Communications & Development Specialist

Job Posting: Communications & Development Specialist

Reporting to: Director of Innovation & Strategy

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Perm. Full-Time)

RYGIEL Supports for Community Living (RSCL) serves people who have a developmental disability. The supports and services we provide are person-directed and are designed to enable each person to meaningfully participate in their chosen communities. At RYGIEL our vision is that every person we support will have a full and meaningful life, which means having a home, relationships of all kinds, and a variety of socially valued roles.

Position Summary

The Communications and Development Specialist will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing the communications and marketing strategy for RSCL, ensuring a strong online presence and leading impactful communications campaigns. In addition, this position is responsible for donor engagement, systems maintenance, and reporting.

Responsibility Overview

Main duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Marketing/Communications (50%)
   • Execute the annual marketing-communications plan that meets both the fundraising goals and strategic objectives of the organization.
   • Execute communications campaigns, branding initiatives, and online presence (includes overseeing activities of social media and fundraising ads, website, and promotional materials).
   • Set and measure key metrics to meet the objectives of the annual plan.
   • Brand Management: Using branding guidelines, develop marketing collateral to reinforce strategic objectives and strengthen the organization’s brand.
   • Manage marketing tech stack and be well-versed in digital and social media marketing platforms (Buffer, Meta, GA4, etc.), design tools, and all aspects of the website to maximize revenue/donations (Word Press and Canada Helps).
   • Create relevant, compelling copy, graphics, photography and video content for website, social platforms, e-mail blasts, fundraising events/campaigns, and other communication-related activities.
   • Assist in the marketing planning and execution for Rygiel’s and third-party fundraising events.
   • Collaborate with Rygiel’s staff team on a regular basis to coordinate and disseminate internal and external communications.
2. Fund Development, Stewardship and Donor Relations (20%)
   • Work with the Leadership Team to help develop and implement annual stewardship engagement plan/strategies.
   • Lead the writing and development of grants, regular donor communications, and impact reports for individuals and corporate donors.
   • Track progress and outcomes of stewardship initiatives.
   • Support recognizing and acknowledging donors and participants of fundraising events and activities.
3. Donor Management System Maintenance and Reports (30%)
   • Organize, share and disseminate required data for maintaining accurate records in the donor management system (DMS) and enter donations received offline.
   • Segment donors into required groups to optimize communication tools and campaigns.
   • Prepare and submit reports and feedback requests; import, upload/download files from donation and event platforms into the DMS.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Communication Studies, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in fundraising with at least 1-2 years’ experience with major giving.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills with the ability to engage public and donors.
• Excellent organization, initiative, planning and administrative skills with the ability to identify and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent prospect research and grant/proposal writing abilities.
• Experience managing social media channels and messaging for a charity or other relevant organization.
• Database management and electronic communication platforms (data entry, data maintenance, query and database administration skills).
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills are essential.
• A current and original copy of a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check is required upon the start of your employment.
• Ability to work in a team environment, as well as independently.
• A solid knowledge of relevant industry technology applications, i.e., CRM or DMS databases.
• Willingness and ability to occasionally travel locally and regionally.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in Hamilton region required.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to a reliable motor vehicle with appropriate business class liability insurance is required.

General Skills and Attributes

• Excellent ability to use MS Office applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Solid written, oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think analytically with attention to detail in the presence of frequent interruptions.
• Ability to analyze information, make solid decisions and choices of action.
• Excellent understanding and commitment to quality service and best practice.
• Highly detail-oriented.
• Accountable for own actions and decisions, making decisions within the scope of the position and referring issues/problems/events to supervisor as required.
• Flexible, adaptable and responsive to change.
• Ability to deal with highly sensitive and personal information in a confidential manner.
• Self-directed with an excellent ability to organize, plan, prioritize and multitask.
• Acts with integrity, trustworthiness, humility, transparency and compassion.
• Ability to work with and meet tight timelines.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Responsive to the knowledge and understanding of the culture, history, and current oppressions experienced by marginalized communities and communities, including people living with developmental disabilities.
• Fosters an inclusive and accessible environment where all employees, persons supported, and volunteers are respected.
• Strong knowledge, understanding, and experience working within an equity and anti-oppressive, anti-racism practice framework.
• Ensures ethnic, spiritual, linguistic, familial, and cultural differences are respected.
• Acts in accordance with RSCL’s Code of Conduct, Confidentiality and human resources policies.

Physical Demands: Involves regular hours with flexibility, various physical actions of mobility are required, i.e.: driving, minimal lifting, standing, walking, reaching and bending. Moderate to maximum eye motion, wrist and digit motions. Concentration, memory and focus throughout the workday.

Schedule: 37.5 hours a week 9-4:30 pm primarily with flexibility to meet job demands.

Start Date: October 2024

RYGIEL Supports for Community Living offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

RYGIEL is committed to employment equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates including, 2SLGBTQ+ identified persons, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Individuals, and members of Black and other racialized communities, and individuals for whom English is not their first language. We seek to provide accessibility for all applicants with our accessibility policies and the AODA. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. We thank all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter, including salary expectations, by August 30th, 2024, to:

RYGIEL Supports for Community Living
Attention: People & Culture
220 Cranbrook Drive, Hamilton, ON L9C 5V7
E-Mail:

RYGIEL Supports for Community Living is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Interviews may begin prior to the application deadline. No telephone calls please. Late applicants will not be considered.