Communications and Public Engagement Officer

Summary

Dignity Network Canada is seeking a highly creative, independent and motivated Communications and Public Engagement Officer. Dignity Network Canada (DNC) is a partner with our member organization Equitas in the Act Together for Inclusion Fund (ACTIF) and this position is also responsible for leading communications and public engagement related to the implementation of this innovative new partnership and global funding program. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to work with a broad range of organizations and human rights activists from across Canada and around the world in a new and innovative project. There is a significant opportunity for growth, creativity and development in this position. 

About Dignity Network Canada:

Dignity Network Canada (DNC) is a national coalition of 67 member organizations involved in or interested in the human rights of people around the world, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). DNC provides opportunities for Canadian civil society organizations and their global partners to connect, share and advocate together on SOGIESC-related human rights issues. Dignity Network Canada is a national nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors. 

About ACTIF:

The Act Together for Inclusion Fund (ACTIF) is a global fund launched in 2021 designed to enhance the respect, protection and fulfillment of human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, two-spirited and intersex (LGBTQ2I) persons and enhance their socio-economic outcomes in countries eligible for overseas development assistance. ACTIF support projects designed by Canadian intermediaries – civil society organizations (CSOs) with a proven track record of working on LGBTQ2I issues and established connections to local LGBTQ2I CSOs and movements in ODA eligible countries. ACTIF is managed by DNC member agency, Equitas, in collaboration with Dignity Network Canada itself. ACTIF is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. 

Job Description: 

The Communications and Public Engagement Officer will be responsible for executing the communication and public engagement plan for Dignity Network Canada (DNC) and then overseeing the activities arising from this plan. The position also contributes to the execution of the Act Together for Inclusion (ACTIF) communications plan. Approximately 30% of the position will support communications related to ACTIF. The position will work closely with the Communications and Public Engagement Working Group of Dignity Network Canada and staff teams at DNC and Equitas. The position contributes to the following main objectives:

• Raise public and media awareness about the importance and current issues regarding SOGIESC human rights at the international level; 
• Contribute to best practices and knowledge sharing in grant making to advance SOGIESC issues and rights; 
• Enhance the visibility of DNC and ACTIF activities, and results achieved. This includes recognition of the contribution of Global Affairs Canada to ACTIF, DNC and Equitas;
• Support the implementation of DNC’s Beyond Borders advocacy campaign, including policy briefing and reports, in collaboration with DNC’s Advocacy and Policy Officer.

Main Tasks / Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy, Planning and Operations

• Execute the integrated and comprehensive communications and public engagement strategy / plan for DNC including ACTIF. 
• Support the functioning of a Communications and Public Engagement Working Group, which includes many DNC members and ACTIF grantees;
• Identify partners and sponsors to support multiple components of the communication plan;

External Communications 

• Manage all external communications: website, social media, e-newsletter and other communication tools, and ensure that they are regularly updated;
• Ensure DNC’s communications in English and French include gender-diverse writing and gender-neutral language;
• Support the production and dissemination of knowledge products, policy reports and impact stories relating to ACTIF and DNC, including Beyond Borders campaign;
• Monitor key analysis and prepare data analysis from DNC’s online spaces, including social media, website, newsletters, etc., to guide approaches, continuous learning, and measure impact;

Events and Media

• Plan and organize public or official activities and events in support of the communication plan, such as partnerships with our members around public engagement events during Prides, etc.;
• Working with DNC’s staff and the ACTIF team at Equitas, help coordinate an biennial roundtable event with DNC members and other stakeholders;
• Serve as DNC’s media relations contact and coordinate promotional and visibility activities;

General Responsibilities

• Comply with all DNC policies, procedures, and codes of conduct;
• Actively participate in DNC and ACTIF team meetings, and providing input towards the goals of ACTIF;
• Oversee the development of all DNC and ACTIF visuals to support communications;
• Manage budgets related to communications and public engagement;
• Prepare relevant funding proposals and reports, in collaboration with the DNC Executive Director and ACTIF team;
• Support the DNC Executive Director, Board of Directors, Committees and Working Groups in the ongoing implementation of strategic directions, as requested.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree in communications, public relations or related field;
• 3 to 5 years experience in a communications, public relations or related field;
• Bilingualism in French and English a very strong asset and preferred;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• Demonstrated experience in the not-for-profit sector, especially complex multi-organizational coalitions and networks;
• Ability to manage budgets, especially related to communications and public engagement;
• Good knowledge of web communications standards, Google Analytics, and social networks for engagement purposes;
• Good eye for visual design and communications aesthetics; 
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-oppression and racial justice principles and practices;
• Mastery of the Microsoft 365 and  
• Flexibility in scheduling and ability to work remotely; Knowledge of graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite or Canva a strong asset; 
• Understanding the application of principles of “Do No Harm” in communications about SOGIESC issues and communities, an asset. 
• Knowledge of SOGIESC-related issues, communications, and human rights in an international context, an asset;
• Familiarity with virtual security protocols and tools, and cyberbullying issues is an asset.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), salaried position for an initial two-year renewable contract. Salary range for this position is $64,000 to $67,000 per annum, plus $2,600 in lieu of benefits. We currently provide three weeks paid vacation and eight paid personal days per year.

Location

Dignity Network Canada is a virtual organization with staff in different cities. Dignity Network Canada will prioritize hiring candidates based in the provinces of Ontario or Quebec, due to proximity to Ottawa, but will consider applications from all jurisdictions within Canada. All candidates must be legally able to work in Canada.

How to Apply:

Create a cover letter and CV in one document attention Althea Branton, Director, Operations & Member Relations and apply via the online link by 5:00pm ET on Friday, March 15, 2024.

Applications will be accepted until March 15. Interviews will be held in late March with an anticipated start date in mid-April. An interview team made up of DNC staff and members will conduct the interviews.

As per our policies, Dignity Network Canada is committed to working within a gender equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression framework. 2SLGBTQI+ people are actively encouraged to apply for this position. We particularly encourage applications from 2SLGBTQI+ people who are Black, Indigenous or people of the global majority,, people with disabilities, and people who identify as members from religious minority groups. Disclosure is optional, and at no point during the application process will candidates be asked to share or discuss any part of their identity. We thank all applicants in advance however, only those invited for an interview will be contacted.