CharityVillage

The Wilderness Committee has an exciting opportunity for a passionate organizer and experienced campaigner interested in becoming part of our dynamic and diverse team across the country. This hybrid position is based at least half time in our Vancouver office and is a permanent, full-time position based on a 32-hour, 4-day work week.
 
The Wilderness Committee is a grassroots, people powered wilderness preservation group with a history of more than 40 years on the front line of environmental battles across Canada, with offices in Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg and Toronto. Recognizing that enshrining Indigenous rights and title is fundamental to addressing the biodiversity and climate crises, we have helped protect millions of hectares of wilderness, defended the most at-risk species in government offices and court rooms, and worked tirelessly to fight irresponsible fossil fuel development wreaking havoc on the climate as we advocate for a just transition to a post-carbon society.

The Climate Campaigner is responsible for leading our on-the-ground campaign work related to climate change and a just transition to a zero-carbon society. You recognize policies and proposals to reduce global warming will only work if they are coupled with measures to alter the global economy, reduce poverty and inequality, and work towards a just transition for workers and communities. In partnership with First Nations, community groups and social justice allies, you will fight fossil fuel expansion in BC and across Canada and advocate for rapid reductions in emissions of all greenhouse gasses. You will lead our work fighting the expansion of fracking and LNG in BC and will spearhead a diversity of strategies from grassroots organizing to proposing legal challenges, from travel throughout BC to be on the ground in impacted communities to speaking at rallies and events.

As the policy lead on climate justice and just transition, the Climate Campaigner will be familiar with municipal, provincial and federal climate policies, as well as global climate targets and commitments, and be able to conduct research, write reports and policy briefs, attend meetings with allies and government, and generate media coverage contributing to the overall strategy of challenging the power of the fossil fuel industry and promoting effective climate solutions. You will understand the challenges facing BC in terms of energy generation and advocate for innovative solutions that foster sustainable local economic models. You will be knowledgeable about best practices for climate plans at every level of government, including reducing emissions from transportation, buildings, industry, energy and waste. The Climate Campaigner will have a good understanding of the links between climate change, old-growth logging, biodiversity loss and species extinction, and work on climate solutions that go hand in hand with protecting nature while upholding Indigenous rights and title.
 
As the successful candidate, you will have a passion for our vision and values and have experience building, organizing and leading strategic campaigns for social change. You will have a good understanding of the links between biodiversity loss, extinction and climate change, as well as the root causes of the climate crisis through a social justice and equity lens. You will be a strong writer, communicator and public speaker, with experience as a media spokesperson. You will have demonstrated experience working directly with urban and rural communities, and alongside or part of First Nations communities in support of Indigenous rights and title. You will understand the links between increased knowledge and awareness as a motivator for taking political action and advocating for legislative change. You are looking for your next position in the fight for environmental and social justice.
 
As a Wilderness Committee Campaigner, it is your responsibility to...

• Represent the Wilderness Committee with allies, First Nations leaders and community members, politicians, the public, supporters and donors, and industry stakeholders
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization with stakeholders and the media
• Develop, implement and monitor campaign strategies to achieve long-term campaign goals
• Build relationships with allies, First Nations, government officials, community members and other stakeholders, maintain extensive contacts, and collaborate on activities
• Travel to communities and support solutions for those directly impacted by fossil fuel destruction and climate change
• Engage the public on campaign issues, coordinate events, rallies, townhalls and other strategic campaign activities 
• Create educational campaign materials and communication tools, and provide opportunities for advocacy on campaign issues
• Maintain a general knowledge of recent and relevant information, and do background research on policies, industries, and trends  

You will have...

• At least 3 years experience in activism, campaigning or organizing in environmental or other social justice movement with experience in managing and planning projects
• Demonstrated ability to identify appropriate tactics strategic to reaching short and long-term goals
• Current knowledge of climate change issues facing Canada, with specific knowledge of fracking and LNG, coal exports, the tar sands and fossil fuel emissions. Understanding and analysis of climate policy proposals and solutions across Canada.
• Demonstrated public speaking and media spokesperson skills
• Direct experience in community outreach and organizing including diverse communities and First Nations
• Strong research and written communication skills for both traditional and social media
• Basic photography and videography skills
• Strength of will and determination to drive a campaign
• Effective networking and excellent interpersonal skills
• Computer and social media experience
• A class 5 driver’s license and ability to drive on highways and logging roads  

You will be...

• Passionate about the Wilderness Committee’s mission and core values
• Analytical, creative, and used to thinking outside the box
• Able to handle a large volume of work, with excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• A self-initiated problem solver who is reliable and enthusiastic
• Adaptable and flexible to work in collaboration with others as well as independently
• Committed to creating a positive and healthy workplace environment
• Able to handle flexible hours including occasional evening and weekend work

Salary: $64,000 annually (subject to increase in June, 2024 after collective bargaining)

Conditions of employment: This is a full-time, permanent unionized position with BCGEU Local 2003 and thus all pay and benefits are determined by the Collective Agreement including annual paid vacation time and a year-end closure, comprehensive medical and dental benefits, a health savings account and a retirement saving plan. The Wilderness Committee has a 32-hour, 4-day work week with a hybrid workplace model.