Strategic Communications to Advance Greenbelt Priorities   

Purpose 

The Greenbelt Foundation is seeking a creative and strategic Communications Specialist to advance the visibility, clarity and impact of strategic Foundation initiatives. Working closely with the Foundation’s Research and Policy and Communications teams, the Communication Specialist will develop strategies and support implementation of coordinated awareness campaigns, develop compelling key messages and content, and lead targeted public engagement activities.  

Strategic initiatives centre on Foundation activities related to nature-based solutions, soil health and recreation.  

Background 

The Greenbelt Foundation is an independent charitable organization dedicated to promoting and sustaining Ontario’s Greenbelt. In addition to its grants program which supports community and sector capacity, the Foundation undertakes evidence-based research and policy work, strategic programs, and promotes the Greenbelt and engages the public and stakeholders. By ensuring continuous, progressive investment in the Greenbelt, the Foundation nurtures a living, thriving Greenbelt for all to enjoy. 

Project Objectives 

1. Developing communication strategies that advance the Foundation’s strategic initiatives, increasing awareness, engagement of target audiences and measurable impact. 

2. Strengthening awareness of the Foundation’s activities related to enhancing natural infrastructure and regional resilience, improving soil health and agricultural productivity, and revitalizing the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail. 

3. Delivering clear, consistent and compelling messaging and content across appropriate channels. 

4. Engaging target audiences in key conversations about the Greenbelt, its regional contributions and future opportunities. 

Scope of Work 

1. Build a strong understanding of the Foundation’s strategic initiatives goals, activities and partnerships 

• Meet with Foundation staff and partner stakeholders to develop an understanding of the Foundation’s three (3) strategic initiatives related to 
• Investments in natural infrastructure and regional resilience 
• Soil health practices and agricultural productivity 
• Revitalization of the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail 
• Develop / refine communication goals and objectives for each initiative. 

2. Develop a coordinated communication strategy for the Foundation’s strategic initiatives, inclusive of 

• SMART objectives 
• Target and segmented audiences 
• Key messages 
• Communication channels and tools 
• Implementation plan and timeline 
• Feedback and evaluation mechanisms to support success  

3. Engage target audiences in conversations over digital channels, traditional media and through key events, including 

• Digital campaign to profile the Greenbelt’s natural infrastructure and climate resilience, with local municipal examples 
• Summer event series profiling Greenbelt farmers’ actions to improve soil health 
• Public engagements through an online survey and in-person open houses on revitalizing the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail 

4. Guide the framing and positioning of reports profiling the Foundation’s impact including 

• Monitoring report on municipal use of natural infrastructure 
• Outcomes of multiyear soil health program and adoption of agricultural best practices 
• Profile of a preferred route and enhancements for the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail 

5. Develop communication assets to support implementation of the communications strategy, including key events and report releases, in collaboration with the Foundation. 

6. Monitor and evaluate results of the communications strategy and recommend adjustments, as needed.  

Deliverables 

• Coordinated communications strategy elevating the profile of the Foundation’s strategic initiatives and impact 
• Communications capacity to support the roll-out of the strategy, including key events and the development and release of identified reports 
• Development of effective communication assets and an increase in the engagement of target audiences in Foundation initiatives 

Timeline & Work Plan 

The work is expected to take place over eight (8) months, from May-December 2026. 

Budget 

A maximum budget of $80,000 + HST is allocated for this project and does not include the design / production of communication assets which will be paid directly by the Foundation 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Post-secondary degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, or a related field; expertise in environmental, agricultural, or public policy issues is a strong asset.  
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in strategic communications, preferably within a nonprofit, public sector, or mission-driven organization.  
• Proven track record of leading and delivering integrated communications strategies for programs, research or policy initiatives.  
• Exceptional writing and editorial judgment, with demonstrated ability to develop compelling narratives for diverse audiences.  
• Extensive experience designing and executing digital and social media campaigns, including content strategy, audience targeting and performance monitoring.  
• Strong experience managing creative development processes, including working effectively with designers, agencies, and external vendors.  
• Demonstrated ability to support high-impact events and public engagement processes.  
• Advanced project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.  
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to align communications approaches with broader organizational objectives and policy goals.  

Proposal Submission  

Interested parties are invited to submit their proposals to Shelley Petrie at spetrie@greenbelt.ca by May 1, 2026. The proposal must include the following:  

• Understanding of the assignment and proposed approach, including database design and outline of user manual.  
• A work plan for completing the project, including tasks and milestones  
• Detailed budget  
• Candidate’s strengths and experience, as they pertain to this project including CV  
• Summary of work or projects completed within the past 3-5 years that are of a similar nature and scope to this project, including three relevant references  

Evaluation and Selection  

The Greenbelt Foundation will evaluate proposals based on qualifications, methodology, experience, and cost-effectiveness. The Greenbelt Foundation reserves the right to request additional information or clarification from proposers during the evaluation process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

Inquiries  

For any inquiries or clarifications regarding this request for proposal, please contact Shelley Petrie at  spetrie@greenbelt.ca.