Communications Officer

**About the role**

The Ombudsman is an independent, impartial Officer of the Legislature that resolves and investigates complaints about Ontario government organizations, broader public sector bodies (including municipalities, universities and school boards), child protection services, and compliance with the _French Language Services Act_. The Ombudsman recommends solutions to individual and systemic administrative problems, and promotes fairness, accountability and transparency in the public sector, as well as respect for French language service rights and the rights of children and youth in care.

Reporting to the Communications Manager for Children and Youth, the Communications Officer for Children and Youth will be responsible for producing communications materials, web content (print, digital, and video), social media content, and monitoring news and social media - all with a focus on the work of the Children and Youth Unit. The Communications Officer will also play a role in engaging with child welfare service providers across Ontario, co-ordinating events, and liaising with stakeholders and the public to raise awareness of the role of the Ontario Ombudsman.

**Responsibilities**:

- Monitoring a wide variety of English and French media sources on a daily basis to ensure the Office is constantly up to date on news and developments relevant to the Children and Youth Unit, the Ombudsman, and/or the Office’s operations.
- Reviewing and analyzing media coverage of new items relevant to the Children and Youth Unit, the Ombudsman, and/or the Office’s operations.
- Preparing analytical reports based on media coverage, website traffic, social media activity and public awareness of activities of the Ombudsman and the Children and Youth Unit.
- Liaising with media and providing communications support for response to media inquiries as needed, including issuing press releases and organizing press conferences.
- Supporting and assisting as needed in the design, production and publication of materials, and in developing new products and content that promotes and explains the work of the Ombudsman and the Children and Youth Unit to the public and stakeholders.
- Developing and analyzing social media posts, campaigns, and website content relevant to the work of the Ombudsman and the Children and Youth Unit, as well as contributing to strategies that reach and build engagement with stakeholders and the public.
- Participating actively in outreach activities by providing support and assistance in the organization of events, conferences and other activities to promote awareness of the work of the Ombudsman and the Children and Youth Unit
- Provide support for staff participation during, speaking engagements, presentations or information sessions.
- Other assigned duties

**Knowledge and experience**:

- A post-secondary degree in communications, journalism or a related field
- At least three years’ work experience that includes producing communications material, liaising with media, planning and participating in outreach events, and engaging with stakeholders
- Solid writing and editing skills in English and French (must be fluent in both languages)
- Experience in event planning; adept at co-ordinating logistics and liaising with outside organizations, and skilled at on-site event management and troubleshooting
- Skilled in video editing, website management, and analytics tools
- Experience developing and providing visual presentations
- Experience with social media, traditional communications and media relations, in English and French
- An understanding of the child protection system in Ontario and the rights of children and youth in care
- Experience working in the public sector, or for an Officer of the Legislature or other oversight body will be considered an asset

**Required skills and competencies**:

- Ability to distill complicated and nuanced ideas into plain language
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment, with strong attention to detail
- A self-starter, capable of working independently as well as in a small team
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, including a high degree of comfort when responding to inquiries from members of the media and the public, such as interest groups and stakeholders. All communications must be handled with a high level of respect, courtesy and professionalism at all times

**_ Our recruitment practices reflect the Ontario Ombudsman’s continuing goal of encouraging a diverse and inclusive workplace._**

**_Accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code will be provided. _**

**_Only applicants selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted._