South Okanagan Community Organizer

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, BC Chapter (CPAWS-BC) is one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We protect wilderness in every corner of B.C. and deep into the ocean. We have been protecting B.C.’s nature since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping B.C.’s public land and water wild forever.

CPAWS-BC works on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples, including both unceded and treaty lands. We recognize that all people have the right to a healthy environment. Identity, culture, and survival are often deeply rooted in people’s connection to the land and ocean; however, not all people have equal access to, and decision-making powers over, the use of the land and ocean. As a conservation organization, we have the responsibility to uphold the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion of marginalized voices and perspectives. CPAWS-BC’s hiring practices give priority to Indigenous people and people who face systemic barriers to employment.

Position summary

CPAWS-BC is seeking an innovative, driven self-starter to fill the role of South Okanagan Community Organizer. This full-time, 2-year contract position (with possibility of extension) will help drive community engagement in the South Okanagan as part of the local campaign to advance the establishment a new National Park Reserve in the region.

We are looking for someone with demonstrated experience working on public engagement campaigns, with a focus on grassroots organizing and constituency building. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of creating and managing effective campaign strategies, a passion for building and mobilizing constituencies, and strong project management capabilities.

Please note that the selected candidate will be working remotely from the rest of the team, who are based in the Lower Mainland. This position will be based regionally in the South Okanagan, anywhere between Kelowna and Osoyoos (final location will depend on selected candidate, but must be within this geographic extent).

Primary responsibilities:

Reporting to CPAWS-BC’s Terrestrial Conservation Manager, the Community Organizer will:

• Support the development and delivery of public engagement strategies that will build a diverse community of engaged supporters in the South Okanagan
  • Lead on-the-ground engagement, including outreach, tabling at community events, organizing community meetings, leading local engagement in consultations, etc.
  • Support online community building and engagement through social media channels, website content, and email communications
• Build and maintain a network of active volunteers within the region
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local businesses, organizations, regional governments, and partner groups
• Monitor and provide updates on relevant political, scientific, and social developments in region
• Build media profile of campaign in-region
  • Develop and maintain relationships with local media
  • Develop and distribute media materials (press releases, advisories, etc)

Other responsibilities

• Support the strategic development of the campaign as it evolves
• Support government relations with all levels of government, including First Nations, provincial and federal governments, as well as bureaucrats and other key decision makers related to the campaign

Essential experiences and qualifications

• Be aligned with the values and mission of CPAWS-BC
• Bring a lens of reconciliation, honouring First Nations rights and title, and upholding the principles of UNDRIP in their work
• Public engagement (both traditional on-the-ground and online)
• Constituency building and grassroots organizing, with a strong preference for experience in rural communities
• Understanding of social and political landscape regionally and provincially
• Event organizing (promotion, logistics/planning, follow-up)
• Superior group facilitation skills
• Volunteer management (recruitment and retention) experience
• Strong public speaking skills
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiating skills
• Strategic relationship building experience
• Knowledge of local media landscape and news patterns
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and remotely, but also virtually as a part of a larger connected team
• Valid BC driver’s license and access to vehicle
• Ability to travel regularly throughout region
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as necessary

Asset qualifications and skills

• Social media management and online community building
• Existing relationships with local media outlets

Compensation: This is a full-time, 37.5 hrs/wk, 2-year contract position with potential for renewal, based in the South Okanagan (Kelowna to Osoyoos).

The salary range for this position is $40,000 - $45,000 per annum (commensurate with experience). Benefits begin after 3 months and increase (with dental) after 6 months.

Preferred start date: March 19, 2018

Applications: Please send a cover letter and resume by Friday, February 23, 2018 at 9 pm to hiring@cpawsbc.org. Please clearly state “South Okanagan Community Organizer” in the subject line. You will receive an auto-response informing you that your application has been received.

Because we’re a small staff with very limited capacity, we respectfully ask for no phone calls and note that only successful candidates will be contacted.