Communications Specialist

**Why Join CWSDS**
- **Meaningful work, supporting people with complex needs**
- **One of Canada’s top pension plans with HOOPP**
- **Comprehensive benefits and competitive wages**
- **Opportunity for growth and development / Training reimbursement**
- **Opportunity to have your voice heard on one of our many committees**
- **Equal opportunity employer, seeking to promote diversity, equity and inclusion**

Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS) is a leader in providing supportive living, community participation supports and specialized services, assessment and treatment to individuals who have developmental and intellectual disabilities, dual diagnosis, and/or challenging behaviours throughout the municipalities of Halton, Peel and Dufferin and the regions of Waterloo and Wellington.

As a specialist in the field of developmental an intellectual disabilities, CWSDS has experienced continued growth over the last five years. As such, we are looking to hire a **Communications Specialist **on a full time basis (40 hours per week). This position will report to the Executive Assistant & Partner Liaison / CEO Office.

**Purpose of the Position**:
**Responsibilities**

**Communications, Social Media and Media**:

- Provide advice and support to communications planning and activities
- Work with current employees and their departments, and external partners to develop a communications strategy, to deliver consistent and educational messages both externally and internally that support the Agency’s strategic plan
- Assist with Agency initiatives such as the implementation of the communications plans for the strategic plan, reports, etc.
- Assists with managing the timelines, translation, accessibility, and approvals processes required for a variety of communications related projects.
- Identify communication partners/employees in each department and work with them on a weekly basis to ensure all key communication needs are being addressed and required information is being provided.
- Drafts internal and external communications for approval by CEO or designate.
- Assists with campaign-related and bi-monthly reporting for social media and traditional media.
- Basic editing for graphics and images.
- Assists with; maintaining a social media content calendar, developing social media content, facilitating approvals and coordinating French translation; and posting content to the Agency’s social media accounts.
- Creates and administers corporate social media accounts as required.
- Using appropriate tools, moderates’ interactions with the public and ensures the Agency’s social media policies and procedures are respected.
- Assists with updating information on the Agency’s website and ensure that all information follows CWSDS’s standards and identifies new and innovative web and digital solutions to the Executive Office.
- Works with programs across the organization to ensure that content is up to date, relevant and updated on the intranet in a timely manner and refreshed on a continuous basis.
- Optimize photographs for social media, corporate documents, advertisements, and online imagery.Ensure that all imagery has all relevant consents
- Ensures that the production of all materials is compliant with brand guidelines and Official Languages Act.

**Grant Writing**:

- Prepare high-quality grant proposals in a timely manner, including: research on the project, discussion with project proponents to ensure a thorough understanding of the project,, collaborate and coordinate with programs to gather relevant proposal information, develop budgets, timelines, work plans, and other required documents, make presentations and securing letters of support as needed
- Identify grants and funding opportunities or partnerships available
- Submit reports to granting organizations following the completion of projects
- Provide recognition for granting organizations as required
- Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

**Job Requirements**:

- Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, marketing, or related field; or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a writing/communication position; experience in grant writing is an asset.
- Experience in not-for-profit / developmental services / health or social services communications and understanding of budgets as they relate to proposals and grants.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills. Demonstrated ability to take complicated topics and develop clear communications that inform and educate internal and external stakeholders.
- Working knowledge of communication principles, tools, and design elements.
- Ability to write for different media and to identify most effective channels to deliver key messages to target audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage changing priorities and deadlines.
- Strong working knowledge in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Canva, and Typeform.
- High standard of professionalism, competence, r