Communications Officer

**Communications Officer**

**Friends of Ruby**

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 2SLGBTQIA+youth, grounded in evidence and research, and led and facilitated by 2SLGBTQIA+ 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 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are validated, included, and empowered to lead healthier lives.

**Position Summary**

Friends of Ruby is seeking a seasoned communications professional who will lead and execute the organization communications strategy in developing effective content that will increase engagement among Friends of Ruby’s key target audiences: youth, employees, community partners and donors.

The Communications Officer will ultimately support the development of internal & external communications, employee communications, social media, and marketing. They 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. The Communications officer will work collaboratively within the Development & Communications team, as well as across departments.

**Duties and Responsibilities**
- Planning & Execution_
- Develop the annual communications and engagement strategy for key audiences (donors, youth, board members, supporters).
- 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.
- Content Writing & Development_
- Write, design and review all corporate communications materials including but not limited to: internal newsletters, branding, leadership or organization communications as needed.
- Ensure use of consistent and accurate messaging by all spokespeople and across all channels.
- Review documentations and external communications produced by each department to ensure brand and key message alignment as needed
- Oversee the content on Friends of Ruby website
- 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)
- Develop and manage annual/quarterly campaigns that supports awareness and/or fundraising.
- Coordinate media engagements and support organizational spokespersons with key messages.

**Qualifications and Experience**
- 5+ years of experience in communications or marketing
- 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 writing.
- Proficiency in software and tools for creative and digital communications (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and Wordpress CMS).
- Has worked within the 2SLGBTQIA+ youth sector and/or shows understanding and/or lived experience of the challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ population.
- Has experience in working with intermediate/leadership team members and external partners.
- 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 of full vaccination or exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code must be submitted to Human Resources seven (7) calendar days prior to start date.

**Hiring Policy / Statement on Employment Equity and Diversity**

Friends of Ruby recognizes that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain highly t