Sustainability Strategic Relationships Coordinator

Requisition ID: 38152 

Company

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

As a member of the Sustainability team, the Sustainability Strategic Relationships Coordinator works to maintain and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and partners for the City’s climate policies, the Climate Emergency Action Plan and the Climate Change Adpation Strategy. Key stakeholders and partners include businesses, associations, environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGO’s), equity seeking groups, researchers, community groups, utilities and other governments.

Those relationships are critical to the City’s efforts to develop effective new policies and programs in ways that respond to the concerns and interests of our community, and open opportunities for residents and businesses to reduce their emissions. They are also important in identifying opportunities to collaborate on new initiatives. The Sustainability Strategic Relationships Coordinator also supports the development and implementation of communication plans by identifying and actioning opportunities that involve key partners and stakeholders, for initiatives relating to the Climate Emergency Action Plan and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains and strengthens relationships with existing climate partners and stakeholders
• Fields external requests from partners and stakeholders, identifying and supporting those that best align with City climate objectives
• Identifies and analyzes gaps in  existing relationships and develop plans to build new relationships to address gaps
• Provides input to Sustainainabilty team to align policies to stakeholders interests
• Identifies the need for, and supports the development of, engagement opportunities with partners and stakeholders
• Supports development of communications strategy with an eye on risks and opportunities relating to partners and stakeholders
• Develops communications opportunities with partners and stakeholders to support implementation of communications strategy
• Contributes to development of a wide variety of publicity and informational materials including advertising, news releases, newsletters, notices, pamphlets and brochures, speeches, video, displays etc
• Act as a key point contact for public consultation on engagement issues
• Liaises with related organizations and public to ensure the City’s climate priorities are aligned to stakeholders interests
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• University graduation with a degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a related discipline, plus considerable experience in a community relations and/or communications position, or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience
• Experience working on or supporting public and/or stakeholder consultation exercises
• Experience developing and implementing communications plans on complex and/or controversial topics
• Experience working with and communicating to diverse community groups
• Experience developing applications for federal and/or provincial funding an asset

• Experience or education in climate change, green buildings, and/or transportation policy considered an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of public processes/consultation techniques
• Thorough knowledge of government, particularly civic and regional government structures
• Demonstrated ability to be pro-active in establishing and maintaining respectful relationships with numerous and diverse stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with internal and external partners -- both in routine and in controversial and stressful situations
• Demonstrated ability to identify potentially contentious issues and quickly research the topic and recommend course of action, including responses
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate communications needs/opportunities, and identify and develop plan suited to the situation
• Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and use of the Internet as a research and communication tool, are required
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy
• Completion of the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Foundations in Effective Public Participation course would be an asset
• Relationships with key stakeholders and partners for the City’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy would be an asset
• Knowledge of the City’s key environmental sustainability documents, including Climate Emergency Action Plan, and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy would also be an asset

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: May 2023

Position End Date: April 2024

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-027: $43.82 to $51.78 per hour

Application Close: March 26, 2023

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10mins. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a tailored summary of skills and experience related to the position.