Communications Strategist

Ecojustice; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 83,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental advocacy organization based in Toronto is seeking a Communications Strategist to develop and execute strategic communications plans. The role involves crafting compelling messaging, managing media relations, and amplifying the organization's environmental protection efforts. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in journalism or professional communications, strong storytelling skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. This role offers a hybrid work environment with competitive salary and positive workplace culture.

Benefits

Flexible work environment

5% of salary as RRSP contribution

Generous paid time off

Employer-paid health benefits

Learning opportunities for equity and inclusion

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in journalism or marketing and communications.
• Proficiency in communications and advocacy strategy.
• Strong copywriting and editing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications plans that support Ecojustice's priorities.
• Write compelling copy for multiple media channels.
• Manage relationships with media and stakeholders.

Skills

Journalism

Marketing and Communications

Project Management

Storytelling

Bilingualism (French/English)

Job description

At A Glance

• Location: Toronto, Hybrid
• Hours: 35 Weekly
• Salary: $82,758.00/year
• Reports to: Associate Director of Strategic Communications (Program)
• Closing Date: January 16, 2025

About Us

At Ecojustice, we build a case for a better earth every day! We fight, and win, for our planet in court.

Our Mission is why people join Ecojustice. People who choose to join us recognize that this planet is our most treasured inheritance, and it is our imperative to be good stewards for the generations who follow us. We use the power of the courts to defend what we value most. We believe in protecting the environment while having enough time off to enjoy it. If you are courageous, collaborative, and dedicated to the fight for a healthier environment, you will find your people here.

The Communications Strategist at Ecojustice leads the development and execution of strategic communications plans and advocacy campaigns aimed at mobilizing stakeholders and influencing decision-makers to strengthen environmental protections. Their role is pivotal in crafting compelling messaging, collaborating with colleagues at Ecojustice and allied ENGOs, and ensuring Ecojustice spokespersons are equipped to deliver impactful soundbites, thereby enhancing Ecojustice’s brand and garnering support for its mission.

About The Role

As a Communications Strategist supporting our Healthy Communities team, this role will shape messaging that drives public awareness and builds momentum for stronger environmental protections, working to ensure that no one in Canada is left behind when it comes to clean air, safe water, and a healthy environment. With a focus on managing diverse portfolios and fostering collaboration, this role is instrumental in amplifying Ecojustice’s mission and maintaining communication excellence.

• Leads strategic communications plans and advocacy campaigns that will drive support for Ecojustice’s priorities, collaborating cross-functionally to do so.
• Writes concise and compelling copy for multiple assets and channels, including email, the Ecojustice website, media outreach efforts, political outreach efforts, etc.
• Analyzes and adapts to ongoing political developments and shifts in public sentiment, adjusting messaging, campaigns, and projected outcomes accordingly.
• Manages relationships with media outlets, and Ecojustice’s clients, partners, and allies, and represents Ecojustice’s perspective in strategy and campaign discussions.
• Ensures high standards for all Ecojustice communications by providing advice for peers, program staff, and external stakeholders; training spokespeople for media appearances, and performing quality checks.

Role Success

We are currently working to embed our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation into all aspects of our organization. We value candidates who enjoy building meaningful, collaborative partnerships with equity-seeking groups and operationalizing JEDI-R values in day-to-day practices and operations.

Typically, we find that people who succeed in this role bring:

• 5+ years of journalism or professional marketing and communications experience, including experience working on political and advocacy campaigns, media training spokespeople, and coordinating partner relations. Experience within the Toronto media market is an asset.
• Demonstrated proficiency in communications and advocacy strategy and campaign planning.
• Experience with project management and strategy development.
• Strong storytelling, copywriting, and editing skills, and confidence working across multiple channels and speaking to multiple audiences.
• A track record of delivering high-quality work and developing high-trust relationships, particularly when working with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to distil complex subject matter into accessible public messages and can present information in an accurate and compelling way.
• Bilingualism in French and English is an asset but not required.
• Experience in Ecojustice’s Healthy Communities program area is also an asset but not required.

Our Commitment To Workplace Accessibility, Equity, and Inclusion

Ecojustice is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and is responding to the calls for action to further reconciliation.

We encourage applications from people with relevant job-related skills and who come from communities that have been structurally marginalized based on race, religion, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. Members belonging to communities that experience marginalization can self-identify during the application process if they choose to do so.

Ecojustice strives to ensure that our online application system and recruitment process are accessible to individuals with different abilities and encourages candidates to contact [e-mail] for any accommodation requests.

Great Reasons To Join Us

• Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 charities by Charity Intelligence.
• A flexible work environment and work schedule that best suits you and how you work – choose a hybrid or full office setup!
• 5% of your salary as a non-mandatory RRSP contribution.
• Parental leave top-up for birthing and non-birthing parents.
• Colleagues dedicated to environmental impact through their work at Ecojustice (99% mission alignment rating from internal surveys).
• A culture of collaboration where employees are fostered by their managers (97% manager relationship rating from internal surveys).
• Abundant paid time off options that recognize 14 public holidays (including National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & National Indigenous Peoples Day), starting with 4 weeks of vacation, 1 week of winter holidays, 2 float days, and more.
• Additional flexible leave policies that accommodate physical and mental health leave, caregiving responsibilities, volunteering, and other life events.
• A focus on supporting your health and well-being through an employer-paid extended health benefits package, employee and family assistance program, and a wellness spending of $500 per year.
• Learning opportunities to further our strategic commitment towards justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.