Organization

Founded in 1939, Nature Canada’s mission is to protect and conserve nature in Canada by engaging people and advocating on behalf of nature. Our focus is to facilitate voices for nature on national issues including wilderness protection, threatened species and connecting people to nature.

Job Summary

The Policy and Campaign Manager brings leadership to the organization’s policy and campaigns work with a focus on our marine protected areas campaign and other conservation policy areas critical to halt and reverse nature loss. The Policy and Campaign Manager for Ocean Conservation is a vital part of the Nature Canada team, contributing to making the organization an effective, innovative, and results‐based nature organization in Canada. Nature Canada offices are in Ottawa, but Nature Canada is currently offering a hybrid work environment and open to remote base for this position.

The Opportunity

The federal government has set a historic goal of expanding protected areas to 25% of Canada’s ocean land, and freshwater by 2025 and 30% by 2030 as part of a commitment to halt and reverse nature loss. Most of our tiny blue plant is ocean—it feeds us, regulates our climate, generates most of the oxygen we breathe and is foundational to economies and cultures everywhere. But our ocean, and the species that live in it, face major threats from climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species and more. Healthy marine and terrestrial ecosystems are essential for a healthier more sustainable future. Our challenge and opportunity is to mobilize Canadians and diverse stakeholders to ensure Canada meets its protected area commitments while respecting Indigenous rights and supporting Indigenous-led conservation.

Description of Duties

• Works with the team to set policy and advocacy priorities for ocean conservation and protected areas, and develop and implement campaign strategies that advance those priorities.
• Monitors evolving policy opportunities across our conservation files and ensures timely analysis, recommendations and commentary on identified priorities.
• Undertakes decision-maker outreach, representing Nature Canada with policymakers, partners, stakeholders, and in various fora as required.
• Works closely with partners, including the Canadian Nature Network, the SeaBLue Coalition, the Green Budget Coalition, Indigenous partners, and others on shared policy and advocacy goals.
• Acts as a spokesperson through traditional and social media and at public events ensuring Nature Canada continues as a credible and influential voice on conservation.
• Participates in efforts to secure funds for Nature Canada’s policy agenda and the overall financial health of the organization.
• Contributes to organizational planning, program monitoring, evaluation and team strengthening.

Summary of Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant graduate degree and at least 5 years’ relevant work experience ideally in marine and or terrestrial conservation, climate or environmental advocacy.
• Demonstrated track record developing and implementing effective campaigns and government relations strategies at the federal level; provincial experience an asset.
• Good strategic judgement and an ability to work with diverse actors to forge consensus on pathways forward;
• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written;
• Experience engaging with traditional and social media;
• Familiarity with conservation science, policy and/or environmental law is an asset
• Bilingualism in English and French is an asset.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Nature Canada.

Salary

The salary range for this position is pegged at $60,000-$80,000/year, with a benefits package that kicks in after a 3-month probation period. Consideration outside this range will be given relative to experience.

To Apply

To apply for this position, please send CV and a one-page cover letter describing why you are suitable to info@naturecanada.ca with “Policy and Campaign Manager – Ocean Conservation application” in the subject line.

Application Deadline: Open till filled. Posted October 2022.

No calls please. We thank all candidates for their interest, but we will only contact those selected for an interview.

We encourage applications from members of equity-seeking groups. Nature Canada is committed to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment and intimidation where everyone can participate safely, freely and confidently.