Internal Communications Specialist

**POSITION**: Internal Communications Specialist (13-15 Month Contract)
**REPORTS TO**: Manager, Senior Communications
**DEPARTMENT**: Marketing & Communications
**LOCATION**: North Bay
**REFERENCE**: 800-129-26
**SALARY**: $81,900 - $96,356

**WHO WE ARE**:
Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) is an Agency of the Province of Ontario that provides efficient and vital transportation services. We are a modern, forward-thinking organization focused on providing safe and reliable transportation services. ONTC has a rich history of over 120 years and strong connections to the communities we serve. With over 1000 skilled professionals, we work together to enhance transportation services and ensure that they are sustainable for future generations. We offer a dynamic workplace culture, along with a competitive salary, a defined benefit pension plan, paid vacation, paid personal leave days and discounted transportation on our bus and passenger rail services.

**ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT**:
The Internal Communications Specialist develops and delivers engaging content and campaigns to inform, connect, and inspire internal audiences. This role will serve as a key resource for departments and project teams, offering strategic communications advice and support. The Specialist collaborates with the Marketing and Communications Department to produce a range of internal communications materials, and monitors campaign effectiveness to continuously improve messaging and engagement.

**MAJOR DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Develop and execute internal communication plans for a variety of initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Write and edit materials such as presentations, memos, fact sheets, key messages, briefing notes, and promotional documents.
- Act as a brand journalist—researching, interviewing, and crafting clear, engaging stories and campaigns that resonate with employees.
- Pitch content ideas and explore innovative ways to reach all employee groups, with a focus on improving access for non-desk workers.
- Gather and analyze feedback through digital tools and in-person engagement to evaluate campaign effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Coordinate and support employee engagement events, internal presentations, and leadership communications.
- Advise departments and senior leadership on communication strategies for ad-hoc and long-term projects, including HR, IT, and major initiatives (e.g., Northlander), using qualitative and quantitative data to monitor effectiveness.
- Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure consistency with external messaging and brand standards; escalate complex design needs to the Senior Manager of Communications.
- Liaise with vendors (e.g., designers, agencies, printers) and support intranet updates and improvements in partnership with the Web Developer.
- Support crisis and emergency communications, acting as the first point of contact during critical incidents (e.g., fatalities, service disruptions, bargaining), and ensure ongoing messaging to protect the agency’s reputation.
- Participate in training and preparedness exercises for emergency communication scenarios.
- Identify and address internal narratives or misinformation in collaboration with the Senior Manager of Communications.
- Travel at least 5 times per year to ONTC locations (e.g., Cochrane, Englehart) to connect with employees and gather feedback.
- Continuously evolve Ontario Northland’s internal communications program by assessing current tools and strategies, recommending updates, and implementing new solutions.
- Develop resources and training to empower others to communicate effectively.
- Ensure compliance with ONTC’s Communications Protocol and coordinate approvals with MTO for sensitive internal communications.

**REQUIREMENTS**:

- University degree in Journalism, English, Marketing or Communications.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in corporate communications within a large organization.
- Exceptional writing, proofreading, and editing skills with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and context.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Teams.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is considered an asset.
- Experience with content management systems (CMS) and basic knowledge of HTML is an asset.
- Experience in crisis communications or high-stakes projects is an asset. Strong organizational and project management skills; comfortable handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships across departments.
- Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, creativity, and a collaborative team spirit.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel up to 25% across Ontario Northland’s service area (e.g., Winnipeg, Cochrane, Moosonee, Sault Ste. Marie).
- Bilingualism is considered an asset.
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