Communications Officer

The Ombudsman is an independent, impartial office 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 (FLSA). 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.

**What can I expect to do in this role?**: This is a permanent full-time position. The position reports to the Manager, Communications -French Language Services and Children and Youth Units.

As a Communications Officer for our Children & Youth Unit Unit, you'll be part of a versatile, dynamic team that specializes in issues related to children and youth who are receiving services from Ontario children's aid societies, foster homes, group homes, secure treatment facilities and youth justice facilities. Your communications expertise will support the work of the Ombudsman and the Children & Youth Unit through reports, speeches and other communications products, as well as outreach and engagement with news media, child welfare system stakeholders and the public. If you're a fully bilingual, media-savvy communicator who's passionate about helping young people in care and promoting and protecting their rights, this position is for you.

**YOU**:

- Have excellent writing and editing skills in English and French, whether you're drafting a two-page press release, editing a 50-page report, writing a speech, or crafting a series of social media posts
- Have knowledge of matters related to child protection services, the rights of youth in care, and groups and professionals who help young people
- Are an experienced event planner, adept at co-ordinating logistics and liaising with outside organizations, and skilled at on-site event management and troubleshooting
- Can produce PowerPoint presentations for a range of presenters and audiences
- Have demonstrated success in public outreach and fostering relationships with stakeholders
- Have experience monitoring traditional and social media
- Are able to distil complicated and nuanced ideas into plain language
- Can nimbly manage competing priorities in a busy environment
- Are a self-starter, capable of working independently and in a small team
- Have a background in communications, journalism and/or government

**WE**:

- Are always looking for new ways to inform youth in care and concerned adults about how the Ombudsman can help
- Produce print products, web content, videos, photos, speeches and slide presentations - all in English and French, and mostly in-house
- Keep our followers, stakeholders and staff informed and connected
- Network with ombudsmen and child advocate organizations in Canada and around the world
- Work in a progressive, fast-paced environment

**How do I qualify?**:
**Communication and Interpersonal Skills,**: In this position, you will produce communications materials, web content (print, digital, video) and social media content, and monitor news and social media - all with a focus on the work of the Children & Youth Unit. You will also play a role in engaging with child welfare service providers across Ontario, supporting the Unit's director and the Ombudsman in building relationships, co-ordinating events and liaising with stakeholders and the public to raise awareness of the role of the Ombudsman.

Applicants must have:

- A post-secondary degree in communications, journalism or a related field
- At least three years' work experience that includes event co-ordination and stakeholder engagement
- Solid writing and editing skills in English and French (must be fluent in speaking, reading and writing in both languages)
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities
- Knowledge of major social media platforms, video editing, website management, and analytics tools
- Experience with social media, traditional communications and media relations, in English and French
- An understanding of the child protection system in Ontario
- Superior research skills

**HOW TO APPLY**: Please include a cover letter with your résumé, describing:

- What makes you a great communications specialist
- Your experience/achievements working in communications
- Why you want to work with the Ombudsman and the Children & Youth Unit in particular

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.

**Please Note: Only applicants selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted. Moving expenses will not be paid. This is a unionized position.**

**Additional Information**:
**Address**:

- 1 Bi