24 September 2024

Job Title: Communications Specialist – Indigenous Communities

Location: BC/Vancouver/Remote

Reports To: Executive Director

Job Type: 12-months Project-based Contract, Exempt

Position Summary:

The Communications Specialist – Indigenous Communities (CSIC) will play a key role in the
discover, exploration, and communications of a program that examines the relationship between BC Indigenous peoples and Nature: Nature from the Wisdom of Knowledge Keepers. This relationship spans centuries yet this knowledge and wisdom rarely finds its way to popular awareness and culture. With Nature from the Wisdom of Knowledge Keepers, the Nature Agency aims to change that. Indigenous peoples know things about Nature that the general population doesn’t. They know about animal behaviours, the workings of Nature, and natural phenomena that even science discovers later but, undoubtedly, the combination of the two disciplines (Nature and science) can enhance and further learnings that were not evident before. With this project, the Nature Agency plans to cultivate, capture, and communicate Indigenous knowledge and approaches to Nature that have served First Nations communities for generations – and that we in BC society can now learn from and embrace as part of our ongoing heritage. With a view towards approachable and relevant learnings, our hope is that, as we discover these practices, society will implement these knowledge inputs and make it part of the overall wellness and sustainability of the land, water, air — Nature as a whole. The Communications Specialist – Indigenous Communities will lead this program by reaching out and engaging with First Nations communities in BC. Through organic research, conversations, one-on-one interviews and discussions, relationship building, and other direct engagements, the CSIC will curate, develop, and write short-form content and communications that capture Nature from the Wisdom of Knowledge Keepers and distribute these communications pieces into Nature Agency media channels, along with third-party partner channels. Whether short form or long form media communications, the developed content will educate, inspire, and enrich Canadian society while drawing attention to the natural and environmental knowledge embedded and long held within Indigenous communities.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive approach to Nature from the Wisdom of Knowledge Keepers to ensure its success
• Research available knowledge and wisdoms that are currently discoverable but not widely known or distributed
• Identify and engage with First Nations communities in the delivery of this program
• Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nations partners
• Prepare, write, and produce at least 24 knowledge pieces that could find its way into internal and external media channels
• Work on the production of, and finalize, communications materials for release
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and other team members to align content and communications activities to ensure compatibility with the program’s mission and goals
• Monitor and keep abreast of news and current events that could inform strategic considerations of the program
• Work with third-party media partners to ensure communications expectations and specifications are met, along with delivery of content materials
• Track and report on activities in fulfillment of the program, maintaining a database of contacts, discussions, and future opportunities
• Represent the organization at events, conferences, and meetings to promote the program, along with the Nature Agency’s mission and initiatives
• Other general tasks as assigned in fulfilment of this program.

 

Qualifications:

• BC Indigenous heritage and background
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices and attitudes towards the environment and Nature
• Experience in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Environmental Science, or a related field is an asset
• Interest and curiosity about Nature and the environment
• A strong network of First Nations communities across BC is an asset
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop relationships
• Outgoing with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders
• Mission-driven strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Able to simplify complex issues into accessible forms of communications
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Passion for environmental conservation and promotion, and the mission of the organization
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Apple iWork, and familiarity with CRM software.

 

Remuneration:

• Up to $50,000 contract fee, depending on experience
• Flexible work environment

 

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to:
Anne-Marie Dekker, founding director
annemarie@natureagency.org

 

Application Deadline:

Nature Agency is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.

 

About the Nature Agency:

The Nature Agency is a non-traditional communications agency that uses the power of marketing to give Nature a voice. Driven by science, we use modern marketing and media techniques to create awareness, change attitudes, and advocate for transformative change in how people view Nature, including the most pressing issues of our time – biodiversity, the climate crisis, and environmental degradation. We are agents for Nature whose mission is to help every human understand and value Nature’s foundational role in supporting all life and human success on our Planet. Through awareness and education campaigns, and special projects, we seek to meaningfully expand support for global environmental stewardship and our one and only client, Nature. Importantly, we will address the ‘moveable middle’, those who appreciate Nature but may not have enough awareness and understanding to know Her value, and how to effect positive change to enable Her sustainability. Marketing has created a culture of consumerism. Now we use it to create a culture of environmentalism. We want people to understand, empathize and care about the role of Nature in our lives with a view toward regeneration. Nature is our only client. natureagency.org