Communications and Events Specialist

**Communications and Events Specialist | Full-time | Contract**

Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) is seeking a Communications and Events Specialist to implement the organization’s communication strategy and training portfolio.

PRO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the social, health, and environmental benefits of quality recreation and parks. The organization was formed in 1995 out of a shared belief in the power of parks and recreation to affect social change. We believe that parks and recreational programs aren't just a fringe benefit, but that they are essential to the social, economic, and environmental health of Ontario. Equitable access to parks and recreational programs promotes health, strengthens communities, and supports environmental sustainability. With this in mind, we work with our 6,500 members to build capacity for the delivery of quality programs and advocate for the parks and recreation sector more broadly.
PRO’s work falls under three pillars: training and education, quality standards programs including the HIGH FIVE standard, and policy. This position works across all three programs to ensure clear and consistent messaging for the organization.

**What you will do**:
In this position, you will become a part of a small but mighty team of talented, friendly individuals looking to make an impact. Reporting to the Director of Public Policy and
Communications, you will have the opportunity to raise the profile of an established organization that is well-respected in the parks and recreation sector. You will be responsible for executing PRO’s communication strategy and coordinating aspects of event planning and implementation. This position plays a key role in PRO’s success vis-a-vis stakeholder engagement and meeting the needs of the sector.

**Communications**
- Prepare content for stakeholder communications using Mailchimp and other campaign creation tools.
- Track communications engagement and develop strategies to modify content and design based on data.
- Develop and post content for social media channels that is relevant and helps build capacity in the sector.
- Track social media engagement analytics.
- Use communication channels to promote PRO activities.
- Develop pre
- and post-event communications, follow-up, and outreach based on organizational needs.
- Support the creation of communication campaigns for special projects.

**Events**
- Collaborate with staff to implement event operating procedures.
- Coordinate all elements of an event including, but not limited to, registration processes, liaising with speakers, and vendor management.
- Research and source venues, speakers, and other event components required for a successful conference or training.
- Support program content design.
- Conduct post event evaluations engaging attendees, stakeholders, staff, and volunteers as appropriate, and make recommendations for modifications based on feedback.
- Oversee and develop event registration pages on the PRO database and website.
- Take on the role of technical host for a variety of online trainings, events, and webinars.

**Who you are**:

- Post-secondary degree/diploma - preferably in communications, event planning, or related fields.
- 3+ years of experience in communications and/or in-person and virtual event coordination.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an attention to detail and a strong background in copy writing and proofreading.
- Demonstrated experience working cross organizationally to develop relevant content both for social media and other digital formats.
- Interest in learning about the parks and recreation sector and how best to meet stakeholder needs.
- Experience creating visual assets for digital publication.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Experience using content management systems and communications platforms.
- Willingness to learn new technologies.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.

**You are**:

- A critical thinker that is not afraid to ask questions.
- Flexible and able to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
- Detail oriented.
- Collaborative and communicative.
- Able to balance priorities of a diverse set of stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
- Passionate about creating engaging content.
- Solution driven.
- Comfortable with change.
- Highly motivated and able to work independently.

**Compensation**

PRO offers a competitive compensation package including health and dental benefits alongside a generous vacation allowance. Due to COVID-19, we are a hybrid by default organization, with team members working remotely and sometimes in the office based on need.

**Salary**:$55,000 - $65,000 per year commensurate with experience

**Status**:1-year contract

**Hours**: 37.5 hours per week

Communications. If we think your skills and experiences and interests align with this position, we will invite you to the next stage.

**Stage 3**:A video discus