Communications Specialist: 

• Location: Greater Toronto Area (Remote-first with occasional travel)
• Salary Range: $60,000 to $65,000
• Employment Type: Regular Full-time
• Reports to: Director of Development & Communications

As Communications Specialist at The Reading Partnership, you will be responsible for developing and executing communications campaigns and delivering projects that build awareness and action around our brand, mission/vision, program offerings and the issues underpinning low literacy in communities across Canada.

The ideal candidate will bring a high degree of initiative in order to tell compelling stories of The Reading Partnership’s impact and support advancing our organizational growth goals through written and visual communications such as e-newsletters, blogs, infographics, social media content and annual reports. This person provides key support to the programs team by producing strong promotional and educational materials, as well as supporting fundraising efforts by creating donor reports and appeals.

Drawing on data-driven insights, a growth mindset and your own creative point of view, this is a unique opportunity to build out the brand identity and profile of a grassroots non-profit organization with a community-driven focus. Reporting to the Director, Development & Communications, you will work well both independently and in collaboration with a small, dynamic team. This is a remote-first hybrid role with the occasional need to travel to in-person events in the Greater Toronto Area.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Develop and deliver project plans for various initiatives and campaigns in support of the annual communications plan and strategy, including overall performance tracking
• Create and manage comprehensive audience profiles and segmentation models, mapping key demographics, behaviours, and engagement preferences to optimize message targeting across all communications channels
• Develop and publish compelling and SEO-rich content using digital communication channels, including website (WordPress), email (MailChimp) and social media platforms (Hootsuite)
• Create campaigns for TRP’s content calendar, including social media images, infographics and videos (Canva) with engaging captions and posting strategies based on current best practices
• Work closely with team members and program participants to capture and share stories that demonstrate organizational impact
• Collaborate with external vendors as directed (ie. web development agency, SEO expert, fundraising consultant, merchandising and print)

Collateral Development

• Informed by our key messages, branding and emerging issues relevant to literacy, create materials such as speaking notes, presentation templates, press releases and media kits that clearly articulate TRP’s impact and case for support
• Support Programs team with the creation of registration assets (social media posts, web forms, email blasts, partner toolkits, outreach materials)
• Create targeted communication materials for diverse stakeholders as directed (donors, partner organizations, program participants, prospects)
• Coordinate review and approvals with internal and external stakeholders

Annual Festival and Other Events

• Develop and implement communications strategy for signature events such as The Next Chapter Festival, book launches, etc., including coordinating sponsorship acknowledgment and approvals
• Support event planning activities as directed
• As appropriate, represent The Reading Partnership as an enthusiastic and well-informed spokesperson at events
• Attend events to take photos of activities and capture stories to be shared on social media, blog and more

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years experience in strategic communications, preferably within the nonprofit or social impact sector
• Expert at crafting compelling stories across social media and other digital channels to drive audience engagement
• Proven strategic thinking skills, including the ability to plan and deliver effective communications projects that are informed by data insights, current trends and organizational guiding principles
• Outstanding written, verbal and visual communication skills to bring impacts to life in a variety of formats (op-eds, graphics, video, etc.)
• Detail-oriented, highly organized and resourceful, able to manage multiple priorities while adhering to deadlines and proactively solving problems that arise using good judgment
• Highly proficient at using Canva, Mailchimp, WordPress, Google Analytics and Google Workspace
• Experience working with marginalized communities, including families and children from racialized and low-income backgrounds; demonstrated an anti-oppressive, equity-focused approach to working with community members and colleagues. Lived experience is highly valued.
• Ability to thrive as part of a small and nimble team that values creativity, learning and adaptability
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers an asset

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organization that transforms lives through literacy.
• Work in a collaborative and supportive team that values innovation and creativity.
• The opportunity to lead impactful initiatives that raise awareness and drive engagement.
• Enjoy a remote-first work environment.
• Professional Development Program that enhances your skills and advances your career.
• Receive a competitive salary with annual increases.
• Access a comprehensive benefits package funded by the organization.
• Participate in a Group Retirement Savings Plan program.
• Start with three weeks of paid vacation per year, plus paid sick days.
• Join a culture that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume that includes a link to your visual portfolio via our Indeed posting. Click here for the link to the posting.

We appreciate the interest of all candidates; however, only those selected will be contacted for an interview.

The Reading Partnership is dedicated to creating an environment that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We are also committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible selection process as well as a barrier-free work environment. If you require any accommodations to participate fairly in the selection process, please let us know.

Deadline to Apply: Review of applications will begin on April 14, 2025 and will continue until we select the right candidate and the position is filled.