Communications Officer

Greenpeace Canada is seeking an experienced communications professional to fill the role of Communications Officer. This dynamic position works closely with campaign, digital and other Programs staff at Greenpeace Canada to develop and implement communications strategies, including media relations, storytelling, audience analysis and cross-platform media messaging.

Job Vacancy: Communications Officer 
Location: Montreal 
Reports to: Head of Communications and Digital Mobilization 
Duration of contract: 6 months 
Closing date for applicants: April 21st, 2017

The major focus of the position is to deliver impactful Greenpeace campaign and organizational communications through identifying media and public relations opportunities, responding to events, translating communications materials and providing strategic communications advice. A strong focus on Quebec-oriented issues is required.

The ideal candidate would have strong knowledge of the environmental and social justice movements in Quebec and would be proactive in searching out and identifying communications opportunities. Greenpeace Canada is committed to supporting people powered movements and we are looking for someone who is interested in the role of activism and how Greenpeace communications can engage more people to strive towards a green and peaceful future.

Greenpeace Canada is an independently funded, non-profit organization that works to protect the environment. We challenge government and industry to halt harmful practices by negotiating solutions, conducting scientific research, introducing clean alternatives, carrying out peaceful acts of civil disobedience and engaging the public. To maintain independence Greenpeace does not accept donations from corporations or governments and is a non-profit organization, not a registered charity. Greenpeace relies on individual donors and creative partnerships to fund our environmental campaigns.

Major responsibilities:

• Raise the profile of the organization in the media and public, especially in the region of Quebec.
• Lead the development of comprehensive communications strategies within the assigned campaign area, including the use of both traditional and digital channels.
• Proactively seek opportunities to highlight Greenpeace national and international campaign work.
• Create, translate and disseminate communications materials as needed in response to stories we break or in reaction to news broken by others.
• Write statements, op-eds and other media materials.
• Promote Greenpeace communication and campaign objectives through storytelling techniques and strategic framing.
• Act as organization spokesperson when required.
• Stay up to date with Greenpeace campaigns and activities in order to participate in the strategic development of the assigned campaign.
• Provide media and public communications support and guidance to Greenpeace campaign staff.
• Assist in organization of public events to promote and increase Greenpeace campaign messages and profile.
• Manage design and translation requests and proofread/edit translated copy, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required skills and experience:

• Bilingualism in French and English is essential.
• Knowledge of the Quebec political landscape.
• In-depth understanding of local, regional and national print, radio, television and internet media, including alternative media channels.
• In-depth understanding of and experience with public engagement communication tools.
• Knowledge and understanding of diverse media and community groups, including ethnic, youth and business media, multicultural and First Nations communities.
• Knowledge of the overall goals and intent of Greenpeace (including policies, guidelines, programs, campaigns and project activities) considered an asset.
• General knowledge of a wide range of environment/ecology issues.
• Knowledge of corporate and government structures considered an asset.
• Extensive experience developing communications strategies, writing, editing and issuing press releases, and facilitating relationships with the media.
• Experience using excellent organizational, time management and interpersonal skills in highly charged environments.
• Excellent computer, research and analytical skills.

You will work with colleagues in Canada and around the world and you must be able to travel, including internationally. The ability to work weekends and evenings is sometimes required.

Candidates should understand and support the Greenpeace campaign tactics, including the use of peaceful civil disobedience. All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Greenpeace Canada embraces equity and diversity and is committed to a workplace that is enriched by the people, needs and desires of Canada’s diverse community. We thank all applicants, but only those invited for interviews will be contacted.