Grant and Communications Officer

Position Title: Grant and Communication Officer

Position Details

• Full-Time - 75 hours bi-weekly
• Mondays to Friday
• Day Shifts: 8:30 am until 4:30pm (flexible)
• Annual Salary: $48,000-$58,000 depending on education and experience
• There will be a three-month probationary period.

About Us

Initiatives for Just Communities (IJC) is a non-profit, charitable organization that operates four community justice programs: El'dad Ranch, Touchstone, Open Circle, and CoSA. These programs support people with intellectual disabilities, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and those who are currently, or have been previously, incarcerated. IJC is committed to restorative justice practices, which honour the community and foster a sense of belonging.

IJC supports many Indigenous and culturally diverse participants. As an organization, we aspire to have a workforce that is representative of the diversity within our communities. We value diversity and aim to foster an inclusive work culture where everyone's contributions and professional development matter.

The Position

The Grant and Communication Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission and strategic goals of Initiatives for Just Communities (IJC). This position is responsible for developing clear and effective communication strategies and methods that promote a positive image of the organization and its programs. The Officer is also responsible for the full grant lifecycle, from identifying and preparing applications to overseeing reporting and compliance.

What you will do

Grant Management

• Manage grant processes, including workflows, forms, templates, and reporting tools, to support transparency and accountability.
• Conduct thorough research to identify grants and funding sources that align with IJCs objectives.
• Write and develop high-quality grant proposals, including narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation.
• Address grant-related issues in collaboration with the Executive Director and department leads.

Collaborate with internal teams on grants-related communications, materials, and record management

• Monitor grants for legal, financial, and program compliance including but not limited to ensuring that grant requirements are correctly documented in the grant files and database.
• Ensure all grant applications comply with funding requirements and guidelines. Prepare and submit required reports and documentation for awarded grants.
• Track and manage multiple grant applications simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and proposals are submitted on time.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with all stakeholders throughout the grant application process.
• Track all incoming donations and how the donations are utilized.
• Develop a plan, metric and reporting system to increase donations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with funders, including grant-making organizations, foundations, and government agencies, to stay informed about upcoming opportunities and trends.
• Attend grant-related workshops, conferences, and networking events to represent IJC and explore potential funding partnerships.
• Collaborate with program management to shape initiatives that align with funder priorities and community needs.

Communications

• Develop, implement, and evaluate communication strategies for the organization.
• Develop internal and external materials, for both print and digital, for IJC, including brochures, posters, reports, web stories, articles, and social media posts.
• Edit and format content such as organizational forms, reports, directories, speeches, newsletters, presentations, news releases with a quick turnaround.
• Maintain and develop professional relationships with key stakeholders, agencies, and individuals, as it relates to IJC.
• Attend events to grow IJC's network and represent IJC.
• Creating and distributing an internal newsletter, supporting the Executive Director in responding to media enquiries and attending events as needed.
• Create, in conjunction with other departments and leaders, and distribute IJC's internal newsletter, which provides organizational updates and news.
• Execute and monitor communication strategies, adjust as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Post-secondary education in English, Communications, Education or a related field. Advanced degree preferred. Suitable combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three years' experience in a professional office environment.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to meet operational expectations while providing effective service.
• Proven experience in writing, grant writing, preferably in the social services sector.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate in a clear and effective manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate professionally and build working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and understanding of diversity, inclusivity, and equity issues. This includes respecting and valuing different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and identities to ensure equitable access to services for all clients.
• Strong organizational skills and time management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, including Excel, Word, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, including adhering to PHIA and FIPPA.
• Strong professional acumen and the ability to work within professional boundaries.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle work-related stress.
• Participation in training opportunities and willingness to learn and adapt to new processes or procedures.

Assets

• Certificate in Grant Writing.
• Experience in fundraising or nonprofit financial management.
• Writing portfolio with examples of successful grant applications.

Conditions of Employment

• The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License with satisfactory Driver's Abstract.
• Successful completion of MSDs certification and any other compulsory safety courses.
• Satisfactory work references.
• Adhere to all IJC policies and procedures.

Benefits Include

• IJC group benefits package after the probation period.
• RRSP plan with employer contributions
• Employee and Family Assistance Services
• Paid Sick Leave

Location – 315 HWY 52 W, Mitchell, MB R5G 0Z2 and/or 1335 Erin Street, Winnipeg MB, R3E 2S6

There will be travel between locations, but the applicant may choose either as their primary location.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.