OFT is searching for a Communications and Community Engagement Assistant!
Summer Job – Communications and Community Engagement Assistant
The Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) is a niche land conservation organization that works to permanently protect Ontario’s farmland and associated natural features from being lost to non-agricultural uses. Join our team that is passionate about protecting this critical resource for today’s communities and for future generations.
If you are looking for meaningful, engaging work and are excited about communications, events and community outreach then we encourage you to apply for the Communications and Community Engagement Assistant position!
The Communications and Community Engagement Assistant will work closely with OFT’s staff and volunteers to support OFT’s Communications, Outreach and Education program.
Communications Tasks (40%)
- Research content and write regular stories and blogs about farmland protection and OFT historical pieces for the website and newsletter
- Support strategy and content development for social media accounts and maintain engagement with followers
- Assist with updates to our website
- Support the development of marketing materials, reports, information brochures, factsheets, and press releases
Event Planning Tasks (40%)
- Support the planning and coordination of OFT’s 20th anniversary celebration, including invitations and promotions for internal and external audiences, as well as media
- Assist with coordinating presence at community outreach events such as farmers’ markets and trade shows, attend as a representative of OFT
- Assist with planning and organizing OFT’s webinars series
- Assist with planning and coordinating farmland securement celebration events, including invitation and registration of participants, prepare programs, coordinate media and liaise with volunteers, venue and caterers
Data Management for Evaluation and Reporting (10%)
- Track Key Performance Indicators for events and compile data for reporting
- Participate in reporting and review of our communications and community outreach strategies
- Suggest recommendations for continuous improvement of OFT activities
Fundraising, as shared by all staff (10%)
- Support the creation of grant applications to various foundations
- Explore sponsorship opportunities and other corporate relationships
- Assist with fundraising appeals and seasonal mailings
Required Experience, Skills & Attributes Include:
- Passionate about agriculture, farmland protection, land conservation, and making a positive impact for future generations
- Experience with communications, event planning and/or community outreach
- Well organized and able to set priorities, monitor progress towards goals, and track important data, information and activities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong visual content creation skills
- Team-player with a positive attitude and commitment to working cooperatively with others
- Motivated and able to work independently
- Experience with social media platforms
- Ability to travel at least once/month throughout the province to farms and various events
Assets Include:
- Career interests in agriculture, environmental and land conservation, land use planning, non-profit organizations, or a related field
- Professional experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Canva and WordPress
- A sense of humour 😊
- Driver’s license and access to a vehicle
Additional Information: We have a small staff complement of four full time staff. The incumbent will have a high level of responsibility and accountability right from the start. We pride ourselves in having a culture that facilitates communication, creativity, and professional development. We work with each staff member to ensure they are gaining experience relevant to their future career goals.
Location: OFT has shared office space located at the University of Guelph. Alternatively, the candidate is able to choose to work from home so long as they can participate in video team meetings and have an ergonomic workstation. Events occur across Ontario.
Details: The wage is $18/hour, plus vacation pay, and 30 hours per week. The weekly schedule is generally Monday-Friday and can accommodate a flexible work arrangement, however occasional evening and weekend work may be required. The anticipated contract period is from April 22, 2024 – Aug 9, 2024, with some flexibility for adjustments or an extension.
Due to funding requirements for this position, candidates must fit the following criteria:
- be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
- be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act [S.C. 2001, c. 27]*; and
- be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation and regulations.
*International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
Please note: This position is subject to funding approval through Canada Summer Jobs.
To Apply: Please forward your cover letter and resume (in one document) via e-mail to [email protected] by Thursday, April 4, 2024, 5pm EST. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more details, download the full job posting attached.