Senior Communications Specialist in Stouffville, Ontario at The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

Who We Are

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity and has been operating for 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario; we value all animals and advocate to treat them with respect and kindness. We strive to keep pets and families together and do so through a variety of community support services.

Our Values

Our core values include having compassion for the people and animals we serve. Being transparent with the individuals we interact with every day and the team members we work with. Each day striving for excellence in relation to animal welfare. Collaborating with one another to ensure a team spirit in caring for the animals. We take accountability for our actions and the impact we are making in pet-related care. All our values add up to ensure the upmost care, comfort and compassion and to treat the animals and the communities we serve with respect and kindness.

• Compassion
• Transparency
• Excellence
• Collaboration
• Accountability

Why You Should Join Our Team

• Be part of an energetic team environment with others who share your passion for animal wellbeing!
• Competitive compensation package including medical, dental and vision benefits
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Paid sick time
• 3 weeks of vacation to start!
• Predictable daytime hours
• Free onsite parking
• Discount on Ontario SPCA apparel, Paws & Give merchandise, Virtual pet care, and pet food too!
• Opportunities for professional development

Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for supports the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society's social media program, communications planning, and written content strategy. This role leads the project management of provincial communications and marketing campaigns while acting as a key writer and editor for the organization. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about communications, storytelling, and making a meaningful impact within an industry committed to animal welfare.

Key Responsibilities

The following list represents the core essential duties and job specifications of the Senior Communications Specialist role. Other duties may be assigned as required by the Society.

Social Media Strategy and Management

• Create and execute the provincial social media content calendar
• Oversee all provincial social media accounts
• Develop social media plans for various provincial marketing, fundraising and advocacy campaigns
• Support social media initiatives and troubleshoot issues in Ontario SPCA provincial, animal centres and clinics across the province
• Steward online influencer relationships
• Develop and manage online contests with the goal to generate leads and increase online engagement
• Provide regular report analysis of all provincial social media programs
• Support social media monitoring for provincial social media accounts on occasion
• Provide consulting and training support to animal centres on the topics of social media on occasion

Writing and Editing

• Write media releases, blogs, and eblasts
• Manage and write the monthly digital newsletters for both the provincial office and all animal centres across the province
• Manage and write the blog
• Proofread and edit written communications released by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, including articles, blogs, website content, and eblasts
• Work with various departments to develop, document, and share impact stories across communications channels
• Support the Director of Communications by providing media relations reporting and media release distribution support as required

Project Management and Campaign Execution

• Act as project manager for Provincial Corporate Partnership program execution, ensuring all Marketing and Communications team members understand their responsibilities and deadlines
• Coordinate freelance writers for the Society
• Create UTMs for various campaign analytics
• Track marketing and communications programs for impact and report findings to the Director of Communications
• Provide insight on email marketing strategies to grow monthly newsletter lists and other email lists

Additional Functions

Including but not limited to:

• Participate in community outreach and relationship management with key stakeholders, sponsors, media, partners, donors, and volunteers as needed
• Support staff in social media initiatives in various animal centres across the province
• Occasional administrative duties for the department
• Other duties as required

Behavioural Skills & Competencies

• Ability to operate under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills with the ability to present to large groups
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high volume of work and tight deadlines
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to edit and proofread
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated tact and diplomacy
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated analytical skills
• Ability and flexibility to work in a team environment, under time pressure, and on some weekends or evenings
• Self-motivated, confident, energetic, and creative

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
• Experience in the areas of communications, writing, and project management
• Excellent social media management and strategy skills
• Strong experience working on a variety of social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, X)
• Proven experience in crisis management and online engagement
• Excellent copy editing skills
• Working knowledge of social media content management software an asset (e.g., Meltwater Engage)
• Computer skills –Claude, Windows, MS Office, CMS (WordPress Gutenberg, Luminate, Engaging Networks preferred)

Additional Functions

Including but not limited to:

• Other duties as required by the Society.

We Can’t Wait to Meet You!

• Click Apply Now and upload your resume and cover letter.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process upon request. For any questions,