TheCanadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontariois a provincial association, committed to improving services and support for individuals living with mental illnesses and addictions issues, and to the promotion of mental health in Ontario.

CMHA Ontarios Agriculture Wellness Ontario (AgWO) is a suite of programs that focus on mental health and wellbeing, support, and education for the Ontario agriculture community. AgWO is managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division, in partnership with other stakeholders in the agricultural community.

Reporting to the Director of Agriculture Wellness Ontario, CMHA Ontarios Interim Senior Strategic Communications Advisor is responsible for proactive and reactive engagement with agricultural community partners, CMHAs Branches and CMHA Ontario policy and programs colleagues to identify strategic opportunities that promote and enhance the AgWO brand in order to meet the needs of Ontarios agriculture community. When communications opportunities are identified, the Interim Senior Strategic Communications Advisor works closely with CMHA Ontario Division or branch staff to plan, create, and execute strategic communications initiatives. Through integrated communications, public relations, and digital media campaigns, the Interim Senior Strategic Communications Advisor helps AgWO tell our story to the agriculture community, government, funders, and importantly people with lived experience of mental health or addictions issues.

Core Responsibilities

• Drives communications activities for all Agriculture Wellness Ontario program colleagues.
• Provides communications leadership and directional support to colleagues, team members including graphic designers, consultants, and other collaborators.
• Leads regular and ongoing consultation with program and senior leadership staff in group and individual settings to identify and propose action plans that proactively or reactively address communications opportunities.
• Collaborates with other members of CMHA Ontarios Communications team, including a Digital Communications Strategist and Graphic Designers, to plan, deliver, and execute communications products across traditional and digital channels.
• Creates content to leverage existing communications channels (e.g., website, e-newsletters, communiques, news releases, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc.)
• Provides expertise in the creation of all AGWO programming promotional collateral, products, and content, including website copy, social media campaigns, news releases, annual reports, funder reporting, letters, marketing material, key message documents, policy reports, guides, ghostwritten materials, and research papers.
• Supports the work of the Communications Director, AgWO Director and the Government Relations Lead in the identification of government relations opportunities.
• Fosters and supports AgWO teams speaking or media opportunities.
• Supports the facilitation of AGWO programming, and trade show engagement.
• Facilitates the coordination of the government communications approval process.
• Builds measurability into programs and gathers insights to continuously improve stakeholder experience.

Note: This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required by the incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5-8 years of communications experience preferably in non-profit, government, agency, or corporate environments.
• University degree in English, Communications, Journalism or equivalent.
• Journalism or media relations experience an asset.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Project management experience.
• Must have a successful record of developing strategies and techniques for communicating news and information in a way that informs and inspires.
• Proven ability to work and collaborate with senior leaders.
• Ability to develop communications strategy and content often with a quick turnaround time.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to effectively collaborate in a team environment.
• Must be confident, initiative-taking, and enthusiastic about making a difference.
• Experience engaging with internal audiences in a way that helps build connections and inspires a geographically diverse workforce an asset.
• Lived or work experience with the Ontario agriculture community.
• Bilingualism (English and French, Spanish, Tagalog or Thai) an asset.
• Experienced with design using Adobe Creative Cloud an asset.

Additional Competencies

• Administration/Coordination
• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving/Strategy
• Judgment/Acuity
• Interpersonal Communication
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Initiative
• Time Management
• Adaptability
• Organizational Commitment

Salary

Hiring Rate: This position pays between $81,124.71 and $83,539.88 per annum, based on a 35-hour work week.

The salary grid for this role ranges between $81,124.71 at Step 1 and $91,228.95 at Step 5. The initial salary offered for this position is anticipated to fall between Step 1 and Step 2 of the salary grid as posted above as the hiring rate.

The successful candidate will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes pension through HOOPP, life, health, and dental insurance, exclusive paid time-off and opportunities for professional development.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, temporary fixed term contract (anticipated for 12-13 months), bargaining position, covering for a leave of absence, working standard office hours (currently 35 hours/week). This position is based in Toronto, Ontario, but will allow for remote work for qualified candidates outside of the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario. The position may require regular travel, possibly requiring an overnight stay.

This position is also a desk job with extended periods of sitting, reading, telephone interaction, and working at the computer. This position involves some moderate lifting, shipping, and handling. Attendance at various meetings throughout the workday/workweek will be required; meetings may occur on short notice, depending on the circumstances.

This position is within the OPSEU Bargaining Unit.

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to maintain and submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.

The Canadian Mental Health Association celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings professional and lived experience andexpertisefrom a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you.

Workplace and candidate accommodation is available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process upon request.