Communications Manager - parental leave

Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS) is a national farmer- and rancher-led coalition advancing solutions that help the agriculture sector thrive in a changing climate. We run a peer-to-peer field program that supports farmers and ranchers in adopting practices that build resilience, boost profitability, improve business sustainability, and enhance environmental outcomes. We amplify farmer and rancher voices so that policy-makers, industry, and financial institutions understand how they can help propel us forward. Together, we can build a future in which Canadian agriculture doesn’t just survive, it thrives.

FCS is seeking a Communications Manager for a one (1) year parental leave replacement to develop and deliver compelling communications across our field program, policy, and strategic initiatives work streams. Our solutions-oriented approach, hopeful messaging, and distinct voice is helping to increase resilience and reduce emissions in agriculture. We are looking for someone to contribute their expertise to our efforts!

Experience we are seeking 

Listed below is the mandate of the Communications Manager, and the experience/qualifications needed to succeed in the job. If you possess approximately 80% of the essential experience/qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

The Communications Manager will report to the Executive Director and collaborate with the other Communications Manager and the rest of the FCS team to fulfill the following mandate.

Mandate of the Communications Manager

Develop and deliver communications content to support policy and program goals via email newsletters, the FCS website, social media, advertisements, reports, and other communications tools, by:

• Crafting messaging that communicates complex ideas in accessible and engaging ways for various formats, including email campaigns, the FCS website, printed materials and social media
• Strategically tailoring communications to specific audiences
• Coordinating, writing, and designing the monthly member newsletter
• Managing the FCS photo bank
• Coordinating and reviewing translations, and providing translations as needed
• Working collaboratively with other FCS staff to identify and respond to their communications needs, including time-sensitive and urgent requests

Experience/qualifications

ESSENTIAL:

• 5-7 years combined experience in post-secondary and/or professional environment in a related field
• Excellent English and French writing, storytelling and editing skills for both long and short form
• Experience crafting messaging that communicates complex ideas in accessible and engaging ways, while supporting the organization’s unique voice
• Experience communicating about agriculture and/or experience with climate change or environmental communications
• Experience implementing communications strategies tailored to specific audiences
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners towards a common goal
• Solid computer skills and experience using Google Workspace
• Experience managing work and deadlines independently, while ensuring colleagues are informed and able to contribute as needed

ASSET:

• A sharp eye for compelling design and experience using software like Canva and the Adobe suite
• Experience reaching and engaging with farmers and ranchers in rural Canada

Grow the reach of Farmers for Climate Solutions, by: 

• Developing outreach and amplification tools for FCS members and partners
• Growing and fostering online communities via social media and email campaigns
• Managing website and updating with new content as needed while identifying ways to make existing content easier to navigate

Experience/qualifications

ESSENTIAL:

• Experience growing and fostering online communities and strong ability to meet members of these communities where they are at
• Awareness and understanding of the diversity of challenges, values, and needs of farmers and ranchers, their communities, and farming organizations in Canada
• Experience designing and implementing social media campaigns and managing social media accounts
• Experience using Mailchimp or similar email platforms

ASSET:

• Experience managing content using Squarespace or similar website management platforms (e.g. WordPress, Joomla)
• Experience with paid social media advertising
• Up-to-date knowledge on trends and best practices for creating successful communications tools

Monitoring FCS’ communications efforts by:

• Monitoring news and social media on a daily basis and producing Media Digests for staff and the FCS Board
• Gathering analytics data from FCS websites, social media, YouTube, email newsletters, online campaigns, and news media coverage to track engagement with FCS’s work and campaigns 
• Monitoring and evaluating success of FCS’ messaging, materials, and tools, and adapting and iterating accordingly
  

Experience/qualifications
ESSENTIAL:

• Experience tracking analytics and gathering data from websites, social media, and email newsletter
• Solid computer skills and experience using Google Workspace

ASSET:

• Experience with Google Analytics

Term of employment and benefits available for this position

This is a full-time term position for 12 months, with a possibility of extension depending on team needs, capacity and funding. You must be based in and have the legal right to work in Canada.

Benefits available for this position include: 

• Extended health, pharmaceutical, and dental coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Pension plan
• 4 weeks of annual vacation, as well as emergency and sick leave (plus office closure between Dec 25th and Jan 1st)
• Flexibility regarding working hours and location
• 35 hour work week 
• Salary of $77,326.95, per annum 
• Benefits and protections as a member of the Public Service Alliance of Canada 

FCS staff work remotely from locations across Canada. Staff require reliable internet service that allows for smooth online video and audio communication. FCS staff receive a computer, a contribution to a phone and internet plan, and other support to facilitate a virtual workplace.

Commitment to equity

FCS works within, and is representative of, a Canadian agricultural sector that has significant work to do to advance action for reconciliation and decolonization, improve intersectional analysis, and amplify the voices and leadership of equity-deserving farmers (i.e. young farmers, women farmers, farmers with disabilities, Black farmers, Indigenous farmers and food providers, farmers of colour, small-scale farmers, and 2SLGBTQ+ farmers). We are committed to policy and programming that acknowledges and serves the diversity within our sector. 

FCS believes that our sector, and our work as a coalition, will be stronger with decreased barriers to entry and better opportunities to succeed for equity-deserving individuals. If you belong to an equity-deserving group, we encourage you to apply to join our team and self-identify in your application if you feel comfortable doing so. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Application instructions

Please include a cover letter referencing your motivations to apply for this role, reflections on your relevant experience and skills, and any other information you would like to share, as well as a résumé. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide two (2) writing samples, ideally one (1) sample in French and one (1) in English, prior to the interview that showcases your ability to write in long and short form (newsletter content, social media blurb, blog post, etc.). If possible, writing samples should be specifically related to agriculture and/or climate change. 

The deadline for applications is August 27th, 2025.

Interviews of short-listed candidates are anticipated to be held during the weeks of September 1 and 8, 2025.

Only candidates short-listed for the position will be contacted. We are unable to accept questions about the position or recruitment. Thank you for your interest in working with Farmers for Climate Solutions!