Communications Strategist

We are an organization with two front doors - the Wilder Institute and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. The Wilder Institute is a registered charity focused on wildlife conservation and bringing benefits to both nature and people. As a non-profit organization, our critical wildlife conservation work is made possible by the generosity of individuals, corporate donors, and government investment, as well as administrative and operational support through the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

The Wilder Institute oversees our conservation portfolio which includes community conservation and conservation translocation/reintroduction programs saving species such as: hippos, lemurs, mountain bongo, sitatunga, Vancouver Island marmot, burrowing owl, whooping crane, fisher, half-moon hairstreak butterfly, northern leopard frog, greater sage-grouse, swift fox, black-tailed prairie dog and black-footed ferret, sihek (Guam kingfisher), wood poppy and crooked-stem aster.

We are deepening our global conservation efforts and seeking a skilled communications professional craving meaningful work that impacts wildlife and wild places using words and actions to help our talented, passionate team change the trajectory of the animals, plants and people on our planet. Does this sound like you?

The **Communications Strategist** is a member of the Brand & Engagement team. This role reports to the Manager, Communications and works closely with other key stakeholder groups including: the Leadership team, Animal Care, Health & Welfare, Conservation & Science, Marketing, Conservation Education, and Fund Development.

**What you will do**:

- Building an understanding of and support for the charitable conservation work of the Wilder Institute through communications activity (internally and externally).
- Working closely with other teams to ensure that the Wilder Institute brand is embedded across all communication activity, ensuring consistent brand use across all communications.
- Collaborating across the organization to proactively develop and implement media events related to Wilder Institute news, including drafting media releases and coordinating with media partners.
- Managing the Wilder Institute social media accounts including content creation and scheduling, responding to messages and comments, and community management.
- Working in collaboration with the Marking team to maintain and update the Wilder Institute website with relevant content.
- Developing or proof-reading speeches, presentations, video scripts and presentations for Wilder Institute.
- Maintaining an effective working relationship with the Conservation & Science and Animal Care, Health & Welfare teams through regular collaboration, meetings, and updates.

**This Position Requires**:

- A strong writer who can craft content in different tones, voices, and styles.
- A highly motivated skillset with the ability to multi-task and establish priorities while working under pressure in a fast-paced environment with sometimes competing deadlines and tight turnaround times.
- Excellent business judgment and someone adept at handling sensitive information.
- A highly collaborative nature with the ability to work with multiple stakeholders within the organization.
- Understanding of metrics and evaluation.
- Excellent written, presentation, and communication skills.
- Strong creative problem-solving skills.

**What you will bring**:

- College Diploma in Communications/Public Relations is required; Bachelors Degree in Communications/Public Relations is preferred.
- Minimum of 3 year’s experience of working directly in a Communications, Public Relations or a related area is required. Specifically, experience in both internal and external communications, developing and delivering complex, strategic communication strategies, and demonstrating value to stakeholders.
- Bilingual, (English & French) is an asset
- Experience working in a Conservation role is an asset.
- Media and crisis communications management experience is an asset.

**Working Conditions**:

- Primarily office based with long periods working at a computer.
- Some lifting maybe required at times (boxes, signs, tables, etc.)
- Social media monitoring during evenings and weekends.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is a smoke and vape-free facility.

**What We Offer**:

- Competitive compensation and vacation entitlement.
- Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account and flex day entitlement.
- Employer matching RRSP program.
- Remote work policy.
- Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise.
- Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit Program.
- A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of incredible anima