Job Description

BONUS: Upon hire, you will receive a one-time signing bonus of $500 on your first paycheque after your employment commences. At six months of employment, you will receive a second lump sum of $500. Ready to make a difference? Reporting to the Manager of Communications and Public Relations, the Communications Specialist is responsible for the successful implementation DeafBlind Ontario Services\xe2\x80\x99 (DBOS) communications, marketing and public relations strategies, campaigns, and initiatives to increase community engagement and awareness on provincial, national and international levels. WHO WE ARE We believe in endless possibilities. DeafBlind Ontario Services supports people who are deafblind, as well as people who are Deaf, hard of hearing and non-verbal with a developmental disability. Specialized services are customized to each person\xe2\x80\x99s unique needs, method of communication, and goals to live their best life. YOU ARE

• Dedicated \xe2\x80\x93 committed to your personal growth and development;
• Team Player \xe2\x80\x93 you are willing to learn and teach, because together we are better;
• Accountable \xe2\x80\x93 you are committed to following through on your promises;
• Creative \xe2\x80\x93 you think outside the box and will tackle and new problem that comes your way
• You believe that one person can make a difference

YOUR ROLE

• Responsible for the implementation of marketing, communications and media relations strategies directed for external audiences in support of DBOS\xe2\x80\x99 strategic objectives.
• Manages content for the organization\xe2\x80\x99s website using SEO practices on a CMS platform. Executes social media strategy and measures reach and engagement. Provides recommendations to management based on identified patterns of engagement.
• Defines and creates content for blogs, organization / client stories and other articles for external publications.
• Writes and pitches media releases. Maintains relationships with media outlets and measures effectiveness of outreach efforts.
• Designs and coordinates the production (approval, translation, printing, distribution) of external communication publications, including annual reports and bi-annual newsletters.
• Maintains compliance with brand standards in all publications, materials, and internal / external communications.
• Provides marketing support for DeafBlind Ontario Services projects with partner organizations. Maintains a positive organizational reputation with people supported, stakeholders, and the community.
• Assists the Manager with the building of a network of mutually beneficial relationships with key external stakeholders and partners to facilitate the achievement of marketing, government / public relations, communications and organizational advocacy goals on provincial, national and international levels.
• Promotes the values of the organization within the workplace and in the community by demonstrating positive and professional relationships with other agency staff, families, volunteers, advocates, and employers.
• Reports all unsafe conditions, hazards, or practices, accidents, and incidents in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all Health and Safety requirements within DeafBlind Ontario Services\xe2\x80\x99 policies and procedures and provincial legislation.
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements Education & Experience:

• University degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field.
• Certification with IABC or CPRS or working towards.
• 3-6 years of experience in communications or public relations preferably, in the non-for-profit sector, including proven experience creating print and online content for marketing communications purposes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Solid working knowledge of communication principles, practices, and techniques.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to create compelling content and convey information clearly and succinctly.
• Strong proficiency working with Content Management Systems (WordPress) platforms, SEO, tracking and reporting web metrics (Google Analytics), media monitoring tools (Meltwater) and social media (Sprout Social).
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Strong technical skills with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
• Proven success with executing multiple tasks within established timelines. Comfortable using initiative while working effectively with a team or independently.
• Ability to develop creative materials.
• Strong relationship-building with integrity and building trust within the community.
• Fluency in French is an asset.
• Valid Ontario Driver\xe2\x80\x99s license, access to reliable vehicle, and the ability to travel.

WHY WORK FOR US At DeafBlind Ontario Services, we want you to be your best. We provide a collaborative culture, supportive environment, open communication, and commitment to your personal and professional development. OUR CULTURE

• Create and provide unique opportunities for growth, extensive training for new employees, and ongoing learning;
• Celebrate and recognize our valued employees through an Employee Recognition Program;
• Motivate and encourage one-another, as well as the people we support, to achieve their goals and dreams;
• Believe that compensation is more than paid wages. We offer our team members an employer sponsored Group RRSP, a comprehensive benefits plan, as well as competitive vacation time and personal emergency leave.

Make a difference in the life of a person who is deafblind, as well as people who are Deaf, hard of hearing and non-verbal with a developmental disability. Start your career with DeafBlind Ontario Services today. DeafBlind Ontario Services is committed to Employment Equity and Diversity and invites applications from Women, Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and Visible Minorities. To receive this job posting in an alternative format or if you require accommodation measures for the selection process, please notify the HR Recruiter. _ Note: All DeafBlind Ontario Services employees are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of hire, subject to human rights exceptions. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Salary: $59,280.00-$72,092.00 per year Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• RRSP match
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person