Join our Team!

We’re looking for a new team member!

Community Initiatives Assistant

30 hours/week

About the Position

The Community Initiatives Assistant supports the delivery of community-based programs, networks, and initiatives that advance the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and Coastal Family Resource Coalition’s mission and strategic priorities. This position coordinates the Neighbourhood Small Grants program, literacy initiatives, and supports the Community Developer with administration of the Coastal Family Resource Coalition. The assistant builds and maintains relationships with community partners, funders, and stakeholders; supports community-led initiatives through an asset-based community development approach; and contributes to the planning, delivery, and reporting of programs that strengthen community well-being and capacity across the Biosphere region.

Please see the job description below for detailed responsibilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

About You

You are a highly organized and community-minded professional who enjoys bringing people together and helping community initiatives succeed. You thrive in collaborative environments, can manage multiple priorities, and are comfortable balancing administrative responsibilities with relationship-building and community engagement.

You are an excellent communicator who can build positive relationships with diverse community members, partners, and volunteers. You bring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to supporting programs, events, meetings, and projects.

Ideally, you have experience in education, community development, Nuu-chah nulth language, program coordination, literacy, or a related field. You are comfortable working independently, collaborating with multiple partners, and adapting to evolving priorities and opportunities.

Most importantly, you share our values of communication, learning, respect, perseverance, innovation, and joy, and are excited to contribute to the well-being of communities across the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region.

Location

This position is based at the CBT office (316 Main Street, Tofino). Some regional travel is required, and applicants must have access to reliable transportation. What We Offer The successful applicant can expect an hourly salary of $37.02, as well as a comprehensive benefit package. This is a 30 hour/week position starting as soon as mid-September. We encourage open dialogue regarding your optimal work week (e.g. 6 vs. 7.5 hour days; 4 vs 5 day work week) in order to provide work/life balance.

To Apply

Please reach out to Rebecca Hurwitz by phone or email (250-266-0106; rebecca@clayoquotbiosphere.org) to learn more about this position. To apply, we welcome a brief cover letter and resume by September 8th at 4 p.m. to rebecca@clayoquotbiosphere.org. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and interviews may begin before the posting closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply early. Preference will be given to qualified applicants residing in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region.

The CBT embraces diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from Indigenous people, people with disabilities, BIPOC and racialized individuals, LGBTQ2+, and others who may contribute to the CBT's organizational diversity. We’re working to create a team that is as diverse as the communities we serve and an environment where every team member brings their whole self to work.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process to ensure an enjoyable candidate experience. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, we invite you to submit your request to Rebecca via email. All information received will be kept confidential.

About the CBT

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is a registered charity based on the west coast of British Columbia. Established in 2000, CBT is the only organization in Canada that is both a community foundation and a UNESCO biosphere. We pair this spirit of community with the power of a global presence to bring more people together for a shared understanding.

We are one of 1800 community foundations worldwide implementing the United Nations’ goals to reduce poverty, end hunger, ensure quality education, and protect the environment. CBT also oversees the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region designation, one of Canada’s 19 UNESCO biospheres, and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our team works to strengthen the development 2 of all citizens, communities, and the ecosystems on which we all depend, for a future we can all be proud of.

The CBT carries out our work in the territories of hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht First Nation), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations), Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht Nation).

Youth and Education Grants Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Youth & Education Grants

August 2, 2026
This year, $38,000 was awarded to seven inspiring projects in the region. These grants aim to address urgent needs for youth, as highlighted in our 2023 Vital Signs report. They focus on building capacity, providing education and training opportunities, and fostering connections among youth across communities in the region. Additionally, the grants support youth-driven projects and promote education and discussion around multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and diversity.
Rising Tide Surf Vital Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Ivan Wells JR

Announcing the 2026 Vital Grant Recipients

August 1, 2026
This year, $92,000 was awarded to four inspiring projects in the region. These grants focus on addressing regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the region. They also aim to support meaningful, longer-term collaboration between organizations, communities, and cultures.
Ruby Novogrodsky Research & Environment Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Research & Environment Grant Recipients

July 31, 2026
This year, $20,000 was awarded to four projects in the region. These projects address threats to key species and ecosystems and uplift nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) ways of knowing. Efforts also focus on habitat conservation, restoration, and protection for ecologically and culturally important species and ecosystems.
Community Development Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Community Development Grant Recipients

July 30, 2026
This year, ten inspiring projects in the region have been awarded over $38,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities. Together, they help build a stronger and more united region.
2026 Arts Culture Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Arts & Culture Grant Recipients

July 28, 2026
This year, eight impactful projects across the region received a total of $ 28,000 in funding. These grants support arts and cultural activities that encourage inter-generational participation, build connections across communities and cultures, and create opportunities to learn from one another.
Braedon Youth Summer Intern Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Welcome Back Braedon!

July 27, 2026
We're so happy to welcome him for a second summer as our Youth Intern. After joining the CBT team last year, he's spending his college break with us again, continuing to learn, contribute to local projects, and connect with the community. 
Charles McDiarmid Clayoquot sound Biosphere Centre Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Michael Becker

Donor Spotlight: Charles McDiarmid

July 24, 2026
The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is one step closer to becoming a reality thanks to the support of donors who believe in the power of community, learning, and stewardship. We're proud to spotlight Charles McDiarmid, owner of the Wickaninnish Inn, whose generosity is helping bring this vision to life. 
Wild West Coast Adrian Dorst

Book Launch: The Wild West Coast by Adrian Dorst

July 8, 2026
Join acclaimed author, photographer, and naturalist Adrian Dorst for the launch of his new book, The Wild West Coast. Through a collection of compelling photographs, Adrian provides a window into Clayoquot Sound's mysterious rainforest and its wild valleys, as well as an elusive glimpse of many of its secretive inhabitants.

Celebrating Community Leadership and Looking Ahead

March 5, 2026
We’re proud to share some wonderful news! At the 2025 Tofino Business Excellence Awards, hosted by the Tofino Chamber of Commerce, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust was honoured as the 2025 Non-Profit of the Year, and our Executive Director, Rebecca Hurwitz, was recognized as Business Leader of the Year.

Announcing the Fall 2025 Neighbourhood Small Grants

February 3, 2026
We’re excited to share this list of grassroots community projects that received a Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants during the 2025 fall cycle. A total of 23 projects were funded in the region!

Five Years of Giving: Celebrating Community Through the Holiday Giving Catalogue

January 21, 2026
The 2025 Holiday Giving Catalogue highlighted what is possible when a community comes together with shared purpose. Now in its fifth year, this was our most successful Holiday Giving Campaign to date. A total of $37,616 was raised for 22 local charities and over 10 community funds, which range from youth empowerment, food security, and environmental protection.