Job Description

Vaughan is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities. Its emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada's first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement. Be part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan!
The City is an equal-opportunity employer and a forward-looking municipality that is committed to fostering a dynamic workplace that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. As an award-winning organization for its employment and diversity and inclusivity practices, the City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.
Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Recreation Supervisor, Marketing Services, the Creative Content Writer and Developer is responsible for creating engaging, informative and compelling written content to promote the City of Vaughan Recreation Services department's programs, services, events, brand and other related initiatives. The position focuses on producing high-quality written materials across various platforms, including seasonal digital publications such as Recreation eGuides, as well as program descriptions that reflect the diversity and value of the department's offerings. The Creative Content Writer and Developer will collaborate with other portfolios within the department to ensure consistency in messaging, alignment with departmental communication strategies, and adherence to brand standards. Additionally, this position plays a key role in supporting marketing and outreach efforts, enhancing community engagement, and contributing to the department's overall visibility and impact through strategic content development and effective use of digital and traditional communication channels.
Responsibilities
Writing and Strategic Communications

• Producing high quality creative, engaging, informative and accessible written content for various channels, including, but not limited to, website copy, blog articles, social media content, eNewsletters, digital publications (eGuides/eBrochures), infographics, brochures, flyers, posters, backgrounders, public service announcements (PSAs), FAQs, key messages, surveys, presentations, speaking remarks, scripts, reports, grants and awards.
• Ensuring all written communications are clear, easily understandable, accessible and inclusive.
• Proofing and editing various written materials for tone, accuracy, consistency and adherence to established style and/or brand voice.
• Repurposing existing content into diverse formats.
• Crafting compelling program descriptions for a variety of recreation programs, ensuring unique features and benefits of recreation programs are accurately represented and resonate with diverse target audiences.
• Conducting content development research, including interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs), to craft authoritative, informative and/or entertaining content.
• Creating and maintaining detailed editorial content calendars.
• Optimizing content with SEO best practices, including keyword integration, on-page structure and metadata.
• Supporting the planning and execution of marketing and communications campaigns and community outreach initiatives to enhance visibility and community awareness.
• Developing and executing high-value digital content products (guides, toolkits, templates, on-demand resources) with the potential for monetization, helping to potentially extend the department's reach and diversify recreation product offerings.
• Writing and reviewing PSAs, speaking notes, scripts and event remarks for senior leaders.
• Supporting department senior leaders through the development of strategic content that contributes to a strong, consistent external voice across various platforms (LinkedIn, speaking engagements, other public-facing materials) and showcases the department's impact, advances key initiatives and reinforces the department's municipal leadership, for supervisor review and approval.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to develop strategic written communications in response to emerging issues and client/public concerns (key messages, backgrounders, PSAs, FAQs, briefing materials).

Social Media and Website

• Developing engaging content for social media platforms.
• Creating and optimizing social media advertising campaigns, including ad copywriting, targeting strategies and performance monitoring to maximize reach, engagement and conversions.
• Scheduling content, monitoring engagement and responding to public inquiries.
• Monitoring social media engagement metrics and providing insights for optimization to enhance audience interaction and reach.
• Contributes to ongoing website content management, including, but not limited to, making web updates, auditing and refreshing existing web copy/webpages, creating new webpages, and ensuring content is current, accessible and aligned with existing web/AODA standards.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of SEO and content marketing strategies to help drive website traffic, improve webpage search performance and enhance audience reach.

Interactions with Others

• Working closely with the Marketing Designers to support the creation of multimedia content (images, videos, etc.) that enhances the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
• Establishing relationships and collaborating with other portfolios within the department to gather information and insights for marketing collateral.
• Liaising with vendors to obtain quotes for marketing materials and ensuring the accurate and timely fulfillment of orders.

Research, Reporting and Data Analysis

• Conducting market research scans, participating in or leading brainstorming sessions and contributing creative ideas for enhancing the impact of marketing materials and initiatives.
• Analyzing reports on demographics and market trends, conducting research of competitor strategies and analyzing customer satisfaction survey data to identify opportunities for enhancing content and improving marketing strategies.
• Developing audience personas, including understanding the demographics, psychographics, pain points and behaviours of target audiences.
• Leveraging standard tools to measure and report on performance of marketing campaigns and initiatives.
• Preparing reports on key performance indicators, providing insights for future campaign enhancements.

Other Duties

• Maintaining the department's year-long marketing calendar and critical path to ensure organization and accuracy.
• Updating and maintaining the master list for recreation program descriptions.
• Assists with sourcing promotional items and merchandise.
• Assists in maintaining an inventory of promotional materials and restocks as necessary.
• Performs other related tasks and projects, as assigned, which are in accordance with job responsibilities or necessary to achieve the department's objectives.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and the corporate Occupational Health and Safety Policy and related procedures.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarian Disability Act (AODA) and related policy and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Three (3) year College Diploma in English, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.

• Minimum of four (4) years related full-time, progressive experience in content writing, communications, and/or marketing, preferably within a public sector, recreation, or community services environment.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear, engaging and inclusive content for diverse audiences and platforms.

• Knowledge of Canadian Press (CP) Style considered an asset.

• Strong knowledge of content development and strategic communications, including message development, tone and audience targeting.

• Proficiency in digital content marketing and SEO best practices, including keyword integration, content optimization and performance analysis.

• Experience with content management systems (CMS) and social media platforms for publishing, scheduling and monitoring content.

• Understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., AODA, WCAG) and inclusive communication principles.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to gather information and ensure alignment with brand and communication goals.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Possess a valid Ontario 'G' driver's license, in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle for corporate use.

• On-site coverage of recreation programs and events at community centres, parks and other City-operated venues.

• Must be prepared to work flexible hours involving evenings and weekends at various locations.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, the City of Vaughan uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.
The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

Skills Required