Coast Funds is hiring a Communications Specialist to support our team in delivering services, highlighting the impact of First Nations’ conservation and economic investments, and supporting key communications projects.

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist will be an important member of a highly collaborative team that serves 29 First Nations on the coast of modern-day British Columbia. Our ideal candidate is a strong writer and storyteller with demonstrated experience communicating with Indigenous audiences.

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The Opportunity

As Communications Specialist, you’ll work within a collaborative communications team to lead story development and craft compelling communications materials that celebrate First Nations’ achievements in stewardship, conservation, and economic development.

Storytelling

• Develop annual editorial calendars and plans for feature stories and multimedia content.
• Partner with First Nations to plan content, interview community leaders and knowledge holders, and craft long-form stories that highlight First Nations’ successes and learning.
• Lead the production of content and design for Coast Funds’ annual magazine, Talking Stick, which is mailed to communities up and down the coast, and to partners in government, philanthropy.
• Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator and other team members to produce short videos, graphics, email and social media content to share and promote feature stories.
• Help build relationships with First Nation community members, journalists, and other partners.

Content Development

• Collaborate with the Communications Manager to produce and distribute key publications, including the annual report, strategic plan, and annual magazine.
• Lead the production of video stories and other multimedia content.
• Produce short-form content (blogs, explainers, spotlights) for the Coast Funds website.
• Review and edit communications materials to ensure that content is accurate, engaging, easy to understand, and meets Coast Funds’ brand and style guidelines.
• Support the development of presentations and speaking notes for senior staff and board members, as needed.

Project Communications

• Work closely with the Communications Manager, contractors, and other team members to plan and prepare content for a refreshed website.
• Develop communications materials (letters, welcome guides, explainers) to support the effective delivery of financing and services for First Nations.
• Provide additional support, as needed, for online and in-person events, including meetings, webinars, forums, and receptions.

Other Responsibilities

• Contribute to annual communications planning, strategy development, and performance tracking.
• Participate in Communications Committee meetings and work with the Communications Manager to prepare meeting agendas, minutes, presentations, and other materials, as needed

About You

We’re looking for an experienced storyteller and communicator who shares our commitment to serving First Nations with respect, integrity, and accountability.

Specifically, we’re looking for someone who:

• Holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, digital marketing, Indigenous studies, or a related field.
• Brings five or more years of experience in a communications or editorial role with a First Nation, Indigenous-serving organization, non-profit organization, or public sector environment, with demonstrated experience in:
  • Feature writing
  • Interviewing
  • Content planning and creation
  • Project coordination
  • Using graphic design and layout tools
• Is a strong, clear writer who can produce high-quality first drafts and demonstrates a solid understanding of narrative and story structure, audience engagement strategies, and plain language principles.
• Brings work or lived experience with First Nations, coastal communities, or Indigenous-led organizations, complemented by an understanding of and respect for First Nations’ stewardship responsibilities, community priorities, protocols and cultural practices, and historical contexts.
• Is meticulous and detail-oriented, and motivated to produce consistent, high-quality work.
• Brings kindness, curiosity, and empathy to building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, team members, and partners.
• Has a good understanding of design principles and can use digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Express) and Canva to edit images and produce social graphics, one-pagers, and simple publication layouts.
• Takes a thoughtful and critical approach to incorporating new technologies and tools into workflows, considering impacts on privacy, data sovereignty, creative rights, and other priorities.
• Is collaborative, receptive to feedback, and committed to ongoing learning and professional development.

About Coast Funds

Coast Funds is an Indigenous-led conservation finance organization that supports First Nations to invest in sustainable economic development and ecological stewardship within their traditional territories.

Coast Funds was created in 2007, as an outcome of the Great Bear Rainforest agreements, to manage funds for First Nations’ stewardship and economic priorities in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. In 2024, First Nations worked with Coast Funds and other partners to secure new funding, through the Great Bear Sea PFP, for marine stewardship and community development. Today, the organization manages conservation endowments and economic funds, which are allocated between participating First Nations. Coast Funds also provides financial administration services to First Nations and their partners.

To date, Coast Funds has delivered $120 million for over 450 Indigenous-led conservation, economic development, and sustainable energy projects. With these investments, First Nations are strengthening coastal communities, diversifying local economies, and stewarding lands, waters, and life.

Benefits and Work Culture

Coast Funds offers a competitive salary ($70,000 – $80,000), complemented by a strong benefits package that includes four weeks of vacation to start, health and dental coverage, life insurance, paid sick leave, RRSP contributions, a mobile phone plan, budget and leave for professional development, and opportunities for continued learning and professional growth.

Following the announcement of the Great Bear Sea PFP, Coast Funds is growing its team to deliver new financing and services for First Nations. There’s never been a better time to join a team that shares a commitment to serving First Nations and supporting their work to strengthen coastal communities and protect the lands, waters, and life in their territories.

How to Apply

Coast Funds is working with Gerard Search to recruit for this role. To apply, please submit a cover letter, updated resume (two pages maximum), and three work samples through Gerard’s application portal.

• Cover letters may be addressed to Stephanie Butler, Communications Manager.
• Work samples can include feature stories, news articles, blog posts, publications, websites, or other materials that demonstrate storytelling and communications ability.

Applications are being considered on a rolling basis. The hiring team will review applications as they’re received and will schedule first-round interviews in mid-December.

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We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Given the nature of our work, we will be giving priority to Indigenous candidates and then to candidates who have worked with Indigenous organizations and bring a solid understanding of Indigenous practices, traditions, and worldviews.