Communications associate Jobs in Kitchener, ON

Scope and Summary

of Primary Responsibilities

This funded position through the Canada Summer Jobs Program offers the opportunity to gain meaningful experience and learn practical skills associated with working in an organization that provides professional vision rehabilitation services.

VLRC is seeking a motivated talented and motivated Marketing and Communications Coordinator to join our local team in Kitchener, ON, and contribute to the development and delivery of impactful marketing, digital communications, and public outreach activities.

In this role, you will build practical skills in copywriting, digital content creation, SEO-informed website administration, graphic design, social media support, and accessible communications. The Marketing and Communications Coordinator will help enhance VLRC’s presence by developing engaging content, supporting public relations initiatives, and conducting marketing and community engagement research. The position also provides exposure to assistive and accessible technology and offers opportunities to learn how AI-enabled tools support individuals with vision loss.

To be eligible for the funding associated with this position, you must be:

• Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Protection Act
• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations. International students are not eligible.

II. Essential Functions

The position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:

· As directed by management, support the development and implementation of VLRC’s Marketing and Communications Strategy to enhance awareness of vision rehabilitation services across community, health, and social service sectors.

· Create engaging and accessible copy for website content, social media posts, newsletters, and promotional materials to strengthen brand presence and increase program visibility.

· Administer and maintain website content, including updating metadata, tags for SEO, and digital assets management to ensure timely, accurate, and user-friendly content.

· Proofread, edit, and format written materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and adherence to both accessibility and brand standards.

· Assist in designing visually appealing and accessible graphics for social media, marketing materials, infographics, presentations, and website content.

· Support public relations efforts, including drafting media materials, preparing key messages, and assisting with outreach to media and community partners.

· Utilize Microsoft Excel to analyze marketing and engagement data, develop reports, and track performance of communication activities and campaigns.

· Complete evaluation at the end of placement to provide feedback on experience and provide a detailed report on activities/projects completed.

· Other related duties as required.

Relationships

• Students will be responsible for relationships with VLRC staff, clients, and community partners.

Requirements

III. Qualifications

Education and Certifications

• Currently enrolled in a college or university program focusing on marketing, communications, public relations, media studies, graphic design or a related field.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

· Advanced skills in Microsoft Suite, especially Excel.

· Familiar with Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress or Drupal.

· Understand SEO principles and metadata.

Experience with graphic design, video and photo editing

· Excellent written and oral communications skills.

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines effectively.

· High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality.

· Previous experience with vision loss considered an asset.

Join us to grow your career and make a difference everyday.

Benefits

Inclusion, Accessibility & Accommodation

VLRC is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from members of groups that have been historically marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, including those who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind, women and 2SLGBTQ+. We strongly encourage applications from applicants with sight loss to apply. Direct lived experience is valued as an asset. The successful candidate will be required to complete a standard Vulnerable Sector Check.

If you require an accommodation to apply or participate in the selection process, please contact . We’ll be happy to work with you to meet your needs.

Not sure if you qualify? Think about applying anyway!
We understand that not everyone brings 100% of the skills and experience for the role. If you bring passion, transferable skills, and a desire to make a difference, we encourage you to apply!VLRC does not use AI tools in its screening, assessment, or selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.