Senior Communications Specialist | Spécialiste principal-e des communications

Canadian Climate Institute

5d • $75,000 - $100,000 • Remote

About The Position

As Canada’s foremost climate policy research organization, the Canadian Climate Institute equips policy makers across the country to develop and adopt evidence-based solutions to complex climate and energy challenges. We drive results through in-depth research and analysis, innovative communications, and robust engagement with governments, industry leaders, Indigenous rights holders, and civil society. If you join our team, you’ll be collaborating with some of the most dedicated and influential thinkers working on transformational climate and energy policy in Canada. Learn about our latest work at climateinstitute.ca

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Communications, the Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for writing, editing, and creating compelling written and digital media content for the Institute’s various publications, blogs, newsletters, website, and social media channels. This position is central to sharing our research and policy perspectives in accurate, strategic, and accessible ways to build support among priority audiences for climate solutions. Through day-to-day media monitoring, and ongoing analysis and application of strategic communications research, this position will help ensure the Institute’s communications and content are engaging and relevant, helping to expand the Institute’s profile as the go-to source of credible and constructive Canadian climate policy expertise.

Requirements

• Post-secondary degree in communications, journalism, English, or a related field (equivalent work experience may also substitute for this degree).
• At least five years’ experience in communications, preferably in an academic, government, non-profit or sustainability-related field.
• Superb editor and proofreader with proven ability editing long-form reports or publications and knowledge of Canadian Press Style and other academic styles.
• Experience working with content related to climate change, energy, technology and/or the environment.
• Proven ability to write powerful, short copy featuring data-driven content.
• Highly skilled at creating core communications products: website copy, digital newsletters, press releases, key messages, social media posts.
• Ability to produce simple and engaging multimedia content with external creative and production support.
• A self-starter, problem-solver, and collaborative worker who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment and eager to contribute positively to the Institute work.
• Ability to communicate in English with the precision and fluency of a first-language speaker.
• Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada to be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Experienced posting content on websites with WordPress or other tools.
• Familiar with best practices and new developments in digital engagement, social media, data visualization, SEO and GEO.
• Aware of current issues and regional nuances related to climate policy in Canada.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in working with Indigenous rights holders, content creators and partner organizations.
• Preference will be given to candidates with a strong working knowledge of French (intermediate level to bilingual).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic communications guidance, and ideas and development of content across research portfolios (with a particular focus on Mitigation and Clean Growth research).
• Develop communications content tailored for specific audiences.
• Provide punchy copywriting and detail-oriented editing that distills technical data and complex research into accessible content for policymakers, journalists, and other priority audiences.
• Deliver expert proofreading, frequently conducting the final quality check before publication.
• Support writing, editing and production of various publications and communications assets, including case studies, white papers, long-form reports, policy briefs, fact sheets, blogs, op-eds and social media content, including video.
• Lead the development of: newsletters, marketing content, podcast and video scripts in addition to other branded communications products.
• Produce daily and topic-specific news scans and media analysis.

Benefits

• A full-time (40 hrs/wk) salaried position with occasional travel
• The opportunity to do meaningful work with a dynamic, highly committed team located across the country
• A flexible, virtual workplace with funds to cover home-office setup
• Four weeks’ paid vacation plus federal stat holidays and additional paid days off at year-end
• Up to five days of unpaid leave per calendar year in order to participate in traditional Indigenous practices
• The option to substitute statutory religious holidays for religious or cultural holidays you observe
• Employer-paid health care benefits, Employee Assistance Program, half-day Fridays in the summer, paid sick days, and paid parental leave among other employee supports
• An RRSP contribution plan available to staff after one year
• Funding for professional development, skill training, and participation in conferences

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level