Position Reports to:

President, University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation
Vice-President, Communications, University of Ottawa Heart Institute

Position purpose:

The Communications Specialist provides comprehensive communications support to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation primarily to develop and implement a variety of communication products in the context of fundraising initiatives.

In addition, the incumbent will liaise and work closely with the Institute’s Communications Department while at the same time providing sound communications advice and support to the Foundation.

Finally, the Communications Specialist will play an integral role in the development of a communications plan for the fundraising campaign.

Specific Accountabilities

Publications and Marketing Material Development

• Act as editor-in-chief of the Foundation newsletter which encompasses content planning, content writing and overall production
• Work closely with the Vice-President, Annual Campaign, and the Communications team, to write, review, and to ensure quality control of all direct mail pieces and the synergy of the Institute’s priorities
• Write and edit various materials, such as event programs, thank you letters, fundraising proposals, pledge letters, donor recognition materials and any other related communications products
• Under the guidance of the Institute’s Communications Department, support the development of the material for the annual Telethon including newspaper inserts, promotional advertising copy, Telethon vignettes and other important Telethon projects

Website Content Development

• Function as the manager of the Foundation’s online presence, which encompasses editorial control of site content to ensure quality, consistency and usability
• Develop and identify content to ensure that the Foundation website is always up-to-date and current
• Operate using a continual improvement approach, looking for new content to attract new and returning visitors to the site making it a trusted and useful tool for donors

Media Relations and Social Media Support

• Working with the Institute’s Communications Department, write media advisories and news releases pertaining to the fundraising activities and events
• Working with the Institute’s Communications Department find stories, and content that will help push the Foundation’s presence in the media
• Working closely with the Institute’s Communications Department, post and monitor the Facebook Page and Twitter account(s)

Bilingualism

Across all activities, ensure content developers understand the need to provide bilingual text in a timely fashion and that content flows through proper channels for translation

Knowledge, experience and skills

The work requires:

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in communications or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum of three(3) years experience in the development and implementation of communications products and tools and experience working in a fundraising environment an asset
• Seasoned individual with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated initiative capabilities
• Proven analytical skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks for various stakeholders
• Proven project management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both official languages
• Proof-reading experience
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends on an as needed basis