Communications Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist will coordinate all communications and public awareness efforts in support of Merrymount’s fund development and Centre activities. This role will work closely with the Executive Director, Director of Philanthropy, the Senior Leadership Team, Board Members and Volunteers. A skilled writer and editor, the Specialist will research and implement innovative communications techniques and design creative, professional and topic-specific information.

The Communications Specialist will be a self-starter and knowledgeable champion for the organization, providing advice, ideas and suggestions to management and the Boards on communications and public awareness initiatives.

SUMMARY OF ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Participate in discussions and contribute information/suggestions to set long-term and short-term goals, objectives and priorities.

2. Review Centre/fund development materials to ensure consistent with strategies, branding, and messaging.

3. Provide ideas and makes recommendations to strengthen communications, public awareness and/or fund development.

4. Maintain regular contact with management and staff to stay well-informed and up-to-date.

5. Liaises with all programs.

6. Maintain and expand their professional knowledge and expertise in communications.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Marketing & Communications:

1. Create and send out Merrymount’s monthly e-newsletter.

2. Coordinate and create Merrymount’s Annual Report.

3. Identify compelling stories and conduct interviews staff.

4. In consultation with the Senior Leadership Team, design and compose newsletters, e-mailers, display materials, brochures, etc.

5. Gathers information from management and staff about projects and programs.

6. Manage and update Merrymount’s website, creating new content when necessary.

7. Curate, schedule and post content on Merrymount’s social media channels, including: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.

8. Create visual content to support posts, including: infographics, posters, presentations, branded photos, graphics, etc.

9. Shares and acts as a champion of Merrymount’s brand standards, making improvements as necessary.

Fund Development, Grants & Stewardship:

1. Work with the Director of Philanthropy to develop and execute marketing, communications and fund development strategies.

2. Create impactful donor communications.

3. In consultation with the Director of Philanthropy, writes proposal documents and/or grant applications.

4. Gathers information from program staff, and prepares and submits the required reports.

5. Enters information into the fundraising database – Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge.

Events:

1. Provides marketing and communications support for Merrymount’s signature events: Annual Gala and Annual Golf Classic and for third party events.

2. Coordinates Merrymount’s Annual General Meeting.

Public Relations & Awareness:

1. In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, develops public relations strategies for Merrymount.

2. Acts as a spokesperson and knowledge-based contact for Merrymount.

3. Reviews and aggregate monthly analytics to inform content and strategy moving forward.

4. Identifies opportunities for presentations and displays in the community.

5. Sets up and staffs display tables, or assists other staff in doing so.

6. Leads a communications, marketing and awareness plan for Merrymount’s 150th Anniversary in 2024.

Other:

1. All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Post-secondary education in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or an area directly applicable to social services and/or fund development.

· 2+ years of professional experience working in the communications, marketing and/or a related field.

· Demonstrated skills in persuasive writing, storytelling and editing for both print and digital mediums, across multiple channels.

· Strong proficiency in web-based content management systems: Adobe Creative Suites/InDesign

· Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint).

· Familiar with social media platforms, including: Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

· Proven research, writing and editing skills.

· Understanding of digital communications strategies, best practices and emerging trends.

· Strong attention to detail and proofreading abilities.

· Ability to synthesize complex information into relevant and relatable communications.

· Ability to foster collaboration and respect among team members.

· Confidence interacting with individuals at all levels of the organization.

· Ability to apply creativity, innovation and resourcefulness to daily work.

· Client-centred skills with a desire to achieve results in a professional and timely manner.

· Ability to create a positive impression while interacting with others and responding to inquiries, by telephone, in person or electronically.

Merrymount Values Diversity

Merrymount invites applications from all qualified individuals. Merrymount is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Merrymount welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Vulnerable Sector Check

Successful candidates, as a condition of a job offer, will be required to provide a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (original document).

Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

City of London Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Attawandaron, Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapeewak peoples who have longstanding relationships to the land, water and region of southwestern Ontario. The local First Nation communities of this area include Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and Munsee-Delaware Nation. Additionally, there is a growing urban Indigenous population who make the City of London home. We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations of Turtle Island (North America).

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $53,605.00-$63,844.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• London, ON N6A 4B3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Are you fully vaccinated against Covid-19?

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• communications: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London, ON N6A 4B3

Application deadline: 2023-05-31