About Us:
Canadian Parents for French is a nationwide, research-informed, volunteer organization that furthers bilingualism by promoting opportunities to learn and use French for all those who call Canada home. We are actively recruiting for a half-time* Coordinator, External Communications, Partnerships and Advocacy. This position can be based in Ottawa or Toronto.
*This position has the potential to be combined with one of two other half-time coordinator roles, namely Coordinator, Internal Communications (Open Canada-wide) and Coordinator, Communications, Atlantic Region (Open to residents of Halifax and Charlottetown). If you see your experience aligning to either of these other roles, meet the area of selection criteria, and you are available to work full time, please indicate this in the application process.
About the Role:
Are you a talented and experienced bilingual strategic communications specialist focused on building relationships with partners and key stakeholders to strengthen our national advocacy voice and political actions?
The successful candidate will report directly to the Director, Advocacy and Public Policy and indirectly to the CPF Network CEO. You will work in close collaboration with the CPF National office team and with the CPF Branches. The hybrid position may be based in either Ottawa or Toronto and will require some scheduled travel.
Key Responsibilities:
- The individual will support communications with stakeholders and partners to increase equitable access to opportunities and programs, ensuring their active and full participation in a bilingual Canada.
- Maintain an advocacy events calendar. Draft regular announcements, media releases and external communications to recognize key FSL related topics, new initiatives, and key dates throughout the year.
- Coordinate and lead regular internal team exchanges with Branch staff to coordinate consistent CPF Network external messages.
- Support the publication of information and research briefs and analyze intergovernmental agreements having an impact on access to French language learning and programs in Canada.
- Coordinate and participate in internal and external research meetings and committees, acting as a bilingual support resource for policy position development and knowledge exchange opportunities.
- Coordinate the participation of CPF Network Branches and Offices in public consultations having an impact on Canada's official languages, linguistic duality, and the Francophonie.
- Coordinate the annual FSL advocacy awareness event and subsequent government and partner stakeholder meetings, coordinating with other staff on logistics.
- Monitor communications and publications by federal and provincial/territorial governments on topics related to French second language learning and official languages across Canada.
- Coordinate and support the publication of documents and positioning tools in support of CPF advocacy actions, such as revision of briefs, writing of position papers and political arguments, writing of campaign letter templates, slide deck presentations for committee presentations, etc.
- Work in close collaboration with CPF Branch and Office staff and volunteer advocates to coordinate awareness-raising actions for the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, including advocacy strategies such as for national campaigns.
- Offer support and coordinate training to strengthen the capacities and skills of CPF staff and volunteer advocates.
- Coordinate and manage existing and new external partnership agreements, fulfilment of obligations, renewals and reporting impact and performance.
About You:
- Bachelor's degree in communications with minor in political science, public affairs or administration, or certification in government relations or in a field related to the purposes of the position.
- A minimum of 3 years of work experience in the field of strategic communications with focus on public policy development and partner or stakeholder relations, ideally in a national association setting.
- Knowledge of and interest in the functioning of Canadian public institutions and intergovernmental agreements; the historical and legislative context of Canada's movement towards bilingualism; the provision of French second language education programs; the Canadian Francophonie and its networks.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, proven research and writing capabilities, demonstrated strength in policy analysis and synthesis. Good ability to write and revise documents adapting their accessibility to generalist audiences. Fluency in both official languages is required.
- Sense of resourcefulness, ability to access information, statistical data and research to support the development of convincing public policy arguments.
- Client focus, including demonstrated skills in partner relationship building, team building and meeting management skills.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and critical thinking; versatility and ability to handle numerous files simultaneously.
Other Criteria:
- This is a half time (20 hours per week), 1 year contract position with annual opportunities for renewal.
- Salary range is $27.00 – $35.00 hourly, commensurate with experience.
- Hours will be Monday to Friday, typically 8:30 to 4:30 with plenty of flexibility in terms of start and finish times. This position sometimes requires overtime, evenings, or weekends, as well as travel outside the workplace.
- Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
What's in it for you:
- Meaningful work with national colleagues, partners, and engaged staff.
- Your daily work will have a direct impact on shaping the FSL opportunities for children in Canada.
- Hybrid Work Model
How to apply:
Please send a detailed cover letter, CV, and salary expectations to Deb Powers, Network HR Manager at [email protected]. Your cover letter should address how you meet the requirements of this position.
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require accommodation, please make your request known when contacted. CPF fosters an inclusive work environment. We welcome and prioritize applications from Indigenous Peoples, racialized people, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA2+. We can accommodate during all phases of the selection process. We invite applicants to self-identify if they are part of a priority group.