Program Manager – Ontario Climate

About the Role

Environmental Defence Canada (EDC) (environmentaldefence.ca) works with governments and individuals to enable lasting environmental change. You will be joining a mission-driven and results-oriented team. This is a full-time position with an excellent benefits package, 4 weeks of vacation, employee and family assistance plan, half-day Fridays during the summer months, and an RRSP matching program. The salary range is $60 – $75K depending on experience. This role will be reporting to the Programs Director.

Purpose of the Role

We seek an experienced Program Manager to lead Environmental Defence’s efforts to advocate for effective climate change solutions in Ontario, and track the implementation of Ontario’s existing climate change commitments. The Program Manager will build awareness about climate change solutions in Ontario, and mobilize Ontarians to demand stronger policies and programs from the provincial government. You will also be leading specific community-led campaigns to fight high-carbon infrastructure projects and new fossil fuel powered electricity plants. The Program Manager will be responsible for co-creating, updating and overseeing the progress on the work plan, contributing to content development, developing the agenda and leading the weekly meetings, writing blogs, issuing briefs and press release drafts and taking part in fundraising proposal development.

Your role will work with a robust team of communications, public engagement and campaigning experts to provide analysis and support to local communities impacted by climate change and high-carbon projects and other environmentally damaging projects and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Produce relevant communications-ready information that can be used for blogs, video, website text, press releases, op-eds, newsletters, social media content, reports and act as the media spokesperson
• Prepare briefing notes and other submissions on government policy
• Develop relationships with civil servants, elected officials, and political staffers relevant to the environmental file in Ontario, including at the municipal level
• Follow Ontario policy developments such as on electricity, heating, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage
• Work with other organizations and facilitate coalition meetings
• Research the local benefits of low carbon solutions like renewable energy, heat pumps and investments in energy efficiency and communicate these benefits to local communities to build support
• Assist with writing grant applications and funder reports
• Monitor and report on the implementation of key elements of Ontario’s climate change commitments and Environment Plan
• Support and assist in the development of a government relations and communications strategy
• Build and support grassroots networks of community organizers in key communities
• With other members of the team, build support for stronger climate action in Ontario, and mobilize opposition to actions that would increase greenhouse gas emissions
• Engage with Federal officials on electricity regulations and Impact Assessments

Skills and Experience

• Project management experience an asset
• Thrives in a team environment, and can build strong working relationships
• Deep understanding of environmental issues including climate change solutions and impacts and demonstrated experience working on issues-based campaigns
• Strong political awareness and strategic insight
• Strategic thinker, with great attention to detail
• Experience with government relations, media and/or politics a plus
• Efficient time and workload management skills
• Flexibility and ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment
• 3 to 5 years’ experience working on environmental issues or public policy with government or an NGO
• Results-driven and self-motivated
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Location

This role will be a hybrid role, part time in the office and part time work from home. Toronto preferred.

To apply:

Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected] position will be open untilMonday, August 14, 2023.

Environmental Defence embraces equity and diversity and is committed to a workplace that is enriched by the people, needs and desires of Canada’s diverse community. We thank all candidates in advance for their application, but only those contacted for an interview will receive a reply.