About the Position:

Food Matters Manitoba is seeking a dynamic individual to plan and launch a new initiative to engage Manitobans in activities related to health, sustainable and fair food. This 20 week initiative will challenge engage families, schools, farmers, and faith groups to eat close to home, cultivate new food skills, and learn about fair food. We are creating an applicant pool for this position which would be based out of Winnipeg, 35 hours per week, $14/hr, and 33 weeks from fall/winter- spring/summer 2012.

Responsibilities include

• Working with partner groups, businesses, and individuals to develop the challenge
• Planning and designing the campaign and taking the lead in promoting it to the public and key audiences
• Media relations, including pitching story ideas, responding to inquiries and participating in interviews
• Updating the website
• Monitoring local media and tracking media hits
• Writing articles, reports, proposals and other communications products to engage audiences in Dig in Manitoba
• Using traditional and social media
• Attending events with the Dig in Manitoba display
• Meeting with or presenting to key audience groups to share resources, ideas, and issues
• Other duties as required

About You

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• High level of initiative and creativity
• Proven web and social networking capabilities, and knowledge of new media
• Experience and/or training in Communications, Event Planning, and/or Public Relations is considered an asset
• Knowledge of, and interest in, food security and rural issues is considered an asset
• The ability to travel and stand at public displays, and make public presentations
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong organisational skills with proven attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and enjoy working with the public
• Able to exercise independent judgment
• Strong time management and able to multitask and meet deadlines
• High level of computer knowledge, including Internet, Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint
• Be self motivated and a team player
• Basic layout and design skills, and familiarity with Publisher, would be an asset
• A valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle would be an asset

Participants must be:

• between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the time of placement;
• not receiving Employment Insurance benefits;
• a graduate of a post-secondary education program;
• be unemployed; or underemployed (working 20 hours or less on a regular basis); or working in a job that does not match your area of educational study;
• out of school;
• a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee status has been conferred;
• legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations;
• willing to complete a Police Records Check.

Submitting an Application

Those interested in submitting their application for this position are invited to forward their resume and cover letter by email to communications@foodmattersmanitoba.ca (Subject Line: DIG IN! MANITOBA COORDINATOR) before August 15th:

Thank you for your interest. Unfortunately only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted

Food Matters Manitoba; home of The Manitoba Food Charter is a non-profit organization that engages Manitobans towards healthy, sustainable, and fair food for all. For more information please visit the Manitoba Food Security website at www.foodmattersmanitoba.ca