Communications Associate

Reports to: Communications Manager

Accountable to : Environment Office Senior Manager

Terms of Employment: Full-time Permanent

Salary :  $53,043 to $68,957 (based on experience)

Hours of Work : 37.5 hours per week (some evenings and weekend may be periodically required)

Job Location : Wiarton, Ontario (Not remote work)

Posting date:  August 5, 2025

Closing Date:  August 29, 2025

Priority will be given to qualified Saugeen Ojibway Nation members

The Environment Office Saugeen Ojibway Nation prides itself on being an organization that works daily through our Core Values. These values are tied into all that we do. With WISDOM we can teach. With LOVE we can endure, with RESPECT we can work together even when we don’t agree, with BRAVERY we can achieve, with HONESTY we can act with integrity even when no one is watching, with TRUTH we can trust each other and with HUMILITY we can lift each other up. The Environment Office strives daily to work with our competencies along side these values and they are woven into the fabric of how we work. 

The Communications Associate reports to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office (SONEO) Communications Manager, and develops and maintains the Community Engagement Platform (CEP). The Communications Associate works with the Communications Manager, Events Coordinator, and file leads to design and implement community engagement plans for SONEO files or programs. The Communications Associate will create detailed project plans for presentation to the SONEO Manager and Joint Council. The Communications Associate creates metrics to gauge community engagement performance and tracks, records, and assesses the progress of each engagement plan. The Communications Associate will assist in preparing presentation materials on a broad range of topics, covering all files in the SONEO, as well as projects identified by the Joint Council.

The Communications Associate is a fluent computer user, highly skilled with office suite software and website tools, and adept with popular social media platforms.

 Required Experience: 

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a related field
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working within an Indigenous community

Recommended  Experience: 

• Post-secondary accreditation in one of the following areas: Communications, Public Administration, Project Management, Education, Indigenous Studies, Business Administration - or equivalent experience for a minimum of 2 years
• 2 years of experience facilitation community or public engagement

Core Competencies:

All staff roles at Environment Saugeen Ojibway Nation require the team members to work through our values to deliver the following Core Competencies

Effective Communication:

Provide and receive information using the most effective/efficient/appropriate medium and technology based on what needs to be communicated and to whom. Effectively use different approaches and technologies for different audiences. Communicate effectively and professionally to proponents, work teams, managers, staff and Joint Council. 

Humility and Curiosity:

Being humble by having a respectful, team-focused attitude that values others input and embraces feedback as an opportunity to grow. Having the willingness to learn, admit mistakes and prioritize team success over individual achievements. 

Being curious and having an eagerness to explore, ask questions and seek deeper understanding of yourself and others. Possess and eagerness for continuous learning with a proactive approach to problem solving and innovation. 

Results:

The ability to work in a results oriented culture by achieving goals and staying focused while maintaining a high level of accountability to results. A drive towards outcomes and achieving timelines by prioritizing tasks effectively, taking ownership of challenges and maintaining momentum even when faced with challenges. 

Achieving objectives efficiently and to a high standard while often looking for ways to exceed expectations. Possess a willingness to adapt and find solutions for continuous improvement and measurable success. 

Operations:

Possessing operational competency by executing daily workflows to ensure maximum efficiency and quality. Focus on process improvement, monitor personal performance metrics and ensure compliance with current processes and procedures. Adept at time management and working with  teams to execute plans smoothly while adapting to change well.  

Conflict Resolution:

Possess the ability to handle conflicts constructively and be a part of a positive and collaborative work environment. This requires active listening skills while hearing all perspectives, staying calm under pressure and using diplomacy to address differences. Requires the ability to openly communicate, diffuse tensions and work on practical solutions that align with the team and the Environment Office goals. Having the ability to effectively communicate challenges , promote mutual understanding and build trust that matters will be handled in a professional and courteous way. 

Team Building:

Fostering a cohesive, motivated and connected team through collaboration, trust, and open communication among team members. The ability to recognize strengths and opportunities within oneself and others and create an environment where everyone feels valued. Effectively team building by personal development and promoting a shared sense of purpose. The ability to work as a collective effort towards a common goal. 

Overview:

The Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Environment Office is the means by which the Joint Chiefs and Council of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation interact with companies and governments who wish to develop projects on SON Territory. The EO coordinates consultations with these proponents to ensure projects do not negatively impact Aboriginal and treaty rights and claims. An important part of the consultation process is keeping community members informed and obtaining their feedback regarding these projects, consultations and agreements.

The Communications Coordinator will assist in the development, implementation and maintenance in all aspects of Communications Strategy. With the direction of the Communications Manager, the Communications Coordinator is to assist with the creation and implementation of projects. They are to create and maintain aspects of the department and assist in the overall development and function of communications.

Job Description:

• Support the development, implementation and maintenance of the Environment Office (EO) Communications Strategic Plan
• Assist with website content development to provide current information and reflect community issues and concerns
• Identify and collaborate on tasks with staff when necessary
• Provide assistance with research, document and report on issues that could impact the SON community
• Assist in the delivery of  new communication opportunities 
• Collaborate on podcasts to engage listeners and further the sharing of relevant information and ideas
• Edit communication materials for a diverse audience on a broad range of topics
• Capture and report on community events through interviews, the use of photography and videography
• Support the development of templates for posters, pamphlets, promotional and communication materials reflecting traditional SON values and the use of pre-authorized branding i.e., logos
• Assist with the creation of press releases, press kits, newsletters and other publicity related materials
• Provide creative assistance to other EO portfolios as needed
• Build positive relationships within the community and outside media groups
• Adhere to all SON policies & procedures, including Health & Safety guidelines
• Respect the confidentiality of SON, the community and employee information
• Deal professionally & courteously with all internal & external contacts
• Seek guidance / direction as necessary in the performance of duties
• Act as an ambassador for SON at all times
• Willingness to take all reasonable and necessary precautions to ensure personal health & safety and that of fellow workers 
• General office duties
• Other duties as assigned