Communications & Resource Development Coordinator - CSS Shared Resources

The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting health, wellness, safety, and inclusion across far west Ottawa. Since 1986, WOCRC has supported individuals and families through a wide range of community, social, and health services designed to strengthen and empower the communities we serve.

Our programs support children, youth, families, newcomers, seniors, and individuals experiencing crisis or social isolation through counselling, housing and violence against women services, community development initiatives, health promotion, and family support programming.

At WOCRC, we are committed to fostering healthy, inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities where individuals feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communications and Resource Development Coordinator leads communications, stakeholder engagement and resource development initiatives for CSS Shared Resources across Ontario East. The position supports the collaborative development and implementation of shared resources, including communications materials, training and e-referral resources. The role works through collaboration, facilitation and relationship-building and does not have authority to direct participating CSS organizations or require adoption of regional initiatives or shared resources.

The incumbent's role will be key to ensuring effective communication both internally and externally with all stakeholders including employees, CUPE, donors, and the broader community. It will be instrumental in shaping the organization's public image, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and advancing CSS Shared Resource’s mission through developing communications and resource development strategies in alignment with the organization's strategic plan. 

The incumbent will act as advisor to the leadership team and will create, implement and maintain the organizational Communications Strategy and Resource Development Strategy.  They will create resources to promote community awareness and enhance the visibility of the Centre, including its programs and services, and areas of advocacy.  They will lead the development and support of internal communication pathways and represent the employer in communications with stakeholders.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

External Communications

• Develops an annual communications plan to improve the center’s visibility in the community.
• Ensures the communications plan complies with CSS Shared Resources mission, vision and guiding beliefs in alignment with the CSS Shared Resources guiding beliefs, French Language Services Plan and commitment to advancing health equity.
• Leads engagement in external events in a public relations and promotional role to promote awareness and the impact of CSS Shared Resources programs and services.
• Assists the Regional Director, and the team in public relations matters and inquires, such as arranging interviews and developing key messages.
• In collaboration with CSS Shared Resources Managers maintains the CSS Shared Resources website and social media platforms with relevant information about programs and services (in English and French).
• Develops, writes, proofreads and/or edits a variety of media content, including for special events, advertisements, the annual report, newsletters, direct mail campaigns, funding proposals, news releases and other writing projects as required.
• Creates and implements communication documents including program guides, templates for posters and presentations for distribution.
• Maintains CSS Shared Resources’ electronic mailing lists and develops material to send to members of the lists, such as announcements, newsletters, etc.
• Leads the research, development, and implementation of communications policies and procedures

Internal Communication Activities

• Leads the development of strategies to support internal communications across the region.
• Leads the development of internal communications, key messages and speaking points for Management, and may act as a designate, speaking on behalf of the Employer
• For the purpose of developing communications, may have access to and keep confidential sensitive information relating to labour relations, including bargaining strategy, grievances, discipline, or staffing decisions before they are finalized or shared with the union.
• If needed, may advise management in a confidential capacity about communications relating to labour relations, negotiations, arbitration, contentious issues, grievances, HR strategy or other confidential internal matters regarding CSS.
• When applicable leads in the development and implementation of internal and external communications during any labour action of CSS unionized employees, including those relating to business continuity, and strike mitigation
• When applicable, prepares reports, minutes, or documentation for use by HR or senior management in union-related discussion and decision-making.
• Attends strategy sessions related to internal planning and collective bargaining.

Resource Development (Sector & Network Development, AccessCSS Expansion)

• For the purpose of developing communication and fundraising strategies, CSS Shared Resources and related initiatives across Ontario East, has access to and keeps confidential sensitive financial information relating to funding, donations, revenue, expenses, investments etc.
• Develops and executes fundraising strategies to meet revenue targets and organizational goals, including those supporting CSS providers, AccessCSS implementation, and sector capacity‑building initiatives within Ontario Health East, with support of the CSS Collaborative, Ontario East.
• Leads internal fundraising project working groups  including planning, organizing, and executing fundraising events and activities on behalf of the employer and where applicable in support of CSS Shared Resources projects and partnership.
• Creates fundraising materials and promotional content.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with donors, sponsors, and other stakeholders to solicit donations and support.
• Writes compelling grant proposals, sponsorship packages, fundraising appeals and assists with grant writing.
• Researches and identifies potential funding sources, grants, and sponsorship opportunities.
• Maintains donor databases and ensures accurate record keeping of contributions and donor communications.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of fundraising strategies and initiatives and makes recommendations for improvement.

Team Management and Collaboration

• Provides direct supervision to project staff, consultants, volunteers and students working on specific communications and fund development projects as needed.
• Works as an advisor to the leadership team 
• Participates in team and staff meetings, and other Centre committees and activities as appropriate.
• Performs any additional tasks and duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Networking Activities

• Collaborates with colleagues on projects to enhance the quality of life for people in the CSS Shared Resources service area.
• Links with appropriate members of other teams to support community development activities that include volunteers and community leaders.
• Participates in community and funder networks in alignment with CSS Shared Resources strategic and operational priorities
• Establishes and maintains links and develops partnerships community networks, organizations and CHRC collaborators.
• Acts as a resource to the CSS Shared Resources to inform advocacy campaigns

Other

All CSS Shared Resources & WOCRC employees have some fundamental responsibilities that go beyond the confines of their occupations.  These include:

• Ensuring that the commitment to diversity is understood and respected.  This includes diversity of culture, language, faith expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic resources and degrees of physical (dis)ability.
• Maintaining up-to-date professional skills and knowledge through formal and informal training.
• Compliance with all mandated legal/regulatory requirements related to working at CSS Shared Resources, (Employment Standards Acts, Occupational Health and Safety, standards of professional conduct).
• Maintaining awareness of and compliance with CSS Shared Resources and WOCRC policies and procedures.
• Maintaining awareness of and compliance with funder requirements, policies, procedures and regulations.
• Attending/chairing team and staff meetings as required.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and related work experience. Relevant fields include communications, public relations, community engagement, or related disciplines.
• 2–4 years of professional experience in organizational communications.
• 1–2 years of experience coordinating or leading collaborative working groups, community engagement, network development, communications, or similar roles.
• Strong professional competency in both official languages, with experience in writing, public relations, and developing online and print communications.
• Experience liaising and collaborating with community groups, associations and service providers; experience with CSS organizations is essential.
• Experience in a non-profit or community-based organization preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources and community-based healthcare, particularly in Ontario East, is preferred. Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, manage competing priorities, work with a high degree of autonomy, and handle confidential or sensitive organizational information with discretion.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English, spoken and written.
• Ability to communicate fluently in French, spoken and written.
• Fluency in an additional language relevant to client populations is an asset.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

WOCRC welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, newcomers, and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

We are committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to contact Human Resources via email at peopleservices@wocrc.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, due to the volume of applications received, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

This role represents an existing vacancy.