POSITION:Communications Specialist

DEPARTMENT:Administration

REPORT TO: Director of Development

POSITION TYPE:Full-time Permanent

WAGE RANGE:$59661.85-$71239.37

LOCATION: 661 Main Street

About the Company

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health Centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles in the provision of a safe respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972 MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipegs most marginalized residents including emergency shelter and nutrition services drug and alcohol withdrawal management services health advocacy and support case management services housing support services food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic diverse team and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity respect and self-determination Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive changes in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting meaningful impact on those we serve.

At Main Street Project we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity including embracing Truth & Reconciliation Decolonization and Anti-Oppression is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization. Our team is made up of talented individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Development the Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting Main Street Projects internal and external communications including digital communications media relations brand oversight and supporting the advancement of a major capital campaign.

This position participates in social media and traditional communications productions publications photography and graphic design. The Communication specialist is part of the Development team and plays a key role in fundraising campaign initiatives.

The ideal candidate should be flexible extremely organized and can take initiative to create compelling content that reaches a variety of target audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Compose material for a variety of audiences and purposes including social media website capital campaign content proposals marketing materials media releases newsletters and other print and electronic communications.
• Develop implement and evaluate communications and marketing strategies to support MSPs mission programs fundraising and community engagement goals.
• Liaise between staff community partners and the public with a thorough understanding of MSPs capital campaign programming and how programs work together to convey organizational impact.
• Plan lead and coordinate the production organization and design of all external materials for MSP.
• Design engaging graphics and visuals while adhering to MSPs brand guidelines and core values.
• Write edit and proofread content for accuracy consistency clarity accessibility and inclusive language.
• Manage the planning and implementation of social media initiatives and paid media campaigns; monitor analytics and engagement to inform strategy.
• Manage e-newsletters digital advertising and website optimization (SEO) to maximize reach and engagement.
• Facilitate with staff for website updates advertising and media content.
• Lead and participate in the organization of special programs initiatives and events.
• Support fundraising and donor engagement efforts by preparing donor-focused communications campaign updates and stewardship materials.
• Manage media requests coordinate interviews with appropriate MSP staff and prepare media releases fact sheets public statements and letters.
• Support timely accurate and sensitive communication in response to emergent issues or crises.
• Support the implementation of an internal communications strategy including newsletters surveys staff orientation and training materials in collaboration with HR.
• Ensure communications reflect MSPs commitment to equity diversity inclusion and cultural responsiveness.
• Communicate and build relationships with community members donors coworkers and volunteers in a positive responsive and professional manner.
• Maintain productivity standards and practices effective time management and prioritization of work.
• Collaborate with staff and external partners and when required oversee consultants or vendors supporting communications work.

Skills and Specifications

• Post-secondary education in Communications Marketing Public Relations Journalism or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Knowledge of communication planning strategy development and implementation.
• Skilled communicator with excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to write edit and proofread across a variety of mediums (print digital social media donor communications internal communications).
• Proficiency with digital communications tools and platforms including content management systems (CMS) social media management tools email marketing platforms and web analytics.
• Ability to design engaging visual content using graphic design tools (e.g. Canva Adobe Creative Suite) while adhering to brand guidelines.
• Knowledge of SEO and digital marketing practices considered an asset.
• Proven ability to manage numerous tasks and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to independently oversee daily communications operations while working collaboratively with other staff and departments.
• Experience working with diverse communities; cultural competency and a commitment to equity diversity inclusion and decolonization in communications.
• Comfortable building and maintaining positive relationships with community partners coworkers donors and volunteers.
• Ability to coordinate communication projects both as part of a team and independently.
• Highly motivated self-starting detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• A collaborative team player who willingly and enthusiastically provides support where needed.
• Flexibility to work varying hours including evenings or weekends to accommodate meetings special events and media opportunities.

Qualifications

• Post-Secondary degree or diploma; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 2-3 years of communications experience in a complex private public or non-profit organization.
• Experience managing websites social media accounts newsletters curating content and collecting information about the impact of the work in the sector.
• Experience using current communication and marketing software.
• Knowledge of communication planning implementation and evaluation.
• Experience or strong background supporting graphic design relating to both print and electronic communications.
• Strong editing skills.
• Experience supporting fundraising initiatives or capital campaigns or similar an asset.
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the social determinant of health is essential.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture.
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction trauma informed approaches and anti-oppressive frameworks.
• Knowledge of the principles of the TRC Calls to Action MMIWG Calls to Justice and UNDRIP.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record with clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a clear Adult Abuse Registry Check required

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