Communications Specialist

"The best prescription I've ever given is a wish." - Dr. Jeremy Friedman, Associate Paediatrician-in-Chief, SickKids Hospital & Medical Advisor for Make-A-Wish® Canada WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WISH? Is it to be part of an organization that is child-focused, values employee experience and is an inspiring workplace? If so, Make-A-Wish is for you Make-A-Wish® Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. “It’s been wonderful to have this wish to look forward to... It’s wonderful to see [Rowan] with something that brings him pure joy after all he’s been through and missed out on” - Melissa, mom to wish kid Rowan (age 5, leukemia), who wished for an indoor jungle gym. MISSION, VISION AND VALUES Our mission is, together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness. Supported by our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child. Our values are Child-Focused, Integrity, Impact, Innovation, and Community. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? - Meaningful opportunities to make an impact and change the lives of children with critical illnesses within your community and across Canada - A collaborative team environment where you feel valued and inspired - An attractive compensation package that includes group health and dental premiums which are fully covered by the Foundation, RRSP, & Wish paid hours - Annual vacation starting at three weeks & additional paid leaves - Work/life balance and flexibility - Hybrid working environment - Employee Wellness Program - Corporate discounts - Continuous learning, development and internal training opportunities - Fun employee activities, contests, and more Make-A-Wish® Canada is committed to fostering a culture that aims to change lives while offering a rewarding employment experience where your contributions make a true difference every day WHERE YOU COME IN We are looking for a Communications Specialist to join our team at Make-A-Wish Canada. Reporting to the Sr Manager of Influence & Engagement, in this role you will play a vital role in enhancing the organization’s visibility and engagement through strategic communication initiatives and media relations, with a focus on growing brand awareness in the Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan chapters. This position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication plans, as well as managing media relations and content development strategies for various fundraising events and initiatives, ensuring consistency of message and brand and directly contributing to raising funds. This role is based out of Calgary and is a full-time, permanent, hybrid position. WHAT YOU WILL DO **EVENT COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT**: - Develop and execute strategic communication plans, including key messaging, media outreach materials and social media calendars/metrics for national signature events and regional events, with support to select third-party fundraising initiatives. - Review fundraising event materials for brand compliance. - Prepare regional crisis communications and issues management plans where relevant and co-lead reactive media statements. - Act as a media liaison at events and spokesperson where appropriate. - Support event content creation and/or source, coordinate, and handle photographer and videographer vendors for regional events/wishes where appropriate. - Liaise with and prepare wish families for event participation as required. **MEDIA RELATIONS**: - Develop and manage relationships with media outlets, identify local editorial media opportunities, solicit paid, discounted or gratis awareness and fundraising advertising from media partners in the community, in conjunction with, and support of national media relations activities. - Use Meltwater to create media lists, disseminate media releases, monitor and evaluate coverage, and prepare reports for internal distribution. - Coordinate and prepare stakeholders for media interviews, prepare a briefing document with key messages. **CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT**: - Create and manage content for regional initiatives for all local channels. - Participate in social media editorial meetings, providing social media metrics. - Create engaging wish stories and oversee volunteer and freelance writers. - Partner with select influencers and content creators to support local/regional initiatives in compliance with the national influencer strategy. - Manage, organize, and maintain video, story and photo archive and other communications materials for internal and external use. **GENERAL**: - Develop new avenues for awareness initiatives within the region(s). - Oversee the training and management of seasonal interns. - Collaborate with development and mission staff, volunteers,