Communications Specialist

"The best prescription I've ever given is a wish."

-Dr. Jeremy Friedman, Associate Paediatrician-in-Chief, SickKids Hospital & Medical Advisor for Make-A-Wish Canada

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WISH?

Is it to be part of an organization that is child-focused, values employee experience and is an inspiring workplace?If so, Make-A-Wish is for you

Make-A-Wish Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness.

"It's been wonderful to have this wish to look forward to... It's wonderful to see [Rowan] with something that brings him pure joy after all he's been through and missed out on"

–Melissa, mom to wish kid Rowan (age 5, leukemia), who wished for an indoor jungle gym.

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Ourmissionis, together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness. Supported by ourvisionto grant the wish of every eligible child.

Ourvaluesare Child-Focused, Integrity, Impact, Innovation, and Community.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Meaningful opportunities to make an impact and change the lives of children with critical illnesses within your community and across Canada
• A collaborative team environment where you feel valued and inspired
• An attractive compensation package that includes group health and dental premiums which are fully covered by the Foundation, RRSP, & Wish paid hours
• Annual vacation starting at three weeks & additional paid leaves
• Work/life balance and flexibility
• Hybrid working environment
• Employee Wellness Program
• Continuous learning, development and internal training opportunities
• Fun employee activities, contests, and more

Make-A-Wish Canada is committed to fostering a culture that aims to change lives while offeringa rewarding employment experience where your contributions make a true difference every day

WHERE YOU COME IN

We are looking for a Communications Specialist (6-month contract) to join our team at Make-A-Wish Canada. Reporting to the Manager of Corporate Communications, they will be responsible for the development, implementation, execution and coordination of communication activities, with a focus on growing brand awareness in the Quebec region. This position ensures consistency of message and brand in all communication deliverables while following established policies, procedures and guidelines. The Communications Specialist safeguards the interests of the Foundation to achieve/maintain a positive public image.

This role is located in Montreal and is afull-time, contract, hybrid position.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

EVENT MARKETING:

• Develop and execute strategic communication and marketing plans, including key messaging and social media calendars for key initiatives, and review fundraising event materials for brand compliance.
• Prepare crisis communications plans where relevant and ensure Integrated Marketing Requests are forwarded either by themselves or by development staff.
• Assist with marketing national signature events and provide limited support to third-party fundraising organizers.

MEDIA RELATIONS:

• Identify appropriate local media stories to maintain local awareness of MAWC.
• Use Meltwater to disseminate media releases, monitor coverage, and helps secure media sponsorships locally.
• Coordinate and prepare stakeholders for media interviews, manage regional media relationships, liaise with media at events.

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT:

• Write and manage content on regional initiatives for all channels, manage Quebec social media channels, and participate in social media editorial meetings.
• Oversee volunteer writers and create engaging wish stories and other required content such as speeches, while ensuring brand compliance.

GENERAL:

• Collaborate with development and mission staff, volunteers, and committees.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and perform other assigned duties.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Degree or diploma in communications, marketing, public relations or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• 1-2 years of work experience in related roles.
• Fluent in French and working proficiency level of English.
• Proven ability to generate media coverage, and the ability to be persistent in approaching and communicating with the media and the public.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project management skills, capable of working independently to deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS Office, social media, Canva, Meltwater, Salesforce, and Dropbox would be an asset.
• Experience in supporting fundraising professionals, and experience in issues management in relation to public relations and brand image, an asset.
• Experience in supporting fundraising professionals, and experience in issues management in relation to public relations and brand image, an asset.
• A clear Criminal Background Check will be required.

YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Hybrid work environment (2 days in-office, 3 days remote per week) with occasional requirements to work outside of regular office hours.
• Occasional requirement to work outside of regular office hours.

Physical/Mental Effort

• Works under pressure with multiple tight deadlines, demands, high volume workload, and dynamic/overlapping priorities.
• May be subjective to sensitive situations regarding wish children and families.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Make-A-Wish Canada (MAWC) is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). We believe that it is essential to our mission that we build a diverse, balanced, and vibrant workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and seek to serve. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups often only apply when they feel 100% qualified. Therefore, we ask that even if you do not see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on this posting, to still apply.

How to apply

If everything you've read so far sounds like you, we encourage you to apply now

Make-A-Wish Canada provides equal opportunity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Reasonable accommodations due to disability are available on request at any stage of the hiring process.

Recruitment process

Our recruitment process is swift in pace. Once applications are reviewed, we will contact our shortlisted candidates. Our typical process includes a phone screen, one or two interviews, and reference checking, followed by an offer and a criminal background check for the successful candidate.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in working with us

Since 1983, Make-A-Wish Canada has granted over 38,500 wishes across the country, over 1000 last year alone. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world's leading children's wish-granting organization. We serve children in every community in Canada, and in more than 50 countries worldwide.

JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY

For more information on how you can support Make-A-Wish Canada or get involved please visit our website at .