Are you passionate about telling stories and engaging the public on environmental, agricultural, and planning issues? If you are looking to work with a great team for a good cause, this might just be the career move for you!
The Greenbelt Foundation is an independent, charitable organization dedicated to promoting and sustaining Ontario’s Greenbelt. The Foundation is focused on making the right investments in the interconnected natural, hydrological, and economic systems that Ontario's Greenbelt protects. By ensuring continuous, progressive investment in the Greenbelt, the Foundation nurtures a living, thriving Greenbelt for all to enjoy.
Position: Senior Media and Communications Officer
Duration: Permanent Position
Hours/Weeks: 40 hrs. (5 days/wk.)
The Senior Media and Communications Officer will report to the Manager of Communications and Engagement and work closely with the Director of Strategic Communications on media-related issues. The Senior Officer will develop core messaging for the organization, manage the development and dissemination of Foundation products, and oversee a well-crafted media relations program and ongoing issues management. The Senior Officer will also contribute to and support the implementation of the Greenbelt Foundation Communications and Engagement Strategy.
The specific duties are:
Content Development
- Manage content development and the launch of key Foundation products, including the Annual Report, research reports, promotional materials, etc., with support from the Digital Media Coordinator (design).
- Write and edit meaningful content for dissemination including news releases, backgrounders, op-eds, blogs, video scripts, website and social media content and other properties.
- Work with various Foundation departments and grantees to collaborate on/approve communications strategies and materials, ensuring that these support the broader strategic goals of the Greenbelt Foundation.
- Review select materials submitted by Departments and Partners to ensure that they align with the Foundation’s communications objectives.
- Assist with communications planning, document production schedules, reviews and approvals and ensure timelines are met.
Media Relations and Issues Management
- Manage Greenbelt Foundation media relations, urgent issues, and message matrix development, and contribute to the management of broader communications initiatives, including strategic planning, public launches, and campaign execution.
- Manage urgent issues as they arise, instituting the Urgent Issues Protocol.
- Plan and execute proactive media campaigns and events that communicate and support key Grants and Programs activities, Research and Policy milestones, Development campaigns, and broader organizational objectives.
- Maintain media lists, tracking, archiving, and reporting.
- Build relationships with reporters, editors, producers, columnists, etc. in print, television, radio, and online media, both mainstream and trade.
- Distribute media clippings to staff daily, including instituting the heads-up protocol where applicable.
- Conduct all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in writing and editing communications materials for multiple platforms.
- Strong writing skills – demonstrated experience producing high-quality writing for a range of audiences with minimal revision.
- Strong editing and proof-reading skills.
- Media relations experience – passion for news media and understanding of the contemporary news landscape.
- Experience in project management with a commitment to owning and leading projects to ensure success. Ability to balance multiple projects and maintain a flexible schedule.
- Strong relationship management skills to work with various Foundation departments, partners and vendors.
- Working knowledge of and comfort with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Accreditation from the Canadian Public Relations Society or International Association of Business Communicators is considered an asset.
- Experience with agricultural, environmental and land use policies will be considered an asset.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The position will be based at our Toronto office (downtown) in a typical office setting with COVID-19 exceptions for working from home. Salary is commensurate with experience. The Greenbelt Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, and we particularly welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
TO APPLY:
Applications should be received no later than April 15, 2022.
To apply for this position, submit a cover letter and resume through our online portal.
The Greenbelt Foundation thanks all applicants for their interest, but only successful candidates will be contacted.