With a goal of achieving sustainability within a generation, the David Suzuki Foundation (DSF) works through science and education to help protect the diversity of nature and our quality of life, now and for the future. An independent charity with offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montréal, DSF collaborates with scientists, business and industry, academia, government and non-governmental organizations.

DSF is seeking a creative, innovative and passionate individual with skills in communications, marketing and public relations to support the Communications Specialist team in Vancouver. You are a forward-looking and enthusiastic communications professional who is committed to helping DSF improve science literacy and awareness among Canadians so that they can better understand and address the environmental challenges we are facing.

Description

You will work with a team of media and communications professionals and provide support in the form of media monitoring, helping manage relationships with media professionals (including the development and maintenance of a contacts database), conducting research, writing press releases and web content. Additionally, you should be comfortable with social media, public outreach and behavioral change models. Your passion for the environment and your communications, new media and public relations experience will be called into play every day.

Duration

This is a part-time, temporary position reporting to DSF's Team Lead, Communications Specialist team in Vancouver. The contract will run from hire date (approximately middle of July) until Nov. 30, 2010.

Responsibilities

Media/communications advisor/media liaison:

• Monitor and analyze media articles to continuously improve publicity strategies.
• Develops and maintain media contacts (database) and affiliations.
• Research and initiate media opportunities.
• Pitch stories, articles and interviews to the media.

Writing & editing:

• Develop and write for news releases, newsletter articles, op-eds, ads, web content, articles, presentations, media advisories, backgrounders, executive summaries, etc.

Web maintenance:

• Ensures project elements are up-to-date on web site: news releases, what's new, blog, podcasts, etc.

General:

• Provide communications, campaign and admin support to DSF projects as needed.

Qualifications

You have a degree or certificate in science, communications, journalism, or equivalent experience, and have at least 2 years professional experience in marketing, media, public relations, or a related discipline. You thrive in a fast-paced and information-rich environment. You've proven that you can negotiate and maintain effective working relationships, and you write well about complex issues for a wide range of audiences and media.

Skill sets

• Good knowledge of the environment and science.
• Knowledge of local media, daily print and broadcast as well as local, regional and ethnic, mainstream as well as social media, is an asset. You understand what news is and can develop, write, and sell news.
• You are familiar with online communications, social media, and have experience developing web content.
• You can write quickly, clearly, strategically, with appropriate styles for different audiences.
• Ability to work well both independently and within a team environment.
Application process

We welcome your cover letter and resume at jobs@davidsuzuki.org by July 9, 2010. Please quote job #10016 in the subject line and articulate your interest and how you meet the role criteria. Note that we will be conducting rolling interviews, so if this is the job for you please let us know as soon as possible.

Details on this new position can be found online. They hope to fill this position ASAP, so please apply immediately if you're interested.

DSF is also hiring in Montreal and Vancouver: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/about/employment/

Science Projects Manager, Montreal office

Operations coordinator, Montreal office

Campaigner, Climate Change and Clean Energy Program, Vancouver office

Communications coordinator, Specialist team, Vancouver office