Communications Coordinator

Pathways to Conservation Project

Background

The Pathways to Conservation project is seeking to hire a Communications Coordinator to support their communications and engagement efforts. This would be in relation to the development of a Network of Marine Protected Areas in the Northern Shelf Bioregion. Communications is integral to effective and transparent engagement with stakeholders, First Nations, and the public, as well as internal within partner organizations.

Scope of Work

The Communications Contractor will develop and implement an effective communications strategy and support stakeholder and public engagement, as needed. The scope will be separated into four phases: planning, product development, engagement, and evaluation. The contractor will be involved in the development and implementation of a Communications Strategy, including; the development and delivery of communication products through various platforms, provide support for stakeholders and public engagement, and complete an evaluation of the approach. In addition,  develop a guide of best practices in communications and engagement on marine planning initiatives to share  with all governing partners to help inform their work in the future.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Contractor will develop and coordinate communication products and resources to be shared internally and externally to promote transparency, accessibility, and trust with key target audiences(stakeholders and members of the general public). Communications is the primary focus for this contract; however, as engagement activities are defined, the coordinator is anticipated to also support the engagement planning and outreach process.

Schedule:

The schedule is expected to proceed as indicated below (Attachment I).

Education

• Completion of Public Relations or Communications Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Advanced Communications degree would be an asset.

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience working with, or providing outreach to, various levels of government, First Nations communities, stakeholder groups, and the general public;
• Working effectively in collaborative and multi‐stakeholder settings;
• Translating technical information into publicly digestible communication materials;
• Knowledge of, and proficiency with, Word processing, WordPress (or similar platforms), Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platform; and
• Knowledge of Crown-Indigenous relations and commitments towards reconciliation

Skills & Demonstrated Abilities

• Exceptional oral and written communications skills;
• Experience working with graphic design or visual effects is an asset;
• Developing communications products such as newspaper ads, posters, information boards, web sites, PowerPoint presentations, social media campaigns, etc.;
• Demonstrated flexibility and initiative;
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet demands on short timelines; and
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.

Terms of Engagement

• STATUS: The coordinator will be an independent contractor. The successful contractor is expected to work from their own office and provide the equipment necessary to conduct this work, including a computer and software, internet access, and cell phone.
• CONTRACT PERIOD: January 4, 2021 to May 31, 2022, with the possibility of extension.
• LOCATION: British Columbia.
• TRAVEL: This position may require travel throughout the Pacific North Coast (COVID-19 dependent). Travel costs are reimbursable.

For more information on this position or to submit an application, please contact: Bridgitte Taylor, MakeWay Project Director, B

How to Apply:

To receive consideration, proposals must include: Cover Letter, Resume and/or CV, and Writing Sample.

SCHEDULE A: SCOPE OF WORK

PHASE 1: PLANNING

• Develop and seek approval of a Communications Strategy for the Northern Shelf Bioregion (NSB)-MPA network planning process. Some example components of a strategy include:
  • Communications goals and objectives;
  • Priority target audiences (e.g., stakeholders, general public, community influencers, relevant government bodies, non-participating First Nations, media outlets);
  • Priority communications avenues;
  • Shared narrative(s) that speak to the values of each target audience;
  • Anticipated counter-messaging and potential responses;
  • Branding as needed;
  • Evaluation approach and metrics; and,
  • Proposed approval process for products and messaging.
• Media engagement and monitoring
• Perform other communications related tasks as needed.
• Support the updating through lead writer and implementation of the Engagement Strategy

PHASE 2: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Coordinate and support implementation of the approved Communications Strategy, in cooperation with stakeholder groups.
• Co-develop shared communications products, including public and social media engagements and outputs:
• Provide narrative and strategic input to website content. Lead the writing of technical products in a “lay-person” format (e.g. presentations, information posters, pamphlets, and hand-outs).

PHASE 3: ENGAGEMENT

• Advise on the development of a revised and updated Engagement Strategy, to support proactive messaging and accessibility for the public, stakeholders, and others.
• Participate in and/or help coordinate engagement opportunities with target audiences, as appropriate.
• Support the development and editing of “What We Heard” reports following stakeholder, public, and/or other engagement opportunities, as necessary.

PHASE 4: EVALUATION & NEXT STEPS

• Complete an evaluation of the communications strategies and activities undertaken, following the approach and metrics laid out in the Communications Strategy.
• Creation of a best practices guide that would be shareable within the partnership and potentially externally.