Communications Specialist

Choices Association; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 45,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Hamilton seeks a Communications Specialist to develop and deliver engaging communications that promote awareness and community support. The role involves crafting stories, managing media relations, and developing content for newsletters and social media. Candidates should have strong writing skills and experience in communications. This part-time position offers a hybrid work model with flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of communications experience.
• Ability to adapt tone for different audiences.
• Demonstrated understanding of person-centred communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communication strategies to promote programs.
• Create and distribute press releases and media advisories.
• Assist in planning and promoting community events.

Skills

Exceptional writing and storytelling skills

Content creation for newsletters

Media relations

Event promotion

Organizational skills

Community outreach

Education

Post-secondary education in Communications, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Canva

WordPress

Social media management tools

Job description

Overview

Reports to: Director of Operations

Location: Dundas, Ontario

Position Type: Part-Time (3 days per week, approximately 0.6 FTE)

Salary Range: $45,000 annually (pro-rated)

About Choices Association

Choices Association is committed to enhancing the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. Guided by our mission, vision, and core values—Person-Centred, Respect, Integrity, and Compassion—we support individuals in living their lives to their fullest potential based on their personal preferences and dreams.

Position Summary

The Communications Specialist develops and delivers clear, engaging, and consistent communications that strengthen awareness, connection, and community support for Choices. This role combines storytelling, media relations, digital communications, and staff engagement to ensure our message reflects who we are and the impact we make.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys writing, building relationships, and creating meaningful content that connects people to purpose.

Key Responsibilities

External Communications and Media

• Develop and implement communication strategies that promote Choices’ programs, services, and events
• Create and distribute press releases, media advisories, and feature stories that highlight our impact and success stories
• Build and maintain relationships with local media and community partners
• Identify and pitch newsworthy opportunities to increase public awareness of Choices and the people we support
• Develop social media and website content that reflects the organization’s values and builds community engagement
• Coordinate photography, video, and storytelling projects that bring our mission to life

Internal Communications

• Prepare monthly staff newsletters and key updates to keep employees informed and connected
• Share success stories, milestones, and initiatives that reinforce Choices’ person-centred culture
• Support leadership with staff communications, templates, and presentations
• Create communication tools that foster connection across teams and encourage feedback

Events and Community Engagement

• Assist in planning and promoting community and staff events that support awareness and relationship building
• Help design and execute small-scale “newsworthy” events or campaigns that attract public and media attention
• Coordinate logistics, communications, and materials for events as needed

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Marketing, or a related field
• Minimum three years of communications experience (nonprofit or community sector experience an asset)
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences
• Experience creating content for newsletters, websites, and social media platforms
• Familiarity with media relations, event promotion, and community outreach
• Proficiency in Canva, WordPress (or similar CMS), and social media management tools
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated understanding of person-centred or community-focused communication
• Knowledge of Wordpress and website creation

Core Competencies

• Person-Centred: Keeps people supported at the heart of all communications
• Respect: Values diversity and represents the organization with professionalism
• Integrity: Upholds brand consistency and accuracy in all work
• Compassion: Communicates with empathy and authenticity

Working Conditions

• Hybrid: Minimum two days per week in office (Dundas)
• Occasional evening or weekend work for community events or media activities