We are hiring a Community Engagement Coordinator

Co-operatives First is a Saskatoon-based non-profit organization. We support groups in western Canada to develop co-ops that solve local problems and create opportunities in Indigenous and rural communities.  Funded by Federated Co-operatives Limited, we help groups learn how to work together and take great business ideas and make them a reality. After seven years and 170 groups, we need someone to help us reach more people and increase the number of co-ops we help create.

Overview

As the Community Engagement Coordinator for Co-operatives First, you’ll work with inspiring groups to flesh out their ideas by delivering our tried-and-true products that move them efficiently from ideation to opening their doors.  Your goal will be to develop a trusting relationship with the fledgling co-ops as their relationship manager so that they can operate and own the best co-op possible.  The Community Engagement Co-ordinator will deliver products such as the Incorporation Insider, in which you’ll support businesses through the incorporation process.  The coordinator will also drive lead generation by connecting with new people in interesting ways.  Your success will expand Co-operatives First’s reach – helping hundreds in western Canada solve problems and create thriving, locally-responsive businesses and communities. You’ll have the opportunity to shape this role and room to grow your personal brand as an expert in our space.

Benefits

At Co-operatives First we ask a lot of our employees, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to your competitive salary, medical/dental/wellness, and matching RRSP employer contribution, we’ll shower you with perks, including:

Flexibility: Two days a week, feel free to skip the commute and hit your deadlines from home.

Personal days: Do what you need to do six days a year without taking vacation or sick time.  In addition, we want you to take an extra-long holiday break.  The office is always closed between Christmas and New Year’s.

Professional development: What do you want to learn, how do you want to grow? We have a budget line, and we want to use it.

Dress: Wear anything you like to the office – and be as comfortable at work as you are in your own living room.

Requirements 

To be considered for this role, here are the skills we’re looking for: 

  • At least two years in a similar role with comparable goals and responsibilities (business development/community engagement/relationship management).
  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred, and experience is highly valued.
  • You must be an excellent communicator, both written and spoken.
  • Co-operatives First is composed of highly collaborative thinkers and doers, you must be a team player.
  • This is a semi-autonomous position, so you should be self-sufficient and self-motivated.
  • It is also a creative role, so you must be able to gracefully receive criticism and feedback about your work.
  • You must be able to travel, up to 10 days a year.

Responsibilities

As Co-operatives First’s Community Engagement Coordinator, you’ll build lasting relationships and get businesses off the ground, experimenting, learning, and adjusting as you go.

Throughout your journey to grow our impact with western Canadians, you’ll be responsible for:

  • Delivering our products efficiently
  • Managing relationships with empathy and pragmatism
  • Crafting messaging that resonates with our audience and ignites interest and a better understanding of the co-op model
  • Supervising special projects and/or consultants by setting timelines and deliverables
  • Designing interesting campaigns and outreach strategies to engage our audience
  • Monitoring and tracking success with our customer relationship management platform (Hubspot)

Salary 

$60,000-$70,000 a year depending on experience and education.

If you are interested in working for Co-operatives First, please email a cover letter and CV to info@cooperativesfirst.com.

Timelines

Closing date: July 16

Interviews: July 24, 25, 26

Start date: Aug 15

“Heather and the team at Co-operatives First are top-notch. Not only their knowledge but their understanding of the project. They have truly helped us along every step of the way. Their timely response and knowledge of the steps are extraordinary. They are forthcoming with information. This is one of the most knowledgeable and friendliest teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Weyburn Theatre

“Co-operatives First made the process of establishing our Artisan Co-operative a very clear and easy process. The expanse of available tools and resources provided by Co-operatives First answers many questions and lightens the workload. Greatly appreciate having the connections made with Trista and Kyle, they keep the co-operative moving forward.”

Nehiyawaskiy Indigenous Peoples Art Co-op

“Our experience working with the Co-operatives First team was absolutely fabulous. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable and patient. It was truly a breath of fresh air to have such a wealth of skill and resources available to a non-profit. They were invaluable to our successful launch!”

Heart Linked Community Services Cooperative

“Working with Co-operatives First was fantastic! We are still new to the cooperative world, and we relied heavily on their advice and expertise when drafting our rules/bylaws, and our memorandum of association. The team has experience with many different cooperative models, so they provided advice on what has and hasn’t worked for other cooperatives. We wouldn’t have been able to incorporate without their help!”

Ananda Cooperative

“We have had a very positive experience with everyone at Co-operatives First. They have helped us in multiple ways. Right from the first step in knowing how to incorporate, how to set our business and offering ideas for us to help steer us in the right direction plus allowing us to really make our own decisions. If our decisions go off track, they have gently guided us back to where we needed to be. The Co-operatives first guys are always eager to answer questions, and give ideas to us that got us off the ground.”

South East Butcher Block