JOB TITLE: COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Reports to: Communications Manager
Status: Full-Time 1 Year Contract (with the possibility of renewal)
Location: 12th floor - 890 Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada
Salary: Commensurate with experience
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FIGHTING BLINDNESS (FFB)
The FFB is on the edge of medical and research breakthroughs. We are Canada’s largest registered charity for vision research; responsible for groundbreaking eye research in teaching hospitals and universities across the country. The FFB was established in 1974 and has since funded millions of dollars in vision research in Canada. Our vision: “to restore the gift of sight to people living with genetic forms of blindness”. Our mission: “to find the causes, treatments, and ultimately cures for retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and related retinal diseases by supporting research and public awareness.” We know "A Cure is in Sight".
POSITION SUMMARY:
This is an exciting opportunity for a creative Communications Coordinator to join our Communications team and support the growth of our organization as we fulfill our mandate, build our future capacity, and increase revenues. As a member of our communications team, the Communications Coordinator will report to the Manager of Communications.
The position will support the implementation of all education and communication projects of the Foundation. This is a one-year contract with the opportunity for renewal. The successful candidate will receive a review at one month and three months. The position’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following areas: media relations, newsletters, website, e-communications, social media, and event planning as well as communications and marketing support to signature fundraising events and third-party fundraising events.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND PORTFOLIO:
- Draft external media relations plans, develop media pitches, write media releases and advisories, compile and maintain media lists, liaise with journalists and editors, collect clippings and compile media reports
- Develop online media kit and photo archives
- Develop and maintain relationships with PR contacts at affiliated research institutions and medical/health journalists
- Manage website including accessibility, writing, organization, design, traffic, and search engine optimization
- Develop and maintain a digital library of video and graphic assets.
- Manage and increase effectiveness of e-communications to donors, patients, eye health community
-Execute e-marketing strategies and social media campaigns (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
- Execute marketing campaigns, including print, radio, television and social media
- Compile newsletter outline, write non-research content, coordinate design & distribution
- Support Vision Quest educational meetings: development and distribution of marketing materials, liaise with partner organizations; recruit and coordinate exhibitors and volunteers; develop cross-promotional partnerships; on-site event management
- Prepare internal/external spokespeople for interviews and events
- Work with commercial printers, designers, fulfillment houses and other vendors to produce brand-compliant, high-quality materials on time and on budget.
- Execute graphic design of marketing, event and meeting materials
- Experience as a videographer and photographer an asset
- Build and maintain e-marketing database, track e-communication to donors, strategize to grow database, conduct database queries, upload campaign codes
- Implement plans, budgets, cost-efficiencies and work-back schedules
- Compile ongoing and year end reports tracking communication vehicle effectiveness
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Undergraduate degree in journalism, public relations, communications or related field
- Experience working in media, public relations, communications, or related field
- Proven excellence in writing, media relations, social media and event planning
- Experience compiling media lists, drafting, pitching, and distributing media releases, and writing final reports
- Familiar with media database and clipping services
- Experience with web analytics
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, PhotoShop, InDesign, Publisher, PageMaker and Adobe Reader
- Experience working with website content management systems, email distribution sites (Mailchimp, Survey Monkey), and social media (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter)
- Extremely well organized and detail oriented with the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment and meet multiple priorities
- Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with staff and volunteers and contribute to creative strategies for all Foundation programs in a team environment
- Committed to the philosophy and actions of inclusion
- Ability to work weekends and evenings
Interested applicants should submit their resume, along with a letter of application and writing samples, to Erin George, Communications Manager at careers@ffb.ca, no later than Sunday May 8, 2011.
No phone calls, please. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about the Foundation Fighting Blindness, visit www.ffb.ca
