Communications Coordinator

About this position

About Swim Drink Fish and Fraser Riverkeeper

Swim Drink Fish Canada is a charity dedicated to ensuring swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for all. By using citizen science and communications technology, we inspire millions of people to know and safeguard their waters. Fraser Riverkeeper is the Vancouver initiative of Swim Drink Fish, working closely with teams in Toronto and Edmonton.

Our tight-knit team is looking for a passionate Communications Coordinator to help grow our digital community in B.C. by undertaking key content development, marketing, communication, and design responsibilities. This role will be reporting to and working closely with the Program Manager and our Monitoring Coordinator, to expand our digital reach and promote our citizen science programming. This is the perfect role for someone who has a deep love of water with strong design skills and a natural ability to connect with the public on a personal level.

The Communications Coordinator will be focused on our Vancouver programs, including our year round recreational water monitoring program, as well as our brand new program that we are launching in early June.

Swim Drink Fish is an equal opportunity employer; we are committed to having a skilled, diversified workforce reflective of the Vancouver community. Indigenous Peoples, members of a visible minority group, LGBTQ+ persons, and people from other historically marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We encourage you to mention in your application if you belong to any historically marginalized groups.

Responsibilities

Communications

• Create and carry out long-term communications strategies
• Write, edit, and design online and hardcopy communication pieces
• Write and edit compelling content for print, web, and other online communications
• Manage, curate, implement, and evaluate content for Fraser Riverkeeper’s social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube) and website
• Capture on-site and “from the field” pictures and videos
• Identify and capture engaging stories that illustrate the impact and importance of our work
• Highlight our partners and supporters through our diverse communications channels
• Plan, manage, and create weekly blogs and quarterly email newsletters for Fraser Riverkeeper’s network of supporters
• Cultivate media relationships and create press releases for the launch of our programming
• Attend and assist with a series of community outreach events throughout the year (with some evenings and weekends included) to develop content to educate and engage our online community
• Carry out follow up engagement for relationship building with volunteers, supporters, and prospective water stewards including ongoing documentation and communications

Content and Graphic Design

• Design and develop digital assets for blogs, newsletters, website, and social media
• Contribute to, and help maintain, a resource book of “tools” for publications (e.g. photos, clip art, computer images) and archives
• Maintain website design and operations, updating images and graphics frequently

Data Management

• Manage online files and file transfer between databases in online storage and file transfer between database managers and website
• Update donor and volunteer databases following outreach events and opportunities
• Work with other team members to maintain an organized online filing system

Fundraising

• Writing emails and letters to potential donors
• Support the Program Manager by identifying sources of foundational funding
• Support with copy editing grant proposals

**Note: This job may require other responsibilities**

Knowledge and Skills

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to learn quickly and retain information
• Strong storytelling and writing skills: grammar, spelling, and editing
• Skills in organization and planning
• Strong computer skills, including the ability to use and troubleshoot basic office technology, Google Suite experience (email, calendar, drive, sites, etc.)
• Strong eye for design with the ability to translate our branding to design materials
• Experience using NationBuilder, Salesforce, or other related CRM software, or a desire and willingness to learn
• Basic knowledge of coding in HTML and/or CSS
• Experience using social media platforms to engage a wide audience
• Photography experience, or a desire and willingness to learn and improve
• Experience using design software including Adobe Suite programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently as well as effectively with a small team and volunteers
• Based in Metro Vancouver
• An interest in citizen science, nature, and the Fraser River/False Creek watersheds and surrounding waters

Added bonus

• Video editing skills (Final Cut, Adobe Premiere, Davinci, or equivalent)
• Multi-lingual
• Experience writing grants
• Experience with environmental monitoring
• Experience with SEO (Google Analytics and/or Google Ads)

Applicants must meet Career Launcher (CICAN) requirements:

• Post-secondary graduates
• Underemployed (employed below their level of education or working part-time)
• Between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the position
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons granted refugee status in Canada
• Legally allowed to work according to the relevant provincial and Canadian legislation and regulations
• Available to work up to six months

Education Required

Possessing a post-secondary degree in communications, design, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related discipline. This position is interdisciplinary in nature and a demonstrated interest in science communications, whether derived from a science or arts background, is key.

Job Details

Hours: 32 hours/week. Must be available some evenings and weekends.
Location: Based in Vancouver with possible travel to other communities on the BC coast/lower mainland and within the Fraser River watershed and its surrounding waters. Currently, staff are working remotely, with the opportunity to work from our office in Coal Harbour.
A computer and camera equipment will be provided.

How To Apply

Email the following information to sadie@swimdrinkfish.ca with the subject “Communications Coordinator Application - Your Name”. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

1. A brief letter that describes what is motivating you to apply for this role, how you heard about the position, and why you would make a great addition to the Swim Drink Fish team in British Columbia (Note: this is the best place to demonstrate your writing abilities).
2. Your resumé, highlighting relevant work/life experience, skills, and training related to the position.
3. Names and contact information for two references.