Position Description

TITLE: Communications and Marketing Specialist

REPORTS TO: Manager, Communications and Public Relations

LOCATION: Milton, Ont. (Hybrid)

SALARY: $69,500-$85,000 annually / 35 hours per week

The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) is Canada's foremost veterinary association. Were passionate about supporting veterinarians well-being and professional growth, contributing to the advancement of animal and human health.

Thousands of veterinarians depend on us as their collective voice in the province. They also rely on us as their source for news, world-class continuing education, extensive practice management resources, mental health and wellness toolsand career advice. These services have been fundamental in helping practice owners, associatesand students achievetheir personal and professional goals.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Communications and Public Relations, the Communications and Marketing Specialist contributes to the development and implementation of communications, marketing and public relations activities to support the associations initiatives and objectives by effectively optimizing storytelling across our channels, while understanding the nuances of our audience and staying true to our voice. Additionally, this role supports the Farley Foundation, OVMAs charitable arm, by providing communications and marketing assistance.

Responsibilities

1. Content Development

Develop, write and edit engaging content for our member magazine, brochures, annual reports, website and more. This includes creating targeted content to ensure messaging resonates with specific audience segments.

Prepare and distribute e-newsletters for OVMA and the Farley Foundation.

Support board members and leadership by crafting speaking notes and speeches for OVMA and Farley Foundation representatives.

Provide maintenance and administration of OVMAs website, and auxiliary websites, including updating content and graphics, and posting events.

2. Social Media

Create and share multimedia content to connect with our vibrant online community.

Develop social media strategies that align with marketing goals and enhance brand awareness.

Monitor and track engagement metrics to measure success of social media campaigns and optimize when needed.

3. General

Support the Manager of Communications and Public Relations in driving innovative communications and marketing initiatives: help us tell our story and manage our brand.

Collaborate across teams to integrate communications strategies with broader marketing campaigns.

Leverage data-driven insights to refine marketing communications and improve engagement with target audiences.

Oversee and develop the annual OVMA Awards Program, which recognizes excellence among members of the profession.

Provide project management for communications initiatives and programs.

Provide media relations support, including writing news releases, researching and drafting key messages, and responding to media inquiries.

Provide public relations support to OVMA members, including guidance with media requests, social media best practices andresponding to online reviews.

Develop communications and public relations tactics and materials to support Farley Foundation events, campaigns and initiatives.

What We Are Looking For:

At least four years of experience in communications, marketing or public relations.

Degree, diploma, certificate in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations or a related field.

Keen eye for detail with excellent editing and proofreading skills (knowledge of CP style is an asset).

A flair for writing with the ability to create captivating content that resonates with diverse audiences.

An understanding of communications and marketing principles, strategies and best practices.

Experience managing social media platforms, including content development, strategy, best practices and managing issues as they arise.

Knowledge of website content management systems.

Effective organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.

Proven capacity for initiative, creative thinking and problem solving.

Strong project management skills with the ability to lead projects to completion.

Ability to work collaboratively with departments, committees and external providers.

Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and graphic design/content creation/video editing tools (e.g. Canva).

What We Offer:

Pet-friendly office (obviously!).

Fun (not awkward) team building activities.

Summer hours.

A culture that values work-life balance and employee well-being.

Professional development opportunities.

OVMAs Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion and rejects discrimination or harassment based on grounds such as race, colour, ancestry, ethnic origin, place of origin, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, marital status or disability. Every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

The well-being of our society and our profession is vital. OVMA is committed to ongoing and active promotion and maintenance of diversity and inclusion in its membership, leadership and organization; to ensuring that its services are provided without bias; and to educating its members regarding the value of diversity and inclusion.

OVMA is committed to working with the Ontario Veterinary College to ensure that the principles of inclusivity and diversity are reflected in the equitable selection of students, and to make veterinary education more accessible for underrepresented and minority groups. OVMA is also committed to working with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario to ensure that the principles of inclusivity and diversity are reflected in the licensing and regulation of Ontarios veterinarians.

Our Values

Integrity: We lead by example by taking pride in working honestly and doing whats right.

Connection: We nurture relationships and build bridges between people, organizations, generations and cultural groups so they can flourish.

Community: We are community builders and believe we are stronger together. We are enriched by the differences in experience, background and perspective that each person brings.

Innovation: We are trailblazers and lead the veterinary profession by remaining curious and doing things differently.

Care: We strive to make a positive impact on the world around us by taking care of each other, ourselves and our planet.