Sustainability Communications and Engagement Officer

Job title: Sustainability Communications and Engagement Officer

Reports to: Alexa Goodman, Sustainability Manager, Dalhousie Office of Sustainability

Job location: 1236 Henry Street, Halifax NS B3H 4R2

Wage: $18.00 / hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (15-week internship)

Start Date: Expected May 5, 2024

Number of Positions: 1 

Equity Hiring:   

Clean is committed to Employment Equity. Our goal is to be inclusive of a diverse workforce that is reflected at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes candidates from diverse equity groups to apply and encourage you to self-identify on our registration form.  

About the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program 

The Clean Leadership Summer Internship program helps grow the clean economy by matching interns (age 15-30) with employers for 9- and 15-week summer work placements. Participating interns will receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, take part in a professional development conference and training, while supporting local environmental projects. 

About the host employer    

The Office of Sustainability at Dalhousie University supports initiatives that drive positive social, ecological, and economic change across campus operations. Through innovative policy and planning, sustainable projects, and efficient programming and operations, we aim to reduce environmental impact while fostering a culture of sustainability. We actively engage students, staff, and faculty in collaborative efforts to promote sustainable behaviour and inspire meaningful action.

Summary of position   

Reporting to the Sustainability Manager, the Sustainability Communications and Engagement Officer plays a pivotal role in managing communications, promoting sustainability initiatives, and supporting engagement and educational activities across the Dalhousie University community. This position is essential in amplifying the Office of Sustainability’s impact through strategic communication and active program coordination.

Duties and Responsibilities   

• Website and Social Media Management• Update and maintain the Office of Sustainability’s website and social media platforms, including Instagram.
  • Respond to inquiries and comments on social media under the guidance of the Sustainability Manager.
  • Promote sustainability events and news across various channels, such as Today at Dal, LCD screens, and targeted emails.
• Email and Phone Communication• Manage the rethink@dal.ca email account, ensuring prompt and professional responses to inquiries with guidance from the Sustainability Manager.
  • Answer incoming phone calls, provide information, and direct callers to appropriate contacts as needed.
• Program Support and Coordination• Assist with program logistics for initiatives such as the Employee Bus Pass, Free Store, and Sustainable Events.
  • Coordinate short-term campaigns and events, including Sustainability Month, Ecolympics, Bike Week, Commuter Challenge, and peer educator programs.
  • Organize team and collaborative meetings, workshops, and end-of-year celebrations.
  • Provide support for priority Office of Sustainability programs during the summer term.
• Email Management Best Practices• Regularly monitor and manage the rethink@dal.ca inbox.
  • Immediately address spam and irrelevant emails, unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters, and maintain inbox organization.
  • Respond to emails within 48 hours or provide follow-up timelines for complex inquiries.
  • Archive responded to emails into appropriate folders for easy access.
• Communications & Social Media Engagement• Share updates about sustainability programs, events, and topics like energy, waste management, social equity, and environmental justice.
  • Write news stories highlighting OS initiatives and viewpoints for the DalNews.
  • Develop and share content such as graphics, infographics, and videos to communicate new documents, plans, and initiatives from the Office.• Engage with the university community by responding to direct messages and consulting with the Sustainability Manager for context as needed.

  • Maintain an educational and professional tone in all communications.

• Event Support• Coordinate and support Dalhousie campus-wide events related to sustainability.
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure the success of campaigns, contests, and engagement activities.

Requirements/Qualifications  

• Must be a full-time Dalhousie student.
• Strong organizational, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Proficiency in Canva and familiarity with social media platforms; experience with Dalhousie web content software is an asset.
• Program coordination or organizational experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of and passion for sustainability.

Working Conditions 

This position operates in a hybrid work environment, combining office-based tasks with occasional outdoor activities:
• Office Environment: Work will primarily be conducted at the Office of Sustainability, located on the 5th Floor of the Central Services Building, 1236 Henry Street. Office space and a computer will be provided.

• Outdoor Work: Semi-regular outdoor activities may include biodiversity surveying, waste audits, event support, or community engagement, requiring adaptability to varying weather conditions.
• Hybrid Schedule: During the summer term, in-person work is required.
• In the fall and winter terms, a hybrid schedule allows for a mix of remote and in-office work, as determined by program needs.
• Communication Expectations: Daily or every-second-day email monitoring is required to ensure timely responses, which can be completed remotely.

Flexibility and the ability to manage tasks independently are key to succeeding in this role.

Physical Requirements 

Office Environment:

1. Ability to sit for extended periods while working at the office.
2. Minimal physical effort required for general office tasks (e.g., using a computer, filing, or light lifting of office supplies).

Outdoor Work:

1. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, which may include hot, cold, or wet environments.
2. Physical stamina to stand, walk, or move around during outdoor activities like biodiversity surveys, waste audits, or event setup and support.
3. Ability to carry or transport lightweight equipment or materials as needed for community engagement or event support.

Overall, this role requires a combination of sedentary office work and moderate physical activity for outdoor tasks. Adaptability to different environments and basic physical fitness are essential.