Job Description

Location: Toronto, ON Canada

Type: Permanent

Group/Grade: Bargaining Unit/Coordinator

Grade Rate: $123,501.71 (start)

Date: July 14, 2025

The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) is Canada's largest nurses' union. We are powered by our members -- 68,000 nurses and health-care professionals, and 18,000 nursing student affiliates -- who provide care in hospitals, long-term care, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

Our mission is to defend the rights of and advocate for nurses and health-care professionals who care for the health of Ontarians. We empower members and fight against unfair and unsafe treatment, negotiate and enforce our contracts, offer benefits and insurance, provide tailored education and development opportunities and much more. We confront governments, administrations and other policymakers head on to fight for high-quality public health care.

ONA is seeking a Communications Coordinator to join our Communications Team. The Communications Coordinator will bring strong experience and expertise in all aspects of union communications, particularly in project management and coordination. In addition to their own projects, they will support the Senior Manager, Communications and Government Relations, and assist in coordinating the work of a strong group of communications professionals, working closely with leadership, managers and other staff teams to support the execution of successful communications for the union.

This is what else you can expect from this role:

Communications Coordination
Coordinate communications team projects as part of cross-functional teams. Assist in project intake, including scoping, scheduling and planning. Assist in overseeing, tracking and implementing multiple team projects. Anticipate, identify and advise on project conflicts, and implementation barriers. Update and maintain the communications content calendar and develop planning resources as needed to support the work of the team. Assist in initiating, organizing and facilitating team and project meetings. Assist manager in reviewing project deliverables as needed to ensure consistency and accuracy in accordance with project plans and key messages. Assist manager in providing guidance to team staff and other teams related to project implementation. Assist manager in onboarding, mentoring and guiding staff as needed. Coordinate and attend project meetings as needed, including as the manager's delegate when appropriate. Make recommendations to the manager on improvements to team organization, process and projects. Communications Project Work
Develop detailed communications plans to support a wide range of initiatives. Develop and write a wide range of communications pieces as needed including newsletter articles, opinion editorials, media releases, backgrounders, leaflets, website content, and other materials for internal and external audiences. Research and write speaking notes and speeches for a wide range of activities, ensuring appropriate tone and providing coaching and support as needed. Develop messaging and slogans for campaigns and other initiatives. Monitor audience sentiment and make recommendations to manage emerging issues and respond effectively. Coordinate media relations and liaise with media for initiatives as required. Coordinate and plan communications events, such as media conferences. Develop and provide member training on a wide range of communications topics. Plan and develop internal staff communications as needed. Develop email plans and content for initiatives. Assist with the management of the communications toolset, Action Network. Develop digital petitions, actions and forms for campaigns and initiatives. Develop and lead mobile messaging initiatives to support a range of activities. Develop social media plans and content. Track, analyze, and report on key metrics for communications initiatives, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement. Develop content and designs for a wide range of materials, such as share graphics, signs, banners, buttons, pamphlets, infographics and more. Develop and produce videos content for a wide range of initiatives. Coordinate photography and videography for actions and events. Coordinate with allied organizations on joint initiatives. Coordinate with a wide variety of vendors and agencies. Adhere to brand guidelines in all materials and communications. Ensure deliverables reflect best practice standards, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).

What we are looking for

A bachelor's degree or advanced diploma in communications, journalism or public relations is required. Seven to 10 years of professional experience leading and coordinating projects at a labour union. Seven to 10 years of professional communications experience, particularly in public relations and member communications. Ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments on strict deadlines. Highly adaptable, works well as a leader with cross-functional teams. Familiarity with union, health care, or political environment. Skill with Adobe Creative Suite and Action Network is considered an asset. Ability to work in French is considered an asset. Note: There may be a need for flexible scheduling for evening/weekend work.

The successful candidate must be able to travel, possess a valid driver's license and have access to an automobile for business use. Ability to travel across Ontario, is also expected, as could other areas outside of Ontario.

All interested candidates may apply via MyONA by 4:30 p.m. on July 28, 2025.

The Ontario Nurses' Association is committed to employment equity within its staff. Applications are encouraged from equity groups including individuals of Aboriginal descent, racialized individuals, individuals with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI persons. We also provide accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act ('AODA'). If you require accommodation for a disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources at HumanResources@ona.org.

Thank you for your interest in joining us. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.