Communications Specialist

Kinark is looking for a Communication Specialist who can help reimagine our methods of planning, information sharing, collaboration, and drive alignment across teams - all while contributing to our culture and building excitement about Kinarks mission.

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing communications plans to support a variety of internal and external initiatives. They will develop a variety of original communication materials (ie. presentations, promotional materials, web content, key messages, Q and As) to support the implementation of various internal and external projects.

This position requires knowledge on topics such as branding, media relations, executive communications, stakeholder engagement, graphic design, community management, internal communications, and issues management. The role requires someone who can work both independently as well as on a team, demonstrating critical thinking, strategic decision making; including taking timely and immediate actions to protect and enhance Kinark's reputation.

The Communications Specialist will maintain relationships with staff at all levels of the organization and provide communications support, coaching, input, and feedback to teams and colleagues.

The hourly pay range for this position is $34 to $38 CAD

The Communications Specialist will be responsible for the following:

• Work directly with Senior Manager to recommend and develop communication tactics that support internal and external communications
• Strategically explore, leverage, and implement innovative ways to creatively communicate with employees (internal communication platforms, video communication, etc.)
• Develop and write key messages/content for communication materials in all media formats (e.g., print, web, digital, social media, presentations, videos, briefing notes, speaking notes, etc.)
• Shoot and edit professional-quality photos and videos.
• Script, film, and edit professional-quality videos, including transcription and captioning of videos for accessibility.
• Consult, plan, and execute integrated strategic communication plans (internal and external) to support agency initiatives and provide counsel to senior management on strategic initiatives
• Ensure strategic communication tactics are aligned with Kinarks strategic plan and goals
• Support communication-related reporting needs (e.g., key performance indicators, monitoring and measurement activities, etc.)
• Monitor and incorporate best practices and trends in communications planning, strategy, and measurement to improve processes and procedures
• Act as a subject matter expert in communications, based on best practice learnings, and provide expertise and advice across the organization to ensure products, information, guidance, and resources are widely available, known and utilized
• Work alongside other communication team members to support goals and objectives related to projects and initiatives
• Other duties may be assigned within the scope of this position

Key Relationships:

Collaborates with different levels of staff across the agency in all sectors and departments regarding adoption and use of new communication/IT tools, provides (communication) input and advice to various working groups and committees working to develop and implement new initiatives.

Works with Executives and senior management to convey new initiatives, systems, and processes to stakeholders.

Education:

A minimum of three-year College level diploma in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field

A minimum of three years of corporate communications experience in fast-paced, dynamic, and demanding environments

Experience:

• Experience working in a large-scale organization, public sector experience preferred
• Experience working in project teams to deliver on communications plans and strategies
• A strong writer and editor, specifically in preparing engaging content for a wide variety of target audiences and communications vehicles
• Experience creating communications plans, strategies, key messaging, for programs or services
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently with Microsoft Office tools (Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite and other design tools, and CRM systems
• High degree of collaboration and the ability to influence to achieve program/project objectives while protecting/enhancing the organizational brand
• Ability to work flexibly to tight deadlines, under pressure, as part of a team
• Ability to multi-task and have good organizational and time management skills
• Sound judgement, discretion, and decision-making ability
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and experience to work across all levels
• Experience working on internal communications, employee engagement, and corporate culture projects is an asset
• Health care experience would be an asset
• Bilingualism is an asset