Advocacy and Policy Coordinator

Bandology is a proud Canadian non-profit dedicated to supporting more music for more kids via education, collaboration and community. We are looking to hire someone in the role of Advocacy and Policy Coordinator to work collaboratively with the Bandology team to develop a strategic advocacy plan to further our mission.

About the Job:

• Research, develop and implement an advocacy strategy and initiatives to advance and advocate for music education value and awareness, identifying specific goals and measurable objectives
• Develop and produce briefs, submissions, fact sheets, white papers, presentations, proposals and other policy advocacy materials to support advocacy initiatives
• Collaborate with staff to develop key messages, speaking notes and talking points for speaking to media, potential funders and at events
• Research and track potential advocacy speaking opportunities, such as parent groups and music advocacy events
• Conduct outreach and develop relationships with politicians, including at external events, private meetings and visits
• Develop and establish relationships with policy makers/influencers including staff at similar nonprofits, education policy makers, school board trustees, elected officials and other key stakeholders
• Brainstorm new ideas and create advocacy material for Bandology’s audiences and external partners
• Collaborate with fellow staff to develop and disseminate content for advocacy and funding materials via social media, presentations and media relations
• Create a set of procedures, policies and timelines for ongoing advocacy and funding projects to be implemented in the future
• Liaise with fellow staff and board members regarding advocacy and funding campaign monitoring and project reporting
• Review, monitor and update the website as needed
• Participate in three weeks of Band Camp in July/August and ensure that all campers have a fun and fulfilling experience

About You:

You do not need to be proficient in every single item on this list, so long as you are willing to learn on the job!

• Enrolled or graduated from a post-secondary program specializing in policy, advocacy, public administration, political science, business, communications or similar
• 2-5 years direct experience in an advocacy or policy role in the non-profit or public sector, including demonstrated success, either paid or volunteer or as part of a co-op placement
• Prior experience participating in advocacy and policy efforts to change norms, opinions or policies, whether through collaborative efforts, social marketing, direct access to decision-makers or other means
• Strong applied knowledge in influencing and advocacy with stakeholders at local, provincial and national levels

Skills to be successful in this job:

• Excellent writing, research and presentation skills
• Comfortable working independently from your own personal space (Bandology is a virtual office) with regular in-person meetings and events (as appropriate) with access to your own computer with reliable internet connection
• Experience with Google suite of programs, social media and public speaking
• A wide base of transferable skills including organization, time management, self regulation, collaboration and leadership
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively with the team
• Creativity – new ideas are welcomed at Bandology! 
• A background in and understanding of the power of music, whether from music class, piano lessons or personal interest
• A passion for music and a belief in the long-term value of music education
• Camp experience, either as a camper or counsellor, would be useful
• A police check and adherence to our vaccination policy (all staff must be fully vaccinated) will be required for the successful candidate

About Us:

Bandology is dedicated to providing quality job experiences that allow young people the opportunity to develop a wide variety of skills in a safe and welcoming space, as well as the chance to pursue different aspects and applications of their passion for music and music education.

• An extensive onboarding program during the first week to learn about the organization, processes and procedures, and our culture
• A hybrid work environment with core collaboration hours and the ability to customize your working hours
• Remote work utilizing regular Zoom meetings and a central Google Drive for files
• Attendance at the weekly in-person meeting in Oakville as well as additional training and regular community events and workshops, which often occur on weekends
• In addition to working with the staff team, staff may work with Board members from diverse backgrounds with varied experience who provide mentorship
• All staff work together collaboratively during Band Camp weeks (July 7-11, 21-25 and July 28 to August 1) and are expected to attend in person for the full week

Job Details:

With funding from the Canada Summer Jobs program, this position runs for 16 weeks from May 5 to August 23 for 35 hours per week at a rate of $17.20/hour. Please be aware that in order to be eligible for this position, you must fulfill the Canada Summer Jobs requirements as laid out on their website. Bandology reimburses staff for any approved expenses or mileage and offers flexible working hours, professional development and training, and a lively, congenial working atmosphere.

Bandology is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive non-discriminatory work environment that respects the rights of all Canadians. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone. 

To Apply:

Send your detailed resume to jobs@bandology.ca along with a cover letter that answers these three questions:

• Music is important to me because…
• I believe that the long-term value of music education is…
• A special talent that I bring to Bandology is…

Please ensure that your resume and cover letter are sent in a single PDF.

Return to Jobs at Bandology.