Summer jobs, Student jobs

Position: Summer Communications and Fundraising Assistant
Type: summer / May 4 to Aug 28
Organization: Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO)
Location: Primarily Pelee Island, with some travel to Windsor and Essex County; limited remote work possible

Type: Full-time, 4-month contract (with possibility of extension)
Reports to: Executive Director (and Engagement Coordinator)
Compensation & Benefits: Salary: $21.50/hour for 40 hours/week minus statutory deductions 4% vacation allocation
Contract Dates: Monday, May 4 to Friday, August 28, 2026

About PIBO

The Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO) is a place where research, education and community come together to inspire action for birds and the natural world we share. For over 20 years, PIBO has advanced bird conservation through scientific research, long-term avian monitoring and meaningful public engagement. Located on Pelee Island, at the intersection of two major North American migratory flyways, PIBO operates in one of Canada’s most significant migration corridors.

In 2026, PIBO will open its new Bird Centre, a major milestone that will expand its role as a research, education and community hub. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to a high-profile organizational launch while gaining hands-on experience across communications, fundraising and stakeholder engagement.

Position Overview

PIBO is seeking a motivated and capable early-career Communications and Fundraising Assistant to play a hands-on role during a transformative summer. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position will take ownership of day-to-day communications execution, support fundraising operations and stewardship, and contribute to the planning and delivery of key events tied to the Bird Centre opening.
This role is well suited to an early-career professional looking to build a strong portfolio in nonprofit communications and fundraising, gain exposure to board relations, and develop practical experience in a mission-driven organization.

Key Responsibilities

Communications

• Implement communications plans for key stakeholder audience
• Develop, schedule, and manage social media content across platforms
• Write, design, and distribute regular e-newsletters and updates for supporters
• Promote PIBO and Pelee Island’s biodiversity to conservation, tourism, and community partners
• Conduct audience and visitor research to inform messaging and programming
• Maintain regular communications with Island residents and local partners
• Coordinate with graphic designer to produce high-quality collateral, ensuring brand consistency
• Manage distribution of promotional materials at ferry terminals and key tourism locations
• Support scoping and planning for PIBO’s new website, including RFP development and vendor coordination
• Collect and organize testimonials and stories for communications and fundraising use
• Collaborate with the Programs team to develop engaging content and materials
• Support creation of interpretive and educational communications materials for the new Bird Centre

Events

• Support on-site coordination of the Bird Centre soft launch during SpringSong (May 8–10), in collaboration with the Engagement Coordinator
• Assist with planning and preparation for the official Bird Centre opening event in September, including stakeholder invitations
• Support delivery of donor, partner, and public engagement events and programming throughout the summer

Fundraising

• Maintain donor and stakeholder records using Keela (Customer Relationship Management)
• Support donor stewardship activities, including communications, recognition, reporting, and event engagement
• Research prospective donors, sponsors, and grants in Windsor–Essex and assist with relationship-building efforts
• Review historical grants and confirm upcoming deadlines; help develop and maintain a prospect list
• Support on-site fundraising activities, including merchandise sales and visitor donations
• Manage PIBO merchandise inventory, ordering, and sales (on-site and online)
• Assist with implementation and refinement of fundraising processes and tools, including through Keela
• Conduct regular reviews of donation records and data accuracy
• Support donor tours and visits to the Bird Centre

Board and Organizational Support

• Support the Executive Director and Board Chair with project management, donor relations and partnership development
• Assist with preparation and distribution of monthly Board materials

Skills and Experience

• University degree or relevant experience
• 1–3 years of experience (or equivalent internships/contract work) in communications, fundraising, marketing or nonprofit operations
• Strong written communication and storytelling skills
• Experience managing social media platforms and digital content; photo editing skills an asset
• Event coordination or project support experience
• Interest in conservation, science, or community-based organizations
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with a small team

Applications due on March 2 2026.

Send cover letter and resume to: Suzanne.friemann@pibo.ca

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