January 12th, 2025

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Summary:

Take Me Outside is a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness and facilitating action on nature connection and outdoor learning in schools across Canada. We believe in a future where spending time outside playing, exploring and learning is a regular and significant part of every learner’s day. We work collaboratively with other organizations, school boards and individuals to encourage children and youth to spend more time outside through various projects and initiatives. TMO’s target population is learners and educators across Canada who we reach mainly through the education system. Our goal is to encourage schools to extend the learning environment beyond the desk and four walls and to use the great outdoors as part of the regular teaching practice. The ultimate goal is to encourage more time spent outside during the school day to counterbalance excessive screen time and sedentary tendencies. Our programs are intended to be simple, fun, and accessible to all.

We are seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and experienced Administrative and Communications Coordinator (ACC) to support our mission of advocating for and supporting outdoor learning. This role combines administrative expertise with proficiency in communication skills to ensure smooth operations and that we engage with our audience effectively. The ideal candidate will have solid experience with administrative duties, a strong skill set of communication skills, a passion for outdoor and environmental education, and the ability to collaborate with a diverse team of educators, partners, and volunteers. Because we are a small organization and all our team members wear many hats, we are looking for a strong team player who is resourceful, flexible, and able to adapt to changing responsibilities as needed. A working knowledge of French and a background in education or relevant non-profit work would be an asset. This remote position is 37.5 hours/week and working hours must be Monday – Friday during the workday (geographic location is flexible).

Responsibilities:

The role and responsibilities of the ACC include, but may not be limited to:

Administrative Duties

1. Office Management
   • Serve as the primary point of contact for general inquiries, directing calls, emails, and correspondence to the appropriate team members.
   • Maintain a well-organized filing system for digital and physical documents, ensuring accessibility and compliance with organizational policies.
   • Coordinate and maintain calendars for staff, events, and program schedules.
2. Program Coordination and Support
   • Support logistical arrangements for programs, including all needs from the Program Manager
   • Monitor registration for programs and workshops, providing timely follow-ups to ensure full attendance and participation.
   • Collaborate with educators and program staff to create and distribute schedules, activities, and other resources needed for events.
3. Data and Record Management
   • Input and maintain up-to-date records of participants, schools, and partner organizations in the organization’s database.
   • Track key metrics such as attendance, program outcomes, and feedback to support reporting and grant applications.
   • Ensure compliance with data privacy and protection regulations when handling participant information.
4. Budgeting and Financial Oversight
   • Assist with program budgets, tracking expenditures, sending invoices, and reconciling receipts for financial reports.
   • Prepare and submit purchase orders and reimbursement requests in accordance with organizational policies.
   • Assist with grant reporting by providing accurate records of expenses and program impacts.
5. Team Support and Collaboration
   • Provide administrative support to the leadership team, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and taking minutes.
   • Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of volunteers or seasonal staff involved in education programs.
   • Act as a liaison between staff, educators, and external stakeholders, ensuring clear and timely communication.

Strategic Communication Planning

1. Brand Management
   • Help maintain a consistent organizational voice and brand identity across all communications platforms.
   • Ensure messaging aligns with the mission of promoting and supporting outdoor learning
   • Collaborate with leadership to create and implement a communications strategy that supports program goals and organizational growth.
2. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Serve as the primary point of contact for external communications with educators, schools, community partners, and funders.
   • Build and maintain relationships with local schools, school districts, educators, partner organizations, and community groups to promote awareness of programs.
   • Draft personalized communications for donors, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen relationships and highlight organizational impact.
3. Digital and Social Media
   • Create, schedule, and manage content for social media platforms, newsletters, and blogs, highlighting program successes, upcoming events, and educational content.
   • Monitor social media metrics and adjust strategies to maximize engagement and reach.
   • Develop multimedia content such as videos, infographics, and testimonials to promote programs and TMO’s mission.
4. Promotional Materials
   • • Help with monthly newsletters and other marketing materials
     • Coordinate the production of annual reports, impact stories, and other key publications that showcase the TMO’s achievements.
     • Manage website updates, ensuring content is accurate, engaging, and reflective of current activities.
5. Media Coordination
   • Draft press releases and media advisories to announce events, achievements, and new initiatives.
   • Develop and maintain relationships with local and regional media outlets to secure coverage for programs and initiatives.
   • Respond to media inquiries, providing accurate and timely information about the organization and its activities.
6. Community Outreach
   • Represent the organization at conferences to engage with the community and promote programs.
   • Host informational sessions for educators and school administrators to encourage program participation.
   • Act as TMO’s spokesperson when needed, delivering presentations to community groups, schools, and stakeholders.
7. Team Collaboration
   • Facilitate regular updates to staff about upcoming events, program results, and organizational goals.
   • Assist with creating internal newsletters or memos to keep staff informed about communications efforts.

Desired Competencies:

• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to express ideas openly and honestly with staff and partners. An active listener.
• Self-Management: Self-directed, motivated, and resourceful. Able to work independently and maintain own work schedule. Takes initiative and can self-manage. Has good attention to detail and superior organizational skills.
• Digital Proficiency: Proficient in MailChimp, Google Suite, WordPress, and Quickbooks. Comfortable with learning and using digital tools for communication and connection.
• Inclusive Attitude: Adaptable and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. Values and embraces differences.
• Creative: Innovative problem solver. Open-minded and adaptable. Passionate storyteller.

Assets:

• French-language skills: The ability to translate communications and potentially co-host workshops in French would be an asset.
• Education background: BEd and/or some combination of experience in the education system with familiarity with outdoor learning principles
• Specific platform experience: MailChimp, WordPress, Quickbooks, and/or Google Suite

Requirements:

• Must provide your own workspace with reliable internet based on your home location.
• Be legally able to work in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident.

Additional info:

• Location: Remote – anywhere within Canada. Please note your location in your application.
• Term: 1-year contract, with the possibility for extension based on performance and funding.
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Compensation: Salary range is between $50,000-$62,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Anticipated Start Date: By the end of January 2025.

To Apply:

Send your cover letter and resume as a single PDF file with a subject referencing the job title and your full name to: info@takemeoutside.ca 

Please mention that you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until January 12th, 2025.

Within our small team, Take Me Outside is committed to fostering an inclusive organization that reflects the diversity of the populations we serve. All qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to apply and are welcome to identify any accessibility needs required during the selection process. We especially encourage applications from folks who are from historically marginalized cultures and backgrounds, racialized communities, or those with diverse sexual and gender identities, and physical or mental abilities. You may self-identify if you wish to do so.

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