Communications Specialist

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

REPORTING TO THE DIRECTOR, PEOPLE & CULTURE THE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING, EXECUTING AND MANAGING THE ORGANIZATIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA/DIGITAL STRATEGY; SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS IN ALL FACETS INCLUDING PRESS RELEASES, EMAIL CAMPAIGNS, FUNDRAISING EVENTS, MARKETING CAMPAIGNS, STAKEHOLDER/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT; MEASURE EFFECTIVENESS OF IMPLEMENTED MEDIA STRATEGIES; WRITE AND PRESENT ANALYSIS/REPORTS OF SOURCED DATA AND ANALYTICS; DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION TOOLS AND PLATFORMS.

Description of Duties

Social Media Strategy Development:

• Design and implement a comprehensive social media strategy aligned with ILS's mission, goals, and target audiences.
• Identify key social media channels and develop platform-specific strategies to optimize engagement and reach.

Content Creation and Management:

• Create, curate, and manage high-quality, engaging content for social media platforms, including text, images, video, and graphics.
• Ensure all content aligns with ILS's brand voice, values, and messaging guidelines.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar to ensure consistent posting and timely updates.

Community Engagement:

• Build and nurture relationships with online communities, followers, and expand ILS's reach.
• Respond to comments, messages, and mentions in a timely and professional manner, fostering positive interactions.

Campaign Development and Execution:

• Plan and execute social media campaigns to support fundraising efforts, program promotions, advocacy initiatives, and other organizational goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to coordinate campaign activities and ensure message consistency.

Analytics and Performance Monitoring:

• Track, analyze, and report on social media performance metrics, such as engagement, reach, follower growth, and conversion rates.
• Use data-driven insights to refine strategies, improve content, and increase the effectiveness of social media efforts.
• Present regular performance reports to the Leadership Team, the Performance Management Committee and other stakeholders.

Brand Advocacy and Reputation Management:

• Monitor social media channels for brand mentions and conversations related to ILS.
• Proactively manage ILS's online reputation, addressing any potential issues or crises in coordination with the Executive Director.
• Serve as a brand ambassador, ensuring that all social media communications reinforce ILS's mission and values.

Collaboration and Support:

• Work closely with the Leadership team and department leaders to integrate social media into broader communication strategies.
• Support other communications initiatives, such as email marketing, website updates, and media relations, as needed.

Trend Monitoring and Innovation:

• Stay updated on the latest social media trends, tools, and best practices.
• Recommend and implement new social media tools, platforms, and tactics to enhance ILS's online presence and engagement.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Provide guidance and training to staff, volunteers, or board members on effective social media use and best practices.
• Develop social media toolkits and resources to support ILS's communication efforts.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in social media management, communications, or digital marketing, preferably in a non-profit or mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing social media strategies that drive engagement and growth.

Skills:

• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.) and management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social).
• Knowledge of social media analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, platform-specific analytics).
• Basic graphic design and video editing skills (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) are highly desirable.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Personal Attributes:

• Creative and strategic thinker with a passion for social media and digital communication.
• Strong emotional intelligence skills regarding relationship management, social awareness, self-awareness, and self-management.
• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of brand and visual identity.
• Adaptable, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Working Conditions:

• Location: In-office attendance required during shifts.
• Hours: Full-time, with occasional evening or weekend work required as needed.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Please be advised that as part of the mandatory screening process, ILS requires professional references, verification of academic, training and accreditation credentials, plus a current Police Vulnerable Sector Check. A Current Immunization Record is required of all new employees, including two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine series approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization, short of an approved exemption on a ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code or medical reasons.

In keeping with our continuing efforts towards greater representation, we welcome applicants with relevant lived experience and candidates with a broad reflection of identities including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), 2SLGBTQI+, age, abilities, and socioeconomic background.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), ILS provides accommodation, accessible formats, and communication supports at all stages of the hiring process. We ask applicants to make their needs known in advance by contacting [email protected] or phoning (705) 737-3263.

ILS offices are located in Simcoe County. We acknowledge that the land on which we work is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek Nation. The Wendat and the Haudenosaunee Nations have also walked on the territory over time. We acknowledge the enduring presence of Indigenous people and are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in the territory.