Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC) has a dynamic and experienced team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

NCC is the country’s leading private land conservation organization and as a non-profit, charitable organization we work in partnership with individuals, corporations, governments and other non-profit groups to protect our most important natural treasures. We take a collaborative and science-based approach to our mission. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped to conserve 15 million hectares from coast to coast to coast. With National headquarters in Toronto and regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

Ontario Region of NCC includes a team of approximately forty full time and twenty seasonal or part time positions annually. We generally acquire twelve to fifteen fee simple properties annually and occasionally acquire other rights (e.g. Conservation Easement Agreements upon fee simple land). Acquisitions vary in size and scope from small fee simple parcels to large rural properties worth several million dollars or greater. Increasingly, Ontario Region and NCC is exploring large landscape-scale conservation in rural or northern Ontario which may include agreements with private sector resource firms, governments and landowners.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Manager is a key member of our team and is responsible for the implementation of a comprehensive program to strengthen the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s visibility and brand in the province of Ontario. The Communications Manager will develop a program that maximizes opportunities for internal and external communications. The incumbent will conduct day-to-day work in the areas of planning, writing, print/electronic communications and publications, media and public relations, production, project management and marketing. They will work collaboratively with regional and national staff to deliver a communications program designed to enhance NCC’s profile and, directly or indirectly, support its fundraising capacity in Ontario. The Communications Manager will advance knowledge of NCC’s work through proactively building key media contacts in core areas of interest. The Manager will advise and mentor other staff in public relations and ensure that regional communications conform to national and regional standards and policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, coordinate, and evaluate all communications programs for Ontario region (reporting results to senior management);
• Work closely with management and staff to ensure Ontario regional priorities and national priorities are coordinated and reflected in program delivery;
• Oversee the direction (visual and editorial) and production of all regional communications products, including written materials, property and interpretive signs, speeches, advertisements, and presentations for use by regional program and senior staff for both internal and external audiences;
• Provide writing and editing support to program and development staff for outbound donor communications, ensuring effectiveness and adherence to style and brand guidelines;
• Manage the Communications Coordinator.
• Represent NCC in a variety of external relations and communications functions, with the goal of building awareness and support for the conservation programs of NCC and its partners;
• Elevate emerging issues for appropriate management and coordination;
• Ensure consistency of NCC voice, through messaging and effective use of resources;
• Foster a culture of storytelling;
• Leverage program achievements, to enhance organization’s profile on multiple platforms;
• Develop and monitor the Communications Department budget.

• Act as the lead Ontario Region spokesperson for all media inquiries;
• Build awareness and support for NCC, its programs and partners;
• Grow earned media exposure through news releases and feature pitches, actively seeking opportunities to raise awareness of NCC Ontario Region activities;
• Develop relations and maintain key media contacts, create media materials and lists;
• Plan, manage, and execute a variety of media events and opportunities (interviews, matte stories, advertorial opportunities, etc.);
• Recruit media partners to support communications initiatives, and manage the on-going relationship with these partners;
• Work closely with outside contractors to develop effective public service announcements.

• Support the development and delivery of communications deliverables for specific conservation projects, or deliverables required to fulfill NCC’s contractual obligations of partnership agreements and grants;
• Support the development and delivery of communications deliverables outlined in NCC’s Natural Area Conservation Plans.
• Develop innovative approaches to reaching new audiences from targeted campaigns in both traditional and emerging social media platforms.

• Manage, maintain and update the Ontario Region section of the NCC national website on a regular basis;
• Develop content for blog, e-newsletters, website and social media.

• Other duties as assigned by the Director, Communications.

Skills and Aptitudes

• Minimum five years demonstrated successful experience in a communications role, including program design and implementation;

• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills, including presentation skills in English essential;
• Experience writing a variety of communications products including news releases, speeches, articles, etc.;

• Portfolio of work (media, print and web) designed to engage broad audience with experience in charitable/conservation field an asset;
• Demonstrated, effective media relations/or training experience;

• Experience managing 3rd party contractors for the creation and production communications/marketing materials;
• Experience researching, developing and managing partnerships with community, corporate, and government institutions;
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, web publishing tools and Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign and Photoshop);
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced and changing environment;
• Commitment to core values and mission of Nature Conservancy of Canada;
• Experience, and interest in communicating natural sciences;
• Demonstrated interest in land conservation and stewardship as well as natural heritage programming;
• Valid G driver’s license is required.

This is a full-time position with flexibility in location.

How to Apply

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations through our Career Centre by 11:59 PM, January 16, 2022.

NCC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.