We’re Hiring: Communications and Membership Manager

Hours: 35 hours per week (negotiable) 

Salary: 52,000 – 62,000 pending experience

Benefits: Health Savings Account available after 3 month probation period, quarterly allowances for personal device and internet use, and other negotiable benefits.

Location: Remote, Anywhere in Ontario

About the Organic Council of Ontario: 

The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) is the Voice for Organics in Ontario. We are the only full value chain association operating at the provincial level. OCO represents over 1,400 certified organic operators, as well as the businesses, organizations, and individuals that bring food from farm to plate. OCO works to catalyze sector growth, support research, improve training, increase data collection, encourage market development, protect the integrity of organic claims, and inform the public of the benefits and requirements of organic agriculture.

About the Job: 

The Organic Council of Ontario is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated and dynamic Communications and Membership Manager who is passionate about agriculture and the environment. OCO has a small staff team with a broad scope: we punch above our weight!  Ideal candidates will have a balance of left and right brain thinking with both sharp attention to detail, technical know-how, problem solving skills, administrative and logistical prowess; as well as an eye for digital marketing, the capacity to parse complex issues into clear sentences, strategic thinking and political acumen.  A successful candidate will be equally at ease calling farmers as they are conversing on Google chat. 

This position will support the management of two coordinators, several contractors and volunteers and will be responsible for maintaining and improving OCO’s website, brand, and communications.  They will provide leadership in the organisation’s brand and website management, membership recruitment and retention targets and strategies, maintenance of OCO’s current directory, the launch of a new directory and Ontario Organic campaign, and the upkeep and expansion of OCO’s data portal and other online tools.

Campaigns and Communications Strategy: 

• Maintain and improve OCO’s communications and digital marketing channels, ensuring professional and engaging content, images, and branding; 
• Create strategies for increased engagement and targeted content, including list building and segmentation strategies;
• Continue to grow OCO’s advertising and promotional opportunities; 
• Ensure OCO’s web presence reflects the organization’s tone and brand; 

• Develop and project manage the Ontario Organic marketing campaign, including developing branding, strategy, and digital and tangible assets with the support of staff and contractors; 
• Evaluate OCO’s existing communications infrastructure and impact and offer recommendations for improvements, efficiencies, and expansions;
• Support public relations and media requests, press releases and opportunities to liaise with agri-food media;

Partnerships and Business Development: 

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with key promotional partners such as national partners and media; 
• Negotiate MOUs and contracts with partners and/or contractors where necessary;
• Engage in on-going business development and fundraising efforts where appropriate;
• Support the organisation to develop new revenue streams and opportunities for partner and member engagement; 
• Support ongoing grant and fundraising activities;

Membership Management and Events

• Manage and improve OCO’s membership engagement, recruitment and tracking efforts;
• Oversee member engagement events and sponsorship opportunities; 
• Manage the maintenance and improvement of our Ontario Organic Directory;
• Ensure print and digital membership materials are up-to-date and well-maintained for in-person marketing and membership recruitment opportunities;

Digital Platforms and Transformation

• Continue to assess the digital tool and process optimization needs of the organization and find optimal and resource efficient solutions;
• Manage the maintenance and improvement of OCO’s digital platforms such as the Organic Data Portal and Organic Knowledge Base;

General Project and Team Management 

As a small non-profit, OCO’s work is dynamic and project-based with the overarching goal of growing and supporting the Ontario organic sector.  Our work may shift as we receive new grants for projects that fit with our mandate and priorities.  We’re looking for a candidate who can demonstrate the necessary flexibility to adjust to such changes willingly and gracefully. Candidates should be comfortable managing grants and people and have a growth oriented mindset. 

The Ideal Candidate

• Is highly motivated, can work independently and in a team; 
• Knows how to juggle multiple competing priorities; 
• Takes initiative to constantly improve their work and the work of the organization; 
• Sets and achieves growth targets; 
• Is an excellent communicator, both written and orally, with an eye for design and flow; 
• Has excellent problem solving and digital skills; 
• Is passionate and knowledgeable about organic agriculture;
• Is a strategic thinker with at least 2-3 years of fund development, membership recruitment, and/or digital marketing experience; 
• Has experience with soliciting sponsorship,  event planning and management; 
• Has experience using or is comfortable learning to use various online communications and website platforms and tools (e.g. WordPress, Statamic, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Canva, Google Suite) 
• Has experience managing and evaluating digital marketing campaign with KPI targets and paid social media opportunities;
• Has experience managing websites, developer contracts, and troubleshooting basic WordPress issues;
• Experience with Hubspot or similar contact management tools a strong asset; 
• Has experience with non-profit management; 
• Experience managing or implementing graphic design an asset; 
• French language skills are an asset.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter in one pdf document to hiring@organiccouncil.ca by July 1st at 5pm with Communications and Membership Manager in the subject line.  Please provide two samples of previous communications work highlighting your writing, design and technical skills.