Job Description

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Communications Specialist

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Autism Ontario is a charitable organization with a history of over 52 years representing the thousands of people on the autism spectrum and their families across Ontario. Autism Ontario is the province's leading source of information and referral on autism, and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive Ontario for autism, and we value collaboration, respect, accountability and being evidence informed.

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Job Summary:

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Title: Communications Specialist

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Location:

Hybrid; primarily remote, but with occasional travel to Toronto Provincial Office or a regional office as needed

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Hours:

37.5hrs per week

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Salary:

$70,500 - $75,000

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Duration:

One-year contract

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Role:

Existing Vacancy

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Position Overview

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Reporting to the Manager, Communications and Resource Development, the Communications Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the development of engaging and accessible content that resonates with our audiences while adhering to accessibility guidelines and promoting inclusivity and equity. Collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders, the incumbent will develop and promote consistent delivery of high-quality, compliant, and inclusive content. The Communications Specialist will serve as a liaison between various teams to develop and facilitate communication, shared understanding, and aligned messaging, fostering meaningful connections with our audiences through diverse and impactful multimedia content.

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Key Responsibilities:

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Support content development initiatives to align with organizational goals, informed by relevant research, and reflective of the diverse perspectives and voices of the Autism Ontario community.

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Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to understand content needs and objectives, ensure inclusive content practices, and develop engaging and relevant content.

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Design content (i.e., media toolkits, internal communications, one-pagers) that align content with goals and objectives.

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Create content development guides to reinforce design consistency, inclusivity and equity, and accessibility and compliance standards.

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Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to create, curate, and deliver content that reflects diverse experiences and identities.

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Liaise with and identify individuals and community partners who can support co-created communications or provide lived experience input for internal use.

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Describe, maintain, and index content, such as managing internal organization and navigation of the staff SharePoint site to ensure timely access to up-to-date resources.

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Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to inform content strategy and execution, particularly in internal communications, collaboration tools, and inclusive partnership engagement.

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Other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications:

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A college diploma or bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., communications, media studies, public relations)

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Minimum of 2 years of experience working in communications, preferably in a human or social services environment, or a clinically related discipline including providing support to families of children with autism and/or developmental disabilities.

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An equivalent combination of education and similar experience may be considered.

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Training and/or experience in AODA compliance, inclusive language, and/or plain language writing.

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Extensive knowledge of the developmental services sector and of community-based resources within the designated region.

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Experience in a person-directed approach to support.

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Demonstrated experience with group planning and facilitation.

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Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written skills are required as is the ability to speak confidently with various stakeholders

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Proficient with various computer programs including data base management, email, Microsoft Office 365 applications and have familiarity with social media and other technology tools and approaches, Canva, InDesign, Hootsuite, Video editing (all strong assets).

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Demonstrated commitment to principles of social justice, neurodiversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, anti-Black racism, anti-ableism

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Experience working with the autistic population is a strong asset

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Fluency in written and oral French is strongly preferred

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Demonstrated commitment to principles of social justice, neurodiversity, equity, inclusion, anti- racism, anti-Black racism, anti-ableism

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Autism Ontario offers a great work-life balance, a competitive benefits package. Some of the perks of joining our team include:

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Flex Hours and Hybrid working model

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Semi-casual dress code

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3 weeks vacation, plus years of service days and 10 paid personal days

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Competitive Benefits Package with Healthcare spending account (including Health, Dental, EAP, Vision and more)

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RRSP Contributions

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Professional development opportunities

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In person team building activities

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A workplace culture that promotes both wellness and engagement

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You'll be joining a team of passionate individuals who are looking to make a difference.

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Please note that Autism Ontario may utilize AI-based tools during the recruitment and selection process to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures.

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Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by September 3

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, 2025. We thank everyone for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates invited to interview with us will be contacted.

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Autism Ontario is an equal opportunity employer committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, and actively encourages individuals on the autism spectrum and from all equity deserving groups to apply. We welcome qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status or any other legally protected factors.

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Autism Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, Autism Ontario will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the hiring process.