Communications Specialist

**Communications Specialist (Hybrid)**

**About HIEC**

HIEC is an innovative not-for-profit social enterprise that focuses on partnership, mentorship, and workforce development in Ontario. With over 30 years of experience as an active community-focused organization, HIEC’s goal is to enhance career education and inspire youth to make informed career decisions. We offer a team environment that encourages innovative ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit.

**The Package**

Our Compensation package includes a competitive base salary and benefits that include LTD, Life Insurance, AD&D Coverage, Extended Healthcare and Vision Coverage. We also offer paid time off over the holidays that is not included in your vacation allotment

**Job Position**

We are currently seeking a highly motivated, creative, collaborative and entrepreneurially minded individual who is passionate about the skilled trades. Specifically, the Communications Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing communications plans to support a variety of internal and external initiatives. This individual will require knowledge on topics such as branding, media relations, executive communications, stakeholder engagement, community management, and issues management.

Applicants are asked to provide a cover letter with their submission.

**Key areas of responsibility will include**:

- Work directly with the Manager of Communications and Executive Leadership team to recommend and develop communication tactics that support internal and external communications
- Develop and write key messages/content for communication materials in all media formats (i.e., print, web, digital, social media, presentations, videos, briefing notes, speaking notes, success stories, etc.)
- Consult, plan, and execute integrated strategic communication plans (internal and external) to support agency initiatives and provide counsel to senior management on strategic initiatives
- Support communication-related reporting needs (e.g., key performance indicators)
- Create, implement, and manage consistent brand/visual identity and language across multiple mediums (print, web, signage)
- Work alongside other communication and marketing team members to support goals and objectives related to projects and initiatives
- Coordinate the marketing and communications departments to ensure a consistent message and decrease any overlap in duties
- Provide editing services to ensure that all communications are appropriately worded (both in grammar and in content)
- Provide additional communications support to the Communications Manager as needed
- Liaise with external vendors where appropriate
- Leads events and provides communication and logistic coordination
- Assist with fundraising initiatives including proposal writing and reporting as required
- Ensure that all materials are developed and distributed according to an appropriate timeline
- Research and help to develop and implement new marketing programs, including direct mail, corporate sales, internet marketing, conventions, workshops, advertisements, sales tools, and other initiatives
- Work with designers, writers, editors, and other creative staff to produce marketing collateral in accordance with brand messages
- Ensure that all materials are developed and distributed according to an appropriate timeline
- Provides advanced editing and proofreading support
- Preparing and supporting implementation of departmental communications and external engagement plans - inclusive of information gathering, writing, and editing
- Participate and assist with event and marketing projects

**Key Competencies**:

- Demonstrated skills in managing multiple projects to meet established deadlines
- Outstanding ability to communicate with all levels/stakeholders while fostering constructive interpersonal relationships
- Resourceful and able to proactively anticipate needs and provide solutions to effectively deal with challenging situations
- Strong skills in building and maintaining successful relationships with a variety of stakeholders
- Self-starter, ability to multi-task and deal with multiple demands and deadlines
- Politically and culturally sensitive
- Analytical problem solver, and capable of identifying alternate solutions and viewing solutions from many perspectives
- A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills
- Interest and ability to work in a smaller-sized, not-for-profit organization
- Knowledge of communications and marketing best practices

**Qualifications to succeed**:

- Post-Secondary education in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field is mandatory;
- 4 years of progressive experience in a communications role;
- Experience with non-for-profit organizations is an asset;
- Experience in government relations is an asset;
- Knowledge of communications plans, strategies, and experiences developing a wide range of communication