Communications and Charity Specialist

Temporary Full-time

Ending June 2026

Non-Union

Based in Sudbury, Ontario, Compass is the Lead Agency for child & youth mental health services for the districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin. Compass has a culture of caring, learning, and purpose where employees feel supported, where new ideas and innovation are welcomed, and where massive, intergenerational impact is made in the lives of children, youth, families, and communities at large. Culture, leadership, and development really matter at Compass. We’re proud of bringing our culture to life through regular staff engagement, prioritizing employee wellness, and embodying the trauma-informed culture framework Sanctuary (www.thesanctuaryinstitute.org/about-us/the-sanctuary-model). The senior leadership team also engages its management team and key staff influencers in monthly leadership development related to the LEADS in a Caring Environment Framework (www.leadscanada.net).

Sudbury is a medium-sized city known for its serenity and an astonishing amount of nearby lakes, hiking trails, and outdoor activities, while still enjoying a significant variety of the amenities large cities offer, including various restaurants, entertainment, and cultural diversity.

Compass is a non-profit agency. At Compass, we are a culture of caring, learning and purpose. We believe in investing in our people and providing our employees with many opportunities for growth, development and learning. We are working together to create paths with children, youth and families to reach their full potential. We believe in making a positive impact on the lives of others, by genuinely caring about individuals and our community. Our guiding principles shape how we work with our clients, one another, and our partners.

Directly reporting to the Manager, Strategy & Communications, the Communications and Charity Specialist will be responsible for the planning development, implementation and evaluation of internal and external communication and fundraising strategies.  They promote cooperative planning and decision-making with other staff teams/groups across the Agency.  This role may require alternate work hours to support both community and agency events or tables.

DUTIES:

• Promotes positive professional relationships with internal staff, community partners, government ministries and agencies.
• Provides leadership advice and support to communications, public affairs, promotion, marketing, and media relationships.
• Leads the organizational social media strategy and website development and maintenance.
• Manages, leads and/or consults on the development of the Agency’s communication strategy.
• Provides advice to senior leadership on communication strategies related to the Agency’s programs, services and risks.
• Leverages communications and Agency relationships to support strategy and achievement of goals and objectives.
• Ensures the provision of consultative support, including editing and proofreading, to all of the Agency’s teams/groups for the development of communications strategies, media relations and related resources.
• Coordinates communication initiatives associated with specific Compass reports/studies/initiatives.
• Coordinates media relations, including dissemination of news releases.
• Coordinates the monitoring and tracking of Compass media coverage.
• Provides leadership and guidance to the Agency regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Integrated Standard for Information and Communication.
• Leads the production and distribution of the annual report and other internal communications.
• Lead the development, execution and monitoring of the Organization’s Charity fund through events and targeted fundraising.
• Develop and implement charity-use guidelines for the organization.
• Research, apply and report on grant opportunities to support agency projects and services.
• Lead and possibly chair internal and external committees, task groups and working groups related to engagement and/or communications issues, as required.
• Coordinates assigned projects by using effective project management principles and tools.
• Prepares an overall annual work plan to achieve the position duties.
• Considers legal, ethical and political ramifications in decision-making that may affect Agency and its specific programs.
• Support the Engagement Specialist when required.
• Supervises budget and sets targets and tracks whether goals are achieved.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary degree in Political or Social Sciences, Community Development, Health Services, Communications, Public Relations or a related field.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant work experience that includes expertise in communications, marketing, and community engagement.
• Able to effectively use software such as WordPress and Adobe Suite.
• Knowledge of Excel and Word.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to assess priorities, analyse and solve problems.
• Demonstrate organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop a sound appreciation and knowledge of the agency’s functions and organizational structure.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication, preferably in both official languages.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other experienced professionals including school boards, colleagues of other health and social service agencies, local politicians, etc.
• Ability to work independently.

Successful applicants will be required to provide:

• Proof of eligibility to work in Canada
• A valid Ontario driver’s license and use of a reliable motor vehicle; insurability on vehicle as per policy
• Clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search

Benefits include:

• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Paid float days
• On-site parking (paid by employer)

We offer one of Canada’s best pension plans

We are proud to participate in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), offering our valued employees the security and peace of mind that comes with a defined benefit pension plan. We understand the importance of financial well-being and believe that a strong pension, like HOOPP, recognizes our employees and provides a stable foundation for their future as part of the overall compensation package. Join us and start building a future you can look forward to.

Application Process

Compass is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist workplace culture where all employees are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success and are committed to creating an environment where everyone thrives and is protected from harm.

Compass is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace. Compass is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive and barrier-free workplace that allows all of our people to reach their full potential. A diverse workforce is key to our success. Compass will engage in reasonable workplace accommodation, short of undue hardship, for any successful candidate who has a documented exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Compass offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by Compass regarding a job opportunity, please advise prior to the interview if you require accommodation. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply and hope you will choose Compass as your employer of choice.

We request that all applicants submit their cover letter and résumé quoting job posting number #1796 not later than September 19, 2024, clearly indicating how you meet the qualifications by email at hr@compassne.ca or at spotless-quartz.flywheelstaging.com.

We thank all applicants however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.