Communications Coordinator At Kids Brain Health Network

About KBHN

One in nine children worldwide has a disability of some kind: millions of people from infancy to adulthood need access to diagnosis and targeted treatment. Families need help giving the best possible support to their loved ones born with brain-based conditions, including autism, cerebral palsy, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. As a national Network of Centres of Excellence, KBHN is funded by the federal government to make a difference.

Drawing on the talents of 300 top researchers and 200 trainees across Canada, we focus on our efforts on early identification and effective treatments for children with neurodisabilities, as well as family support. We also look at quality of life: our researchers investigate sleep issues, the impact of physical activity, the underlying social and the economic factors that may contribute to, or exacerbate neurodisabilities. We go beyond discovery, translating our findings into meaningful changes in policy and practice.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Communications Coordinator serves as a key member of the Communications team, and is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of internal and external communications for KBHN.

The Communications Coordinator will focus on implementation of key post-launch features of KBHN’s new website, produce consistent and quality communication materials in digital and print formats, increase engagement with the Network’s social media channels and help maintain relationships among the Network’s internal and external stakeholders. The Communications Coordinator will also support the development of a new communications plan, and deploy an awareness campaign developed in collaboration with the Communications Manager, to promote KBHN’s current funding application. This is a one-year, full time contract with benefits, with the possibility of renewal.

Key Accountabilities

• Assists with creating and implementing communications plans for Network events and activities and liaises with external stakeholders to respond to requests for information, collaborate on joint initiatives and events, and to coordinate communication activities.
  
• Researches, drafts and helps produce diverse communications, assisting with development, production and distribution of internal and external communications products. Determines content and subject matter in conjunction with the Communications Manager. Helps prepare requested information for senior staff and leadership, such as data and content for reports, issues notes or briefing notes with appropriate key messaging and other relevant information to share with the Network.
  
• Builds and tracks social media performance, and provides reporting metrics and analytics to KBHN staff and leadership, and prepares reports as required.
  
• In collaboration with the Communications Manager, supports the development of plans and communicates messages to promote awareness of KBHN initiatives and contribute to a positive reputation for the Network. Develops and implements internal and external communications plans and activities including internal and external e-newsletters, digital communications, and supports information sessions, and special events for internal and external audiences.
  
• Coordinates content for the KBHN website, develops and implements plans for new features, including developing internal landing pages and videography.
  
• Works with appropriate vendors such as designers, programmers. Coordinates use of stock images as required, and updates record-keeping with attention to consent, photo credit, licensing and copyright concerns. Under the direction of the Communications Manager, coordinates implementation of visual identity guidelines and graphics standards, including providing direction to staff and external suppliers on usage as required.
  
• Creates and customizes stock images and commissioned photography for use on the KBHN website and/or social media channels.
  
• Coordinates and delivers special projects as assigned and performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing or a related discipline. One to two years of recent, related experience that includes knowledge and implementation of best practices in social media and capacity to liaise with developers and designers to build additional features within an existing website. Highly motivated recent graduates with the required skill set are also encouraged to apply.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Solid journalistic writing and editing skills. Knowledge of media production methods. The ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy is important as are excellent decision-making skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team; flexibility to reprioritize quickly to meet changing priorities and deliver required results on deadline. Demonstrated initiative and understanding of internal and external communication issues. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop and/or Illustrator WordPress website information architecture and MailChimp. Understanding of Google and social media analytics is advantageous, as is knowledge of SEO.