Communications & Marketing Specialist
The Communications & Marketing Specialist plays a key role in telling the story of YOUCAN Youth Services and increasing awareness of our programs, impact and opportunities for community involvement. Working collaboratively with leadership, Fund Development, program teams and external partners, this position supports the planning and execution of YOUCAN's communications and marketing activities across digital and traditional channels. As the organization's primary communications and marketing resource, the Specialist manages a broad portfolio including social media, website and email communications, storytelling, campaigns, media relations, photography and video, brand materials, event communications and performance reporting. The successful candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, with strong writing, creative and organizational skills and the ability to balance planned priorities with emerging organizational needs.
Key ResponsibilitiesCommunications, Content & Storytelling:
- Develop and coordinate communications activities that support organizational, program and Fund Development priorities.
- Write and edit content for social media, website, email, newsletters, reports, presentations, campaigns and marketing materials.
- Work with staff and leadership to translate program information into clear, accessible and engaging communications.
- Maintain consistent organizational messaging, voice and brand standards.
Digital & Creative Communications:
- Manage YOUCAN's social media channels, including content planning, creation, scheduling, publishing and engagement.
- Maintain and update website content, in collaboration with the website manager.
- Plan and execute email communications and newsletters.
- Create and coordinate digital and print materials, including graphics, photography, short-form video, advertisements, event materials and promotional pieces.
- Maintain organized communications assets, templates, photography, video and brand materials.
Campaigns, Fund Development & Events:
- Collaborate with Fund Development and organizational teams on communications supporting fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, events and community awareness.
- Develop campaign messaging and supporting digital and print materials.
- Provide communications support for organizational events, announcements, media opportunities and other initiatives.
Media, Photography & Video:
- Support media relations, coordinating requests and preparing appropriate information and materials.
- Capture photography and video content for organizational storytelling and marketing.
- Ensure appropriate consent, privacy and brand standards are followed when collecting and using stories, photography and video.
- Track media coverage of YOUCAN in the news and broader relevant news.
Analytics & Reporting:
- Monitor website, social media, email and campaign performance using available analytics tools.
- Track relevant communications metrics and provide reporting to leadership as required.
- Use performance data and audience insights to recommend improvements to communications activities and content.
Organizational Support:
- Collaborate with teams across the organization to identify communications needs and priorities.
- Manage multiple projects, deadlines and requests in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.
- Stay informed of relevant communications, digital and marketing practices.
- Support other communications, marketing and Fund Development priorities as required.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3 to 4 years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations or a related role.
- Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and channels.
- Experience managing social media and creating digital content.
- Experience with website content management and email marketing platforms.
- Strong visual communication skills and experience creating marketing materials using tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience using analytics to evaluate communications activities and inform decisions.
- Strong project management, organizational and attention-to-detail skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and respond to changing organizational needs.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with staff, leadership, young people, community partners and external vendors.
- Photography, video, media relations, CRM or donor management experience is considered an asset.
- Experience in the nonprofit, social services, youth-serving or community sector is considered an asset.
- Membership with CPRS, IABC, or AFP considered an asset.
Reporting Structure
This role will report to TBD.
Working Environment
This is a collaborative, hands-on communications role working across multiple areas of the organization. The Communications & Marketing Specialist should be comfortable balancing planned communications work with emerging organizational priorities.
Regular office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Some evening and weekend work may be required to support events, campaigns, photography, media opportunities and other organizational activities.
About YOUCAN Youth Services
YOUCAN Youth Services supports young people through employment programming and intensive youth support services. Our work is centered on building relationships, creating opportunities and helping young people move toward stability, employment and positive futures.
The Communications & Marketing Specialist helps ensure these stories, opportunities and outcomes are communicated thoughtfully, accurately and respectfully to the community.
Pay: From $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
