Volunteer Opportunity: Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion

The Rick Hansen Foundation is looking for dedicated communications and public relations professionals to join community event committees in a volunteer capacity for 2008’s event. Communications support is being sought in the communities of Halifax and Industrial Cape Breton.

The communications member will work with the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) national office in Vancouver to develop and implement media relations and public relations activities to promote, profile and generate awareness of Wheels In Motion. The time commitment will vary based on the plans set out by your local committee from February – June 2008.

Major responsibilities:
· Develop and issue press releases/advisories (templates to be provided by national office) to local print, radio and television media outlets in a timely manner to support and generate awareness of pre-event activities and event day.
· Develop local media list (basic list to be provided by RHF).
· Generate story ideas to raise awareness to WIM with local media. For example, pitch interviews with RHF Ambassadors with spinal cord injury, event leaders and volunteers.
· Event coordination support of pre-event activities such as press briefings, wheelchair relay demonstrations or photo opportunities as developed by event committee.
· Participate and contribute in event committee meetings as communications lead.
· Provide regular updates to RHF on PR/media activities leading up to event.
· Provide summary report of media clippings, interviews, etc to national office as they happen for tracking.

Qualifications:
As the ideal candidate, you possess work and/or volunteer experience in communications, public and media relations, or are in the process of completing a program in public relations. You are seeking real-world experience in building your public relations, event coordination and media relations skills. You work well in a team setting and have experience drafting media materials and speaking to the media.

The Rick Hansen Foundation is a registered charitable organization that works to create more accessible and inclusive communities for people with a spinal cord injury, and supports the search for a cure. Through Rick’s leadership, the Foundation has generated over $200 million for spinal cord injury related programs and initiatives.

If you are interested in being a part of the 6th annual Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion event in your community, please send your expression of interest by January 25, 2008 to Dylan DeMarsh at ddemarsh@rickhansen.com or call 604-709-6340 or toll-free: 1-800-213-2131.

For our Calgary grads

I know most of you left here for a job out there, but if you find yourself in the position of looking, this is a nice one found on GoodWork.

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Position: RVC Coordinator
Organization: Parks Foundation Calgary http://www.parksfdn.com
Location: Calgary, Alberta

Background
Parks Foundation Calgary is a not-for-profit organization
created in 1985. We have spent the past 22 years as a
catalyst in the creation of over $100 million worth of
parks and natural areas throughout the Calgary community.
The Parks Foundation has three core committees: Amateur
Sports, Partner Parks and the River Valleys Committee (RVC).

The RVC works to conserve, protect and champion Calgary's
rivers, creeks, wetlands and valleys. We promote the
environmental, heritage, aesthetic, social and economic
values of Calgary's rivers and river valleys and create
opportunities for Calgarians to engage in related
stewardship activities. Our mission is to enhance the
profile of Calgary's river systems for the purpose of
protecting and improving the overall riverine environment.
The RVC provides a structure and forum for joint
partnerships with communities, individuals and other
volunteer groups. In doing so, we provide a focus and
location for participants to share ideas and to identify,
develop and comment on numerous river-related projects.

Our evolving activities require a coordinator to ensure the
consistent, professional execution of our messages and
mandate. This position may be full- or part-time, depending
on skills and qualifications.

Accountability
Reporting to the Manager and Chair of the RVC and the
President of the Parks Foundation, the RVC Coordinator
is responsible for the following:

Specific Duties
* Produce periodic reports, newsletters and other
communication materials and projects
* Coordinate public workshops, meetings and special events
* Coordinate volunteer orientation events.
General Responsibilities
* Implement a River Valleys Committee communication plan
* Provide staff support to the RVC Executive in the form of
agendas, minutes and support materials
* Coordinate communications with committee members and
other community organizations as well
as government departments and other stakeholders
* Organize workshops and special project working groups,
coordinate guest speakers as required
* Develop grant applications for special RVC projects as
necessary
* Attend community and stakeholder meetings on issues
related to RVC mandate and provide
summaries for RVC members
* Liaise with Parks Foundation Communications Committee
* Liaise with media as appropriate.

Qualifications
* Degree or diploma in communications, public relations
or equivalent in a related field
* Minimum two years experience in a position requiring
communications expertise
* Experience working with volunteers
* Familiarity with city planning and processes is an asset
* Strong writing and editing skills with acute attention to
detail
* Experience in developing grant applications,
communications and PR strategies
* Experience working with media (arranging coverage,
coordinating interviews, etc)
* High-energy, self-directed and able to manage multiple
competing tasks with tight deadlines.

Salary: $40,000 per year. This is a one-year contract
position with the possibility of renewal.

Start date: 2 January 2008. Preference will be given to
candidates from Calgary and region.

Please provide a letter of interest and résumé by Friday 30
November 2007 to Mac Hickley at mhickley@parksfdn.com .
No phone calls.

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