Marketing and Communications Officer

**Friends of Ruby**

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of LGBTQI2S youth through a unique combination of integrated and tailored services in mental health, social support, and housing. We are committed to creating welcoming and safer spaces uniquely designed to help build community, emotional well-being, and confidence.

We distinguish ourselves by delivering an integrated transitional housing model to support youth towards independent living, impactful counselling modalities and therapeutic groups, social activities and practical supports that address multiple aspects of a youth’s life (e.g., health, education, employment).

Our services and programs are informed by LGBTQI2S youth, grounded in evidence and research, and led and facilitated by LGBTQI2S individuals. Our staff reflects the diversity of the youth we serve and are skilled in supporting youth towards independence and well-being. Ultimately, we want to help create a Canada where all LGBTQI2S youth are validated, included, and empowered to lead healthier lives.

**Position Summary**

Friends of Ruby is seeking an ambitious marketing and communications professional who is eager to execute marketing and communications plans and develop compelling external-facing content that will increase engagement among Friends of Ruby’s key stakeholders: youth, volunteers, community partners and donors, and position Friends of Ruby as a thought leader and voice of LGBTQI2S youth in Toronto.

Reporting to the Director of Direct Marketing and Development, the Marketing and Communications Officer will have a growth mindset and the ability to translate broad strategic directions of this fast-growing organization into measurable objectives and drive key results.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

Marketing and Communications Planning & Execution
- Support the Director in developing and positioning the annual communications and engagement strategy for key audiences.
- Spearhead and oversee calendar of tactics and campaigns (digital, fundraising, and others - Chosen Family Day, Pride, and Fall/Year-End), including all social media activities.
- Oversee coordinated, cohesive end-to-end execution of all tactics and campaigns, ensuring alignment and synergy with all departments in the organization.

Content Writing & Management
- Write corporate communications materials including boilerplate key messages, calls to action, FAQ, speeches, proposals, newsletters, and other as needed.
- Ensure use of consistent and accurate messaging by all spokespeople and across all channels.
- Revise/Copy Edit documentations and external communications produced by each department to ensure brand and key message alignment.

Project Coordination & Management
- Manage projects and vendors/agency relations to meet all marketing and communications needs (e.g., website development, freelance writing, public announcements, annual reports, etc.) including securing in-kind or discounted resources, developing business cases, managing vendors/agencies and contracts)Receive, coordinate, and prepare responses for all incoming media requests.
- Coordinate media engagements and support organizational spokespersons with key messages.

**Qualifications and Experience**
- 4-6 years of experience in marketing or communications.
- Hands-on, eager to use their talent to support impactful initiatives for LGBTQI2S youth.
- Cuts through ambiguity, translates broad strategic directions into clear quantitative targets and results.
- Strong and diligent project manager and problem-solver; team player able to coordinate across teams to achieve results.
- Can handle multiple priorities and deliver results in tight deadlines with limited supervision.
- Experience working in non-profits and/or start-up/scale-up environments is an asset.
- Excellent writing skills demonstrated through clear, concise and persuasive content.
- Proficiency in software and tools for creative and digital communications (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
- Has worked within the LGBTQI2S youth sector and/or shows understanding and/or lived experience of the challenges faced by the LGBTQI2S population.
- Has experience in working with intermediate/leadership team members and external partners and is tactful.
- Adobe, Photography, web development and video production are considered assets.

**Additional Requirements**
- Satisfactory clearance under the Police Background Check.
- Must be qualified to legally work in Canada.
- Willing to work at a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the organization, working evenings on occasions.
- Ability to travel to other community-based settings as needed.

**COVID-19 Protocols**

Friends of Ruby believes that immunization against COVID-19 is an individual and societal responsibility and that we must do everything possible to protect our clients, families, employees, students, volunteers and contractors against the spread of COVID-19. As a condition of employment, proof o