Bilingual Volunteer Engagement Officer

Position Type: Full-Time, 7-month contract with possibility of extension (maternity leave coverage)

Travel: May include travel between the Toronto and Montreal offices

Hiring Range: $64,845 to $68,097

Job Requirement: Must be able to work in Canada

Closure Date: September 23, 2024, at 5PM EST

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Volunteer Engagement Officer is an integral part of the Philanthropy, Communications and Public Engagement Team with a strong connection to the Volunteer Mobilization Team. The Officer is the key strategist in designing and implementing a program to engage returned volunteers in advancing gender equality.Crossroads is seeking a creative, tech-savvy self-starter with hands on experience in mobilizing people to take action.Reporting to the Communications Manager, the position provides cross-functional support across the organization to mobilize and engage Crossroads’ stakeholders in public engagement initiatives, specifically initiatives related to gender equality and international cooperation. Fluency in English and French is required. This role will be pivotal in supporting returning and past volunteers to engage Canadians in a movement to reduce poverty and advance equality for women and girls in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Key target audiences include current and future volunteers, returning volunteers, alumni, influential Canadian women leaders, and Canadian program partners. The incumbent will be responsible for the development and implementation of processes, approaches, and systems to facilitate the engagement of stakeholder groups, such as Canadian and international volunteers, Canadian partner organizations, and Crossroads’ staff and Board as Gender Equality Champions and to undertake public engagement activities to ensure that Crossroads is at the forefront of international volunteering.

As a member of the Philanthropy and Public Engagement team and working in close collaboration with the Volunteer Mobilization Team, they will support the roll-out of an alumni engagement strategy to advance gender equality, including an annual conference. Notably, they will contribute to the development and maintenance of an online tool kit of public engagement activities differentiated across stakeholder groups. This position has key responsibilities for cross-cutting and multidirectional responsibilities linked to quality assurance, improved services, and innovation to help reinforce Crossroads’ capacity to support volunteers, staff, and partners. The incumbent will ensure that all volunteers receive public engagement training and ongoing support prior to, during and post-mandate, plus that their public engagement activities are tracked. In collaboration with various teams, they will produce an innovative and engaging program that will inspire change, collaboration, and the fulfillment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

The following main responsibilities are indicative only and may change over time:

Public Engagement Strategy and Tools (40%)

• Lead the development of and updates to the Volunteer Engagement Strategy with a key focus on advancing gender equality involving key organizational stakeholders
• Lead the development of and maintain the Gender Equality Engagement online tool kit
• Launch the volunteer newsletter
• Finalize and launch the Gender Equality Champions fund guide
• Keep in contact with returned volunteers and share opportunities for Public Engagement
• Develop, in collaboration with the Communications team, guiding document for storytelling and social medias content collection from volunteers, as well as a calendar of campaigns and actions required from volunteers
• Revamp the Public Engagement section of volunteer portal
• Moderate the Facebook group of Crossroads volunteers with engaging content and initiatives

Annual Public Conference (25%)

• Plan and implement an annual international conference focused on inclusive volunteering for global equality and ensure participation across stakeholder groups
• Oversee the final coordination efforts leading up to the event and attend the conference
• After the event, organize a debrief session with staff and speakers to review outcomes
• Document key takeaways and begin the next steps for planning the following year’s conference

Public Engagement Initiative Support (30%)

• Lead in the strengthening of public engagement training tools and approaches for stakeholders, including Canadian and international volunteers, Canadian partner organizations, and Crossroads’ staff and Board
• Lead in the strengthening and development of ongoing support processes for stakeholders engaged in public engagement initiatives, particularly for volunteers prior to, during and post mandate
• Establish systematic tracking of alumni volunteer retention and their public engagement initiatives, and fundraising efforts
• Participate and/or coordinate Public Engagement events with the Communications Officer (including representing Crossroads in Volunteer Cooperation Agency events, occasional volunteer recruitment fairs, etc.)

Other Duties as Required (5%)

• Support organizational goals and objectives as part of the strategic and operational plans, including promotion of living Crossroads’ organizational values
• Contribute to the ongoing emphasis of process improvements, including current projects within the Philanthropy and Public Engagement, and Volunteer Mobilization teams

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO CROSSROADS

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Communications or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of three (3) years alumni, volunteer, or public engagement experience
• Hands-on experience in developing and implementing public engagement strategies and campaigns
• Experience in developing and maintain public engagement tools and resources
• Experience with conference and/or event planning and implementation
• Experience providing coaching and training to volunteers
• Knowledge and understanding of public engagement best practices for various stakeholder groups, with volunteers a strong asset
• Knowledge and understanding of gender equity work
• Previous experience within a not-for-profit environment is an asset
• Previous experience in international development and/or volunteer organizations preferred
• Knowledge of tools such as Engaging Networks and Blackbaud products (Luminate, Online Express, Raiser’s Edge) a strong asset
• Proficiency in Office 365, WordPress, video, design and editing software is an asset
• Bilingualism (French and English) required

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS

• Work an average of 35 hours per week; overtime may be required;
• Infrequent travel in Canada and overseas may be required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• An equitable, inclusive, collaborative work environment where you have the opportunity to make an impact daily.
• Enthusiastic encouragement to develop both personally and professionally, taking advantage of a range of learning and development opportunities available to our staff.
• A flexible hybrid working model to allow you to enjoy the benefits of both office based and remote working.
• On hire, 3 weeks of paid vacation, 3 weeks of paid wellness leave, and 3 days of paid professional development leave annually
• Annual cost of living increases, pending Board approval, and salary equity reviews every three years.

the organization

Crossroads International is a leading Canadian volunteer cooperation agency which has been advancing equality for women and girls and eradicating poverty in some of the world’s poorest countries in Africa for over 60 years. Crossroads invests in local partner organizations in 9 countries who are best positioned to meet the needs of their communities. With them, we pilot innovative approaches, and empower women and girls to become leaders and live free from violence. Every year Crossroads engages hundreds of experienced volunteers and staff North and South who apply their expertise locally to address poverty and inequality. The organization’s 50+ employees are based in Canada, Senegal, Ghana and Tanzania, and Crossroads’ volunteers fulfil over 100 mandates per year.

Crossroads is committed to principles and values of access and equity. Candidates from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.

ONE WORLD where poverty is eliminated, equality prevails, and the rights of women and girls are fulfilled.

APPLICATION

If you are interested in joining a dynamic international development organization, please submit your resume and cover letter in one document (Word or PDF) before 5 pm EST on September 23 rd , 2024, by e-mail to rh_hr@cintl.org . Applications must include “Bilingual Volunteer Engagement Officer – Your Name” in the subject line of the email. Our team is committed to be actively reviewing applications throughout the duration of the job posting. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Not sure you have everything we’re asking for, but know you can make a big impact? Tell us your story and we will be happy to consider you.

Crossroads is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect this commitment. Crossroads is committed to diversity in the workforce and individuals from all minority groups are encouraged to apply.

We thank all applicants in advance, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.