Marketing and Communications Specialist

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Saskatoon is seeking an early-career Marketing and Communications Specialist to create photos, short videos and written content that connect with members and the broader community. You will support day-to-day marketing, maintain content calendars and collaborate with program teams to meet deadlines.

This role offers opportunities to develop skills in storytelling, design, posting schedules and performance reporting, with coaching and progressively broader projects.

Qualifications

• Interest in marketing, social media and community storytelling with demonstrable examples.
• Strong written communication and attention to detail with audience-aware messaging.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and basic content editing on a smartphone and common tools.
• Experience with WordPress to update website content is an asset.
• Willingness to learn, take feedback and grow skills in marketing performance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support marketing communications: create posters, flyers and program updates using approved templates and details.
• Maintain routine website content and promotional materials for programs, membership and events.
• Gather information from program teams and meet content deadlines.
• Capture and organize photos, videos and assets for future use.
• Create engaging content for YMCA social channels including posts, reels and captions.
• Monitor comments, respond to routine inquiries and escalate sensitive matters.
• Track basic social metrics and share observations with CFO.
• Follow brand guidelines and obtain consent for identifiable content involving children.

Skills

Social media content creation

Storytelling

Written communication

Attention to detail

Content planning

Creativity

Time management

Collaboration

Privacy and consent understanding

Education

Marketing/ Communications/ Digital media education

Tools

WordPress

Smartphone content editing tools

Canva

Video editing apps

Job description

Position Overview

The Marketing and Communications Specialist helps share the YMCA of Saskatoon's programs, services and community impact through engaging social media and other communications. The primary focus of this role is creating photos, short videos and written content that connect with members, families, staff and the wider community.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this early-career position is responsible for day-to-day content creation and routine marketing communications, following established priorities and YMCA brand guidelines. The CFO provides oversight of marketing priorities, budgets and sensitive communications.

This position offers opportunities to develop marketing and communications skills through coaching, feedback and progressively broader projects.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing and Communications Support

• Prepare posters, flyers, email updates, newsletters and program information using approved templates and accurate details.

• Maintain routine website content and develop promotional materials for programs, membership, fundraising initiatives and community events.

• Collaborate with program teams to gather information, confirm details and meet content deadlines.

• Organize photos, videos and marketing materials to ensure approved assets are accessible and available for future use.

Social Media and Content Creation

• Create engaging content for YMCA social media channels, including posts, stories, reels, short videos, photos and captions.

• Visit YMCA program locations and events to capture activities and gather stories in collaboration with staff, participants and families.

• Edit photos and videos, add captions or subtitles, and create graphics using tools such as Canva and video editing applications.

• Maintain the content calendar and coordinate the scheduling and publication of content through established review and approval processes.

• Recommend creative content ideas and relevant social media trends that reflect YMCA values and connect with target audiences.

• Monitor social media comments and messages, respond to routine inquiries using approved information, and refer sensitive matters to the appropriate staff member.

• Track basic social media performance indicators, including reach, engagement and link clicks, and share observations and recommendations with the CFO.

Brand, Privacy and Safeguarding

• Follow YMCA brand guidelines and maintain consistent, inclusive and respectful language and imagery across communications.

• Obtain required consent and permissions before capturing or sharing identifiable photos, videos or stories, particularly those involving children and youth.

• Adhere to YMCA privacy and child safeguarding procedures when visiting programs, handling content and managing social media accounts.

• Protect confidential information and refer media inquiries, complaints and sensitive communications to the CFO.

• Complete required training and perform other related duties appropriate to the position.

Qualifications and Skills

• Interest in marketing, social media, content creation and community storytelling, with examples of photos, videos, graphics or written content developed through education, volunteer work, personal projects or employment.

• Strong written communication skills, attention to detail and accuracy, and the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences.

• Basic familiarity with social media platforms and the ability to create and edit content using a smartphone and common digital tools.

• Experience using WordPress to update and maintain website content is considered an asset.

• Creativity, sound judgment and a willingness to learn, receive feedback and continuously improve.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage priorities, follow through on assignments and meet deadlines.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with people across various programs and backgrounds while respecting privacy and consent requirements.

• Education or training in marketing, communications, digital media or a related field is considered an asset. Relevant practical skills and a willingness to learn are also valued. Previous professional marketing experience is not required.

• Commitment to the YMCA’s charitable mission, inclusion and child safeguarding.

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check is required by the first day of employment.

Working Conditions

This position involves a combination of computer-based work and visits to YMCA locations and events in Saskatoon and surrounding communities to gather content. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support scheduled programs, activities and events.

Learning and Development

The YMCA of Saskatoon is committed to supporting professional growth. Through coaching, feedback and relevant training, the successful candidate will develop skills in content planning, storytelling, design and marketing performance reporting.

As skills and experience develop, opportunities may arise to lead small campaigns and contribute to broader marketing initiatives. Progression to a more senior marketing and communications position will depend on demonstrated readiness, organizational needs and available opportunities.

About the YMCA of Saskatoon

The YMCA of Saskatoon is an inclusive, charitable organization committed to building healthy communities. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging and strive to create welcoming environments where individuals and families can connect, grow and thrive.