Communications and Media Specialist

ORGANIZATION

 Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC) is a national human-rights charity committed to improving quality of dying, protecting end-of-life rights, and helping people across Canada avoid unwanted suffering.

 DWDC has four strategic priorities: 

1. Nurture a more inclusive and diverse end of life rights movement: DWDC will seek out, listen to, and integrate more perspectives in the work that we do  
2. Address barriers to accessing a good death: DWDC will lead national advocacy efforts to eliminate obstacles to end-of-life choice, including access to advance requests and end forced transfers  
3.  Deliver high quality, relevant programs and services: DWDC will provide information, education, and support to individuals, families, and clinicians across Canada 
4.  Ensure sustainability, resiliency, and mission success: DWDC will invest in the growth and development of the organization and its people 

DWDC is committed to promoting a culture of wellbeing for our team. We provide extensive benefits and support for all team members so you can focus on doing meaningful work. Our perks include: 

• Competitive salary  
• Three weeks’ paid vacation and paid sick days  
• Health benefits, including an EAP program and additional mental wellness supports  
• Matching Group Retirement Savings Program  
• Flexible work hours and hybrid work model Opportunities for professional development 

OVERVIEW

DWDC is seeking a dynamic and experienced Communications and Media Specialist to lead the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives that strengthen our brand, engage stakeholders, and enhance public perception. This role combines traditional communications, public relations, and media relations functions, making this individual a key member of the Marketing and Communications team.

REPORTS TO: Manager, Marketing and Communications

DIRECT REPORTS: N/A

SALARY RANGE: $60,000 – $70,000

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·      Write and distribute press releases, op-eds, and letters to the editor

·      Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, influencers, and community stakeholders

·      Be the point person for all media requests, evaluating the opportunity, identifying any potential risks, as well as managing the logistics of the interview

·      Act as a spokesperson for DWDC for background interviews and student requests

• Analyze media landscape and develop media strategies for major announcements, events, or campaigns

·      Draft statements and update key message documents as new issues or priorities arise

·      Monitor media coverage and public sentiment daily to find opportunities, track issues, and update staff and stakeholders on relevant news

·      Collaborate with the Development team on the implementation of three annual direct mail campaigns

·      Lead the writing and production of all print publications, including newsletters, brochures, Annual Reports, and educational booklets

·      Oversee the DWDC blog, including conducting interviews over the phone and by Zoom, writing copy, and editing all content

·      Track key performance indicators to measure success of owned and earned media strategies

·      Ensure consistency of tone, branding, and messaging across all communication channels

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS  

·      Education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field, including university degree, college diploma and/or relevant skills and knowledge gained through practical experience and self-directed learning

·      Minimum five years’ experience in similar communications, PR, or media-facing role, preferably with not-for-profit experience and media training

·      Excellent writing (CP Style), editing, and verbal communication skills

·      Strong media contacts and understanding of the news cycle

·      Crisis communication experience

·      Proven experience with media monitoring (Cision), reporting, and analysis

·      Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint experience required

·      Comfortable with the topic of death, end-of-life conversations and trauma-sensitive interviewing

·      Demonstrated flexibility, resourcefulness, resiliency with the willingness and capacity to produce quality results under pressure and to deadline

·      Ability to multitask various projects and prioritize appropriately and effectively

·      Passion for supporting the end-of-life rights of people across Canada, while considering cultural differences and diverse perspectives on end-of-life care 

·      Comfortable with the topic of death and able to manage conversations compassionately and with a high level of sensitivity 

·      Able to apply diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility frameworks to volunteer engagement 

·      Ability to communicate in both official languages will be considered a definite asset

Personal Values and Traits 

The successful candidate will be passionate about defending Canadians’ end-of-life rights, including the right to medical assistance in dying. Our team members often communicate with ill and vulnerable Canadians who are weighing their end-of-life options or with the loved ones of these individuals. As a result, the successful candidate will be a strong active listener who consistently demonstrates compassion, humility, and the utmost discretion in their interactions with others. 

Dying With Dignity Canada is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to fair employment practices. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process, as required. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known as early on as possible during the application process.  

We encourage applications from Black people, Metis, Inuit and First Nations people, people of colour, people who identify with disability, LGBTQ+ people and people from other equity-seeking groups that face systemic discrimination. DWDC is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace, and a working environment free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and violence.  

Screening Requirements 

Along with a reference check, please note that the successful candidate will be required to undergo a confidential pre-employment criminal record and judicial matters check and a credit background check. Please note that the credit check does not impact your credit score and is only required for positions with access to sensitive financial information.  

Application Instructions 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with an application deadline of June 25, 2025, at 5:00 pm E.T. Please send your cover letter and CV to jobs@dyingwithdignity.ca with the subject line: Communications and Media Specialist.

Dying With Dignity Canada thanks all applicants, though due to volume we will not be able to respond to all applications. Only candidates invited for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls please. 

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