Labour Relations Officer- Communications

Ontario Nurses’ Association; Toronto; On-site; CAD 111,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare advocacy organization in Toronto is seeking a Communications Officer. The ideal candidate will lead the development of communication plans, write materials for various audiences, and manage social media. This role requires a bachelor's degree in communications or journalism and five years of experience in communications projects. Familiarity with the health care environment is a plus. Flexibility for evening and weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Five years of professional experience leading communications projects.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Familiarity with union and health care environments is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed communications plans for various initiatives.
• Coordinate implementation of communications plans.
• Write articles, newsletters, and other materials for diverse audiences.
• Manage social media content and campaigns.

Skills

Communications planning

Public relations writing

Graphic design

Media relations

Social media management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or journalism

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Action Network

Job description

Overview

Location: Toronto, ON Canada
Type: Permanent

Group / Grade: Bargaining Unit / Officer Grade
Salary: Start at $111,335.63

The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) is Canada’s largest nurses’ union. We are powered by our members — 68,000 nurses and health-care professionals, and 18,000 nursing student affiliates — who provide care in hospitals, long-term care, public health, the community, clinics and industry. Our mission is to defend the rights of and advocate for nurses and health-care professionals who care for the health of Ontarians. We empower members and fight against unfair and unsafe treatment, negotiate and enforce our contracts, offer benefits and insurance, provide tailored education and development opportunities and much more. We confront governments, administrations and other policymakers head on to fight for high-quality public health care. ONA is seeking a Communications Officer to join our Communications Team. The Communications Officer will bring strong experience and expertise in all aspects of union communications. They will join a seasoned group of communications professionals and work closely with leadership and other staff teams to support the activities of the union.

• Develop detailed communications plans for a wide range of events and initiatives.
• Coordinate all aspects of communications plan implementation.
• Develop and write a wide range of communications pieces including newsletters, articles, media materials, backgrounders, leaflets, website content, and other materials for internal and external audiences.
• Develop, write and launch email newsletters and plans for campaigns and initiatives.
• Oversee the management of the communications platform Action Network for email and other activities.
• Develop and plan mobile messaging initiatives to support a range of activities.
• Develop content and graphic designs for a wide range of materials, such as share graphics, signs, banners, buttons, pamphlets, infographics and more.
• Adhere to brand guidelines and provide expertise in brand application in a wide range of materials and communications.
• Develop and produce video content for a wide range of initiatives.
• Provide and coordinate photography and videography for actions and events.
• Develop messaging and slogans for campaigns and other initiatives.
• Assist with social media management and develop plans and content.
• Track, analyze, and report on key metrics for communications initiatives, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor audience sentiment and make recommendations to manage emerging issues and respond effectively.
• Assist with researching and write speaking notes and speeches for a wide range of activities, ensuring appropriate tone and providing coaching and support.
• Assist with media relations and liaise with media for initiatives as required.
• Assist with the planning for communications events, such as media conferences.
• Develop and provide member training on a wide range of communications topics.
• Develop and plan internal staff communications as needed.
• Develop digital petitions, actions and forms for campaigns and initiatives.
• Coordinate with allied organizations on joint initiatives.
• Coordinate with a wide variety of vendors and agencies.
• Ensure accuracy and attention to detail across all deliverables.
• Ensure deliverables reflect best practice standards, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma in communications or journalism.
• Five years of professional experience leading communications projects, particularly: communications planning and coordination; graphic design and production; public relations writing.
• Familiarity with union, health care, and political environment is an asset.
• Familiarity with Action Network is considered an asset.
• Skill with Adobe Creative Suite is considered an asset.
• Ability to work in French is considered an asset.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments on strict deadlines.
• Highly adaptable and works well independently and with cross-functional teams.

Note

There may be a need for flexible scheduling for evening / weekend work. The successful candidate must be able to travel, possess a valid driver’s license and have access to an automobile for business use. Ability to travel across Ontario is also expected, as could other areas outside of Ontario. All interested candidates may apply via ONA Jobs by 4:30 p.m. on September 29, 2025. The Ontario Nurses’ Association is committed to employment equity within its staff.