Communications Coordinator (Part-time Temporary Contract (Parental Leave))
Closing Date – August 8, 2014
The Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) is a national non-profit organization and federally registered charity. LEAF works to advance the equality of women and girls in Canada through litigation, law reform and public legal education. For more information about LEAF visit our website https://www.leaf.ca.
LEAF seeks a part-time temporary Communications Coordinator. The position is a part-time temporary contract position for 10-15 hours per week to cover a parental leave. The Coordinator will be responsible for our national communication strategy including electronic communications, events support, graphic design, maintaining web and social media presence, media relations, drafting communication materials including statements and press releases and editing/proofreading documents. The Coordinator will work under the direction of the Executive Director. The Coordinator may work remotely but must be available to travel to attend in person meetings as required.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Electronic Communications
- Ensure LEAF’s web and social media presence is maintained and updated in a timely manner
- Disseminate notices, press releases, statements or other materials electronically via email, website and/or other social media tools
- Research and recommend appropriate web tools/products and new media technology as needed
2. Events and Activity Support
- Write, edit and guide the development and production of materials and publications, including print and electronic newsletters, annual reports, fundraising and program marketing materials and other organizational resources
- Responsible for designing materials
- Assist with planning and coordination events including preparation of notices, background materials and other relevant documents; development of presentations, and activities planning as required
- Provide advice and communications support to fund development activities and events
- Solicit contributions from branches, staff, committees and volunteers
3. Public / Stakeholder & Media Relations
- Seek to enhance LEAF’s visibility and profile
- Monitor media for stories relevant to LEAF and / or women’s equality
- Research and write speeches, media releases, statements and other pieces for public dissemination
- Plan and stage news conferences when necessary
- Consult with, advise and prepare the Board Chair, Executive Director, Legal Director and other staff or volunteers for media responses and initiatives
- Build and maintain relationships with media personnel
- Maintain accurate and diverse media contact lists
- Develop and/or coordinate key internal and external messaging
- Contribute to the development of strategies to support strong and positive donor relations and stewardship
- Scan the internal and external environment to identify promotional opportunities for issues related to women’s substantive equality
Required Qualifications:
The successful candidate should have:
- Solid understanding of the mandate and values of LEAF
- A related university degree in communications, marketing or social sciences
- At least 3 years experience in a social justice/non-profit or legal organization in Canada
- Strong written and communication skills, and effective interpersonal and networking skills
- Strong hands on computer skills including MS Office, web design (wordpress), social media platforms, knowledge of communications strategies, public relations, and advanced presentation skills
- Related communications and social media skills and experience in a feminist, anti-racist, human rights, equality, legal and/or a social justice organization
- An ability to research and produce clearly written work on complex legal issues to a range of audiences
- Working knowledge of equality issues and feminist movement in Canada with an ability to integrate a feminist, equality seeking, anti-racist, anti-homophobic perspective
- Self-starter, autonomous and reliable
- Good interpersonal, communication and supervision skills
- Comfortable with distance work and a virtual work environment with short deadlines
- Attention to details and proven ability to multi-task
How to Apply:
LEAF encourages applications from Aboriginal women, racialized women, lesbians, women with disabilities and women from other marginalized groups. Applications will be accepted by email only. In the subject line of your email application reference Communications Coordinator and your name. Please submit one document with your cover letter, your curriculum vitae and a list of 3 employment references (contact name, phone number and email address) and one writing sample to [email protected]. Applications should be submitted in word format or PDF. Please do not submit multiple applications or send additional documents.
