Advocacy and Campaign Coordinator - Toronto, Canada - Toronto Wildlife Centre

Toronto Wildlife Centre

Verified Company

Toronto, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Status: 15 to 20 hours per week for 3-month contract (possibility of extension to 6-month contract contingent on funding)

Location:
Toronto Wildlife Centre - 60 Carl Hall Rd, Unit 4 with future move to Rouge Park / work from home

Reports To:
Education and Outreach Manager

Start Date:
Early January or ASAP thereafter

Salary:
$23/hour - 15 to 20 hours per week for 3-month contract (possibility of extension to 6-month contract contingent on funding)

Position Summary:

Each year, Toronto Wildlife Centre's Hotline staff receive hundreds of calls about wild animals - especially birds and baby wildlife - suffering serious injuries due to attacks by free-roaming cats.

Most victims will not survive due to the severe nature of their wounds, even when they've been provided with specialized medical care at our hospital.

Free-roaming cats are estimated to kill between 100 million and 350 million birds per year in Canada; 38% of those are by pet cats, and the rest by feral cats.

Millions of other small mammals and reptiles are also victims to cat attacks each year.

As bird populations continue to decline across species, and habitat loss and climate change push ecosystems to the brink, it is more important than ever to change human attitudes and behaviours regarding free-roaming cats to ensure the safety of wildlife, as well as the safety of our feline friends.

As the Campaign and Advocacy Coordinator, you will work alongside Education and Outreach staff to strategize and execute plans to reduce the number of free-roaming cats in Toronto.

You will play a key role in leading collaborative engagement initiatives, building relationships with fellow like-minded organizations, educating cat owners, and promoting progressive policy on responsible pet ownership.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Working remotely, at our Downsview location, or off-site locations as required, and under the direction of the Education and Outreach Manager, you will:

Review academic journals and other evidence-based research to compile a reputable body of evidence supporting a no-roam policy
Research successful actions taken by other groups on the cats and birds/wildlife issue and identify what we can replicate in Toronto
Research successful movements/campaigns carried out by advocacy groups to determine if actions can be applied to cats and birds issue
Strategize, define approach, and carry out actions to effect policy change at the municipal level
Develop and maintain relationships with decisionmakers and community leaders to help create an understanding of project goals and mission
Participate in coalition building strategies and maintain key relationships with partner organizations
Organize efforts to recruit, train, and support members of the public to be empowered advocates who influence their community and local representative
Prepare communications for mobilizing engagement via social media and other relevant platforms
Define approach to community education and carry out initiatives to support goals (e.g. community information sessions)
Design evaluation tools to measure the efficacy of strategies and actions in meeting our target goals and to learn from the work being carried out

Position Requirements:

Education

Undergraduate degree/diploma in public policy, public administration, government affairs, marketing, communications, conservation or other relevant field and 1 year of related experience

Experience

Minimum of 1 year experience in public policy, advocacy, and/or implementing policy campaigns at grassroots and/or municipal level

Competencies

Excellent negotiation, consensusbuilding, coalitionbuilding, and leadership skills
Demonstrated ability to work with groups and individuals across the political spectrum
Proven ability to work independently and creatively, meeting strict deadlines, in a fastpaced environment
Solid organizational skills with proven skills in project coordination
Proficiency with MS Office products and online platforms
Superior written and verbal communications skills
Ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fastpaced environment
Willing to travel to various locations across Toronto as required
Commitment to wildlife conservation and the welfare of both wild animals and domestic cats

Physical Requirements: