Job Description

Internal/External
Full-time/Permanent
Location: Toronto or Ottawa
Remote Work: Flexible (both in-office and remote-work required)
Closes: January 8, 2023
Starting Salary: $53,260 \xe2\x80\x93 $60,710 per year based on experience. Salary Range Max $69,260 [2023 Rates] All applicants are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing. What We Offer As an employer, the M\xc3\xa9tis Nation of Ontario offers a collaborative work environment with competitive salary Further, permanent employees benefit from:

• Comprehensive employer-paid health benefits,
• Pension plan,
• 10 days\xe2\x80\x99 vacation to start,
• Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December-January,
• 16 paid public and employer holidays,
• Early closures on long weekends,
• 15 paid health & wellness days (sick leave),
• Employee Assistance Plan, and
• Telemedicine plan.
• Preferred membership pricing at Goodlife gyms.

The Role The primary objectives of the Communications Branch Public Relations Specialist are to assist and facilitate effective and timely communications within the MNO and with the MNO\xe2\x80\x99s stakeholders, clients, vendors and media. The Specialist will take on a supporting role in managing internal and external communications for the MNO; promoting the MNO\xe2\x80\x99s programs and services; and with particular emphasis on writing op-eds, briefing notes, key messages, press releases, speeches, event scenario documents and similar materials. The Specialist will be responsible for aiding communications on a range of advocacy initiatives, including research and writing in the areas of M\xc3\xa9tis housing, infrastructure, education, wellness, and other relevant policies and initiatives. Other duties may include writing website and social media copy and maintaining the MNO website. Doing so requires strong writing skills, attention to detail and the ability to respond to request inquires in a timely fashion with a high level of professionalism and political acumen. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Utilize functional knowledge and experience to meet organizational demands in a timely and effective matter
• Create communications products such as web pages, social media copy, email newsletter text, and news stories
• Project management of all aspects of MNO news services including but not limited to, print, electronic, web and social media, including timely publication and release of periodicals, website and social media products;
• Develop content for use in MNO publications, MNO websites, e-communications and social media, including stories, slide shows, videos, content for social media platforms and memes;
• Keep abreast of market trends in social media tools, identifying, activating, and maintaining social media platforms to connect with M\xc3\xa9tis peoples (i.e. Meta, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.);
• Develop and maintain contacts within MNO communities and branches in order to identify potential events, trends and activities that should be highlighted through the MNO news services and/or social media;
• Monitor social media pages of other M\xc3\xa9tis governments, MNO partners and stakeholders as well as various news feeds as required to identify stories and activities for potential highlighting on the MNO news services and social media;
• Maintain social media presence, including the maintenance, activity, and responsiveness of social media platforms;
• Builds and maintains partnerships with M\xc3\xa9tis communities and organizations, federal and provincial government ministries;
• Carry out research and interviews necessary to write MNO press releases, e-stories, print publication stories, website stories, social media posts and memes;
• Take pictures and record videos for news service and social media posts and memes and other MNO communications vehicles;
• Proofread, re-write and correct materials written by other MNO staff;
• Project management of the MNO website to maximize visitation, the user experience and timely updating;
• Participate in meetings and functions with representatives of M\xc3\xa9tis, First Nations, Inuit, federal and provincial government ministries, and other organizations;
• Travel to and attend MNO events to capture content, write follow-up news stories and engage and direct media (primarily throughout Ontario);
• Engage in outreach to maintain and increase followings of MNO social media presence;
• Liaise with appropriate departments to ensure visibility of MNO projects and events.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to act in the service of M\xc3\xa9tis citizens and to advance cultural and self-government initiatives
• Completion of post-secondary education in a related field (public relations, public affairs) or equivalent combination of education and experience
• High degree of technological literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud Suite products
• Website maintenance and updating experience (WordPress)
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Advanced communications (both written and verbal) and writing skills
• Excellent copy editing and proof-reading skills
• Superior organizational skills and great time management skills
• Highly detail-oriented
• Strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of self-awareness
• Ability to work alone and independently with minimal supervision
• Strong problem-solving, research and analytical skills
• Completion of post-secondary education in a related field (public relations, public affairs) or equivalent combination of education and experience and/or demonstrated experience in a related field

Preferred:

• Knowledge of indigenous (preferably M\xc3\xa9tis) culture, issues, and current events
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing communications plans in a non-profit, government or Indigenous government setting
• Experience using WordPress and Elementor
• Experience coordinating with vendors and contractors
• 3-5 years or more experience in a public relations, public affairs, communications or related role
• Project management experience
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
• Experience dealing with confidential and highly sensitive information

Who We Are In 1993, the M\xc3\xa9tis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of M\xc3\xa9tis people and M\xc3\xa9tis communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a M\xc3\xa9tis-specific governance structure and vision, encapsulated in the Statement of Prime Purpose. Today, the M\xc3\xa9tis Nation of Ontario represents over 25,000 M\xc3\xa9tis citizens. The MNO delivers programs and services to its citizens through these branches: Healing and Wellness; Community Wellbeing; Education and Training; Housing; Lands, Resources and Consultation; Intergovernmental and Community Relations; Self-Government and Registry. Through these various branches, the MNO maintains 30+ offices and community spaces across the province, administers over $50 million annually, and employs about 350 staff across the province. AODA Statement The M\xc3\xa9tis Nation of Ontario commits to providing accommodation as required by the Ontario Human Rights Act, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The M\xc3\xa9tis Nation of Ontario will work cooperatively and in the spirit of respect with all partners in the accommodation process. These accommodations will extend to all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment and selection. Please email humanresources@metisnation.org if you require an accommodation during the hiring process. Please note, all employees, regardless of role or location, are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless the employee has a valid medical exemption. This condition of employment is effective for all employees, full or part-time, permanent or contract, whether working remotely or not, as of November 1, 2021.