Director of Communications & Advocacy

Position Summary

The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association (OPFFA) is the representative voice for 12,000 professional career firefighters in Ontario. 

Reporting to the OPFFA Executive Director, the Director of Communications and Advocacy contributes to the OPFFA’s success by leading in the design of dynamic communications, advocacy, media relations and brand strategies that effectively articulate the mission and promote the work of the OPFFA.

You will lead the communications strategy development, implementation, and evaluation, applying your advanced writing skills and communications expertise to help increase the association's profile.  Your attention to detail and meticulous editorial eye will keep us consistent with messaging, branding, and professionalism.  The position requires excellent research and writing skills, as well as knowledge of marketing, social media, and campaigns.

You are a team player and can adapt to a fast-paced environment.  Must possess the ability to prioritize and multi-task in a rapidly evolving environment with a can-do attitude.

Duties & Responsibilities

Communications & Advocacy

In this role, you will work closely with the Executive Director and Principal Officers to:

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic short and long-term communication plans that effectively support the Association’s established goals.
• Establish and ensure the OPFFA brand profile and integrity.
• Write and deliver all internal and external Association communications, including electronic, web-based and print formats.  This includes but is not limited to:
  • Social media content.
  • Creating media releases as needed.
  • Drafting member updates which includes an annual summary for convention.
  • Drafting announcements for the OPFFA’s annual awards program and events.
  • Developing speaking notes and presentations for the OPFFA’s principal officers to utilize at internal and external engagements as required.
  • Developing web content.
• Create crisis communication plans and proactively engage in general issues management.
• Lead public relations campaigns (i.e., provincial and municipal election advocacy) to improve public perception of the profession.
• Work with our team (currently a total office staff of 5) to develop best practices and processes for internal and external communications, including creating a communications tool kit of resources for use by our affiliated local offices.
• Evolve the OPFFA’s digital presence by staying on top of current and emerging trends.
• Oversee all OPFFA social media channels with regular monitoring and content development.
• Review all communication channels to determine and maximize effectiveness and consistency.
• Coordinate media interviews, including preparing materials for interviews or speaking engagements.
• Collaborate with team members of each department to ensure consistency in messaging of their respective collateral.
• Audit and update content for the website.
• Regularly monitor key performance metrics and develop methods, tracking and reporting mechanisms to gauge the effectiveness and impact of communication strategies in promoting OPFFA objectives.
• Deliver updates on communications-related initiatives to the membership at OPFFA conferences and events.
• Provide support and guidance to our local associations when needed.

Research

In this role, you will also work closely with the Executive Director and Principal Officers to:

• Conduct Research, Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting.  This includes but is not limited to:
  • Researching funding opportunities to support the OPFFA’s mission and priorities.
  • Provide content to support the OPFFA’s legislative priorities.
  • Assist with Freedom of Information requests which involve submitting applications, reviewing and analyzing content, supporting our local associations when needed.
  • Staying abreast of legislation and regulation changes, and current issues related to Not-for-Profits and/or the profession.
• Program Evaluation
  • Conducting program reviews and evaluations to assess the effectiveness and impact of educational initiatives.
• Content Creation
  • Assist with writing and editing internal policy and procedure manuals.
  • Drafting surveys on behalf of the membership, evaluating and preparing results to share.

Competencies

• Successful completion of a post-secondary education in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or a relevant program or discipline or the equivalent combination of education and/or related experience.
• Minimum 7 years' progressively responsible experience, including at least 5 years of relevant senior level experience.
• Proven experience in managing evolving and multi-faceted relationships and providing counsel and support to peers and senior executives.
• Extensive knowledge and ability to manage social media channels.
• Analytical approach to problem solving and research.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong relationship management orientation.
• Proven ability to assess, improve and manage processes efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to work effectively within an active Association environment while managing competing interests and priorities.
• Practices a high degree of confidentiality, discretion, political acuity, tact and diplomacy.
• Advanced computer/software skills, including Microsoft Office
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Understanding of and experience within the public safety sector an asset.

Other Requirements

• Satisfactory Criminal Records and Credit Check
• Have a valid “G” Class driver license or equivalent and access to a personal vehicle for business use

Working Conditions

• Assigned to and works out of the head office in Toronto.
• Monday to Friday with the occasional flexible hours/days of work to accommodate various meetings and events, which may occur after hours and on weekends.

The Director of Communications and Advocacy is a permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week.  The OPFFA offers an excellent benefits package.

The OPFFA values diversity and inclusion and encourages individuals to apply who can bring the value of their experiences to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  Accessibility accommodation is available for all phases of the recruitment and selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  No phone calls please.