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.

Program Manager – Curriculum Design and Program Development: 

• Location: Greater Toronto Area (Remote with occasional travel)
• Salary Range: $70,000 to $80,000
• Employment Type: Regular Full-time
• Reports to: Executive Director

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic Program Manager specializing in reading curriculum design and program development to lead our literacy-focused initiatives. This role is crucial for designing impactful, scalable literacy programs that align with the science of reading and other proven literacy learning methodologies. The ideal candidate is passionate about literacy, innovative in program development, and experienced in managing educational programs within both the public school system and the private or nonprofit sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine literacy curriculum and instructional materials tailored to various age groups and literacy levels.
• Lead the creation and continuous improvement of literacy programs that align with evidence-based practices, including the science of reading.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to implement and scale programs effectively.
• Design and deliver training for educators, volunteers, and program staff on curriculum content and teaching methodologies.
• Utilize data-driven insights to evaluate program effectiveness, ensuring alignment with educational research and literacy outcomes.
• Foster relationships with partners, funders, and community organizations to support program growth and sustainability.
• Manage a team of Program Coordinators and support staff, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Curriculum Development, Literacy Studies, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years in program design, curriculum development, or educational leadership roles in an educational setting plus experience or a keen willingness to learn and to work with the Black community.
• Strong understanding of the science of reading and evidence-based literacy instruction methods.
• Proven experience in leading diverse teams and managing complex projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in using data to inform program design and demonstrate impact.
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital learning tools is an asset.

Personal Attributes

• Mission-driven with a commitment to the organization’s values and goals.
• Collaborative leader with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Proactive problem solver who is adaptable and solution-oriented.
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

About Us:

Our vision is that every child, in every community, has the literacy skills and self-determination to positively impact their world.

Our mission is to build community and cultivate a love of reading for children and families through inclusive, interactive and evidence-informed literacy programming.

The Reading Partnership (TRP) began as a response to the low literacy rates in Toronto’s Kingston-Galloway/Orton Park (KGO) neighbourhood. In 2011, 49% of Grade 3 students across the KGO neighbourhood were not meeting the provincial standards for reading, with Black, low-income, and racialized students being overrepresented in this number.

TRP was established that same year with the goal to promote and improve literacy in low income, high potential communities in Scarborough and beyond. Built to help children and families who are typically failed by the education system, TRP provides access to free, high-quality literacy programs. A decade later, our work is growing into a movement dedicated to improving literacy all across Canada.

You can learn more about The Reading Partnership at www.readingpartnership.com

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 thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected will be contacted for an interview.

The Reading Partnership strives to foster an environment that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. It is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. Please advise if you require accommodations to ensure a fair and equitable selection process.