The Position

As a key member of IAF’s outreach and communications team, the Outreach Specialist will contribute to the successful execution of the organization’s Outreach Plan to attract loan inquiries and loan applicants, and for encouraging two-way referrals with IAF’s informal referral network of immigrant serving organizations, learning institutions, regulatory bodies, professional associations and ethno- and occupation-specific groups. The primary geographic focus is Edmonton; secondary focuses are Red Deer and areas north of Red Deer where demand for IAF’s micro loan program exists, and elsewhere in Alberta.

The Outreach Specialist’s responsibilities include:

Community Outreach

• Implement the Edmonton-focused aspects of the IAF Alberta outreach plan, developing a plan specific to Edmonton’s referral network; contribute to refinements and improvements to the outreach plan
• Seek out, organize, schedule and deliver presentations to groups of prospective loan applicants; gather feedback
• Seek out, organize and participate in career fairs and community and other events likely to attract prospective applicants; represent IAF at events, with support from other IAF staff, as necessary
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with referral network partners and cultivate relationships with new partners aligned with IAF’s mission and vision and:
  • seek out, organize, schedule and deliver presentations to referral network staff to encourage referrals to IAF
  • solicit information about referral network partners’ programs and resources that will support IAF staff in referring loan applicants and loan recipients to programs and tools that will support their obtaining the licensing and training they require, and finding employment
• Coordinate and collaborate with other IAF staff conducting outreach and involved in outreach initiatives
• Work with IAF’s communications staff to make full use of IAF’s social media channel; help to build a sense of community among IAF’s referral network
• Attend relevant community meetings; participate on relevant councils/committees
• Organize and act on results from meetings, surveys, consultations as methods to keep abreast of immigrant licensing and training needs and trends to ensure effective targeting of prospective IAF loan applicants
• Encourage, record and convey to IAF colleagues feedback on the program received from the community
• Maintain outreach materials, including PowerPoint presentations; connect with IAF communications staff to ensure coordination on messaging; contribute to revisions of outreach and promotional material; contribute to social media initiatives
• Provide timely, helpful responses to inquiries from agencies requesting IAF materials and information
• Ensure the integrity of the outreach database; keep accurate and up-to-date files on all existing and new outreach contacts and activities
• Produce outreach statistics and reports for the IAF management team as requested
• Other activities/projects as assigned

Operational Excellence

• Internalize IAF’s mandate, vision and values; be knowledgeable about IAF loan policies
• Comply with all IAF service standards and policies
• Recommend improvements or activities that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of outreach efforts
• Present a positive image of IAF within the community at all times

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has one to three years’ outreach, marketing or public relations experience; or one to three years’ experience in career development
• Is a skillful and engaging presenter in English, comfortable with large and small groups; has excellent English writing skills
• Is familiar with (and ideally, known within) Edmonton’s community of immigrant serving agencies, learning institutions, regulatory bodies, professional associations, and ethno- and occupation-specific groups
• Has experience working in a community-based, not-for-profit organization
• Has a proven ability to achieve results and meet deadlines; has strong organizational and problem solving skills; has a high-energy, self-motivated approach and entrepreneurial attitude
• Is tactful and diplomatic, and has excellent interpersonal skills
• Is committed to IAF’s mission and values, and motivated to address labour market integration challenges faced by internationally trained/educated immigrants
• Has a driver’s license and a vehicle to travel to meetings and events within Edmonton; is able to drive to meetings and events that take place outside of Edmonton; is available for occasional overnight trips as well as day trips outside of Edmonton
• Is available to work outside regular business hours, when necessary

This Outreach Specialist position is based in Edmonton. This is a half time (18.75 hours a week) employee position to March 31, 2015 (with possibility of extension); a “work from home” arrangement is possible. Salary is commensurate with experience. IAF offers an attractive compensation package, including a competitive salary, health/wellness, RSP and vacation benefits.

Interested candidates are invited to send a cover letter (with salary expectations) and resume in confidence by email to info at iafcanada.org.Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is selected. Applications will be acknowledged by return email as having been received. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted directly. No phone calls, please.