The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC) is a new national coalition of organizations and individuals that advocates for a drug policy for Canada that is based on principles of public health, human rights, social inclusion and is informed by evidence. CDPC engages in policy advocacy, public education and dialogue and movement building within regional, national and international arenas with a goal of informing, educating and mobilizing citizens to become engaged in the global drug policy reform movement.

The CDPC seeks to engage a talented individual with experience using strategic communications including digital channels to help us build our network, deepen our collaborations, share solutions, advocate for change and strengthen the drug policy reform movement in Canada and internationally. Communications will play a key role in our work as CDPC aims to be the main communications hub for the drug policy community in Canada.

This position requires someone who can translate policy and research content into engaging, compelling and shareable content for traditional and social media channels.  The Communications and Social Media Manager will also support and develop collaborative communications opportunities with our diverse partners that will further the work of the Coalition.

Position Role:

The Communications and Social Media manager will report to the CDPC Director and collaborate with the Communications Working Group comprised of communications managers from our partner organizations. Responsibilities include:

• Supporting all CDPC activities including regional dialogue events, drug policy report cards, and advocacy and media campaigns by developing compelling content for multiple audiences.
• Supporting CDPC’s international drug policy activities.
• Creating written materials such as pamphlets, briefing notes, fundraising materials, and others for CDPC information and advocacy efforts.
• Translating research and policy content into engaging and comprehensible content directed at diverse audiences and for multiple communications uses.
• Coordinating the translation of CDPC materials into other languages.
• Managing the CDPC website, blog and social media channels as well as monitoring partner channels.
• Collaborating with CDPC partners on media, advocacy, campaigns, and public engagement work.
• Identifying and developing relationships with print, radio, television and online reporters and bloggers.
• Creating and identifying traditional and online media opportunities that provide a greater audience for our work.
• Organizing and supporting press conference and other media events.

Experience Requirements:

Strong writing skills, a solid knowledge of digital and social media tools and experience with the drug policy landscape or with one of our partners in Canada. 

Experience and skills required:

• Minimum 2 years working in communications and social media.
• University degree in Communications or Journalism or an equivalent degree in a related discipline or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Skilled and versatile writer with excellent interpersonal communications.
• Social media experience using Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and other emerging social media tools.
• An ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with NGOs and advocacy communications.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French a requirement. 
• Fluency in Spanish an asset.

Website Skills:

• Experience managing websites, preferably using a Wordpress Content Management System.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake web site design and content review and provide recommendations to senior management;
• Experience working with HTML and CSS

Social Media and E-Campaigning:

• Experience with campaigns and e-campaigning;
• Strong writing and editing skills for online and social media audiences
• Demonstrated understanding of, and experience with, recent social media platforms;
• Direct, demonstrated experience with and knowledge of: blogs, webinars and  social networking.

This is a one year full-time contract position with possibility of renewal and will be based in Vancouver BC. 

To Apply:
Please send application by email and include: a cover letter, writing samples and resume or LinkedIn profile to sstettle@sfu.ca Attention: Donald MacPherson.