Education Coordinator

Position Overview

The purpose of this position is to coordinate the Nature Guardians Youth Program, including the Youth Council’s wetlands campaign, which aims to engage and empower young environmental leaders to advocate for wetland conservation in Ontario, and support collaborative projects, as required.

The Education Coordinator coordinates efforts with youth, partners, member groups, other organizations and agencies, and supports planning, communications, fundraising and reporting related to the Nature Guardians Youth Program.

The program brings youth together through nature-based experiences and leadership opportunities to inspire and grow young environmental leaders in Ontario.

This job is perfect for you if you have a passion for hands-on learning, nature-based activities and mentoring youth (aged 13-30).

The ability to work well as part of a small team, as well as independently, is required.

About Ontario Nature

Ontario Nature is a charitable conservation organization that protects wild species and wild spaces across Ontario through conservation, education and public engagement.

We represent over 155 member groups, and more than 30,000 individual members and supporters throughout the province. We are there wherever and whenever nature needs us most.

To learn more, visit : ontarionature.org.

Why Work With Ontario Nature

• Flexible work hours and location, in accordance with our Remote Work Policy
• Progressive workspace and membership perks at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto
• Generous vacation leave and 4 paid days off in addition to statutory holidays during our office closure in late December
• 3 paid personal leave days, 12 paid sick days per year and comprehensive benefits package including health and dental
• Fulfilling, purpose-driven work, alongside 30 passionate and committed colleagues
• An ongoing commitment to create an inclusive and equitable environment for employees, volunteers, members and supporters
• Opportunities for advancement, skill development and cross-sectoral collaboration
• Support for taking initiative and pursuing aligned personal interest projects
• Team building and social opportunities

Duties and Responsibilities

PROJECT AND EVENT COORDINATION

• Coordinate the planning and delivery of annual program events including the Youth Summit, Youth Council leadership retreats, and conservation volunteering events.
• Co-coordinate planning and delivery of retreats and events for the Youth Circle for Mother Earth (YCME) project, with input and support from partner organizations.
• Support Youth Council members with the delivery of youth-led campaigns, including the wetlands campaign, advocacy efforts and workshops as interests arise.
• Engage the Youth Council in guiding, delivering, promoting and evaluating the activities of the Nature Guardians Youth Program.
• Assist with Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas-3 events involving youth.

COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH

• Work with Ontario Nature Youth Council members to engage high school aged youth and the general public about the importance of wetlands as nature-based climate solutions and for wildlife conservation through presentations, outreach, educational posts on social media and other communications avenues.
• Respond to inquiries, questions, and concerns relevant to the Nature Guardians Youth Program.
• Support webpage and social media updates to promote public understanding of and support for the Nature Guardians Youth Program and youth-led campaigns.
• Support promotion of program events and successes through posters, dedicated social media pages, ON Nature Magazine, blogs, webpages, e-newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Engage Youth Council members in other program communications, outreach and workshops, and Ontario Nature events as opportunities arise.
• Act as a program spokesperson with media, as directed.

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION

• Recruit and engage new and returning Youth Council members.
• Co-coordinate with YCME partners to recruit and engage new and returning Coordinating Circle members.
• Support relationship-building and joint fundraising efforts with YCME partners.
• Co-coordinate communications among partners for the YCME project to ensure all are up to date on plans, events and involved as appropriate.
• Work with conservation, education, and youth-serving organizations to advance shared goals.

FUNDRAISING, BUDGETING AND EVALUATION

• Assist with grant applications and funder reports, as directed.
• Support updating funding plans and project budgets for the Nature Guardians Youth Program, program events and the Youth Circle for Mother Earth project.
• Coordinate outreach with existing and potential Youth Summit sponsors.
• Contribute to quarterly and monthly reports for the Board of Directors, as directed.
• Work with staff, partners, and program participants to evaluate the Nature Guardians Youth Program and associated projects and activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental studies, education or relevant field.
• Relevant experience in environmental education, outdoor education or a related field.
• Proven ability to play an inspirational, leadership role working with youth in nature-based activities and programs.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including Indigenous and under-resourced communities.
• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Good problem-solving skills, sound judgment and self-reliance.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and work effectively as part of a team.
• Familiarity with internet-based social networking and design tools (e.g., Instagram, Canva). Proficiency in all applications of the Microsoft Office suite of programs including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.

Desirable Assets

• Valid class G driver’s licence.
• Experience in event planning.
• Experience coordinating and facilitating communications and meetings among diverse organizations.
• Experience working or volunteering for the non-profit sector.
• Experience working with and supervising volunteers.
• Training in cultural empathy.
• Knowledge of Ontario’s natural history.

Anticipated Start Date : May 1, 2024

Type of Position : 1-year contract, full-time

Compensation : $48,000 $59,000 per year

Location : This position is based at Ontario Nature’s Head Office 720 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON. This position can work remotely in accordance with our operational Remote Work Policy, however the selected candidate must be willing to work from the head office occasionally for event preparation and team meetings.

Working Conditions : This job requires travel within Ontario and occasional evening and weekend work, which will be compensated through lieu time.

Physical Requirements : The job can be physically demanding, including hiking, tree-planting, hole-digging and camping in a variety of weather conditions.

Must be able to stand for extended periods of time during some events. The position also requires extensive sitting, typing and time spent viewing computer screens.

To Apply

• Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one PDF document, addressing your qualifications and experience
• Include Education Coordinator in the subject line
• Email your application to [email protected]
• Deadline for applications : April 10, 2024, 11 : 59 p.m. Eastern Time

Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

No unsolicited emails or phone calls please.

Ontario Nature is committed to employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should make their requirements known when contacted.