Job Description
Kinark has introduced a benefit that gives employees in eligible roles the opportunity to work partially or fully remote if they choose to opt-in for this benefit. This role (Communications Specialist) is assessed as a Roamer position requiring minimal days in the office (2 days per week) unless business demands require. This role is also eligible for a Compressed Work Week.
Job Summary:
Kinark is looking for a Communications Specialist who can help reimagine our methods of planning, information sharing, collaboration, and drive alignment across teams - all while contributing to our culture and building excitement about Kinark’s mission.
The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing communications plans to support a variety of internal and external initiatives. They will develop a variety of original communication materials (i.e., presentations, promotional materials, web content, key messages, Q and A’s) to support the implementation of various internal and external projects.
This position requires knowledge on topics such as branding, media relations, executive communications, stakeholder engagement, graphic design, community management, internal communications, and issues management. The role requires someone who can work both independently as well as on a team, demonstrating critical thinking, strategic decision making; including taking timely and immediate actions to protect and enhance Kinark's reputation.
The Communications Specialist will maintain relationships with staff at all levels of the organization and provide communications support, coaching, input, and feedback to teams and colleagues.
This is a temporary full-time position with a contract length of 13 months.
Duties & Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):
- Work directly with the manager to recommend and develop communication tactics that support internal and external communications.
- Strategically explore, leverage, and implement innovative ways to creatively communicate with employees (internal communication platforms, video communication, etc.).
- Develop and write key messages/content for communication materials in all media formats (e.g., print, web, digital, social media, presentations, videos, briefing notes, speaking notes, etc.).
- Consult, plan, and execute integrated strategic communication plans (internal and external) to support agency initiatives and provide counsel to senior management on strategic initiatives.
- Ensure strategic communication tactics are aligned with Kinark’s strategic plan and goals.
- Support communication-related reporting needs (e.g., key performance indicators, monitoring and measurement activities, etc.).
- Monitor and incorporate best practices and trends in communications planning, strategy, and measurement to improve processes and procedures.
- Act as a subject matter expert in communications, based on best practice learnings, and provide expertise and advice across the organization to ensure products, information, guidance, and resources are widely available, known and utilized.
- Work alongside other communication team members to support goals and objectives related to projects and initiatives.
- Liaise with external vendors as appropriate.
- Other duties may be assigned within the scope of this position.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of three-year College level diploma in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.**
- A minimum of three years of corporate communications experience in fast-paced, dynamic, and demanding environments.
- Experience working in a large-scale organization, public sector experience preferred.
- Experience working in project teams to deliver on communications plans and strategies.
- A strong writer and editor, specifically in preparing engaging content for a wide variety of target audiences and communications vehicles.
- Experience creating communications plans, strategies, key messaging, for programs or services.
- Demonstrated ability to work efficiently with Microsoft Office tools (Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite and other design tools, and CRM systems.
- High degree of collaboration and the ability to influence to achieve program/project objectives while protecting/enhancing the organizational brand.
- Ability to work flexibly to tight deadlines, under pressure, as part of a team.
- Ability to multi-task and have good organizational and time management skills.
- Sound judgement, discretion, and decision-making ability.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and experience to work across all levels.
- Experience working on internal communications, employee engagement, and corporate culture projects is an asset.
- Health care experience would be an asset.
- Bilingualism is an asset.
