Summary

First Light is a registered non-profit organization that serves the urban Indigenous and non- Indigenous community alike by providing programs and services rooted in the revitalization, strengthening, and celebration of Indigenous cultures and languages in the spirit of trust, respect, and friendship.

The Marketing and Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in expanding our community presence and amplifying urban Indigenous voices through strategic communications efforts. In this dynamic role, you will be responsible for working with the leadership team to define the organization's communications objectives by collaborating closely with the organization's diverse departments and teams. You will create compelling written, visual, and multimedia content with the goal of raising awareness of the organization's services, programs, and overall mission.

Reporting directly to the Director of Organizational Effectiveness, you will have the opportunity to shape and execute communications strategies that enhance our brand awareness, engage with community and media stakeholders, and drive support for our advocacy efforts.

Core Skill Set

• Strategic Communication
• Content Creation
• Digital Marketing
• Data Analysis
• Collaboration
• Media Engagement

Essential Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning:

• Work with leadership to define clear and measurable communications objectives that align with the organization's overall mission and goals.
• Collaborate with diverse departments and teams (e.g. housing, arts and culture, advocacy) to integrate their priorities into consistent organizational messaging.
• Develop communications strategies and tactics to support the organization's mission and goals, which may include advocating for policy change, securing government funding, and influencing public opinion on issues that are important to the urban Indigenous community.
• Plan and execute issues-based communications campaigns to raise awareness and mobilize support around strategic policy issues and initiatives on behalf of the urban Indigenous community.

Content Creation:

• Develop key messages, brand voice, and storytelling techniques that effectively communicate First Light's mission, programs, services, and initiatives to diverse audiences.
• Ensure brand consistency across all public communications assets, such as the organization's website, annual reports, policy briefs, and other materials.
• Create compelling written, visual, and multimedia content, including social media graphics, posters, infographics, presentations, and other visual assets to showcase First Light's mission and impact.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar to ensure consistent and timely delivery of messaging across all channels.

Channel Management:

• Manage all external communications channels, including website, social media, email newsletters, and press releases.
• Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and inquiries on social media platforms and other communication channels.
• Collaborate with the IT team internally on website content and optimization for user experience and search engine visibility.
• Stay abreast of and leverage industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation, adaptation, or differentiation.

Media, Partnerships, Representation and Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, influencers, and partners to secure coverage and collaborations that increase visibility and support.
• Build and maintain a list of appropriate staff spokespersons for public speaking engagements, media interviews, policy forums, and networking opportunities.
• Coordinate public communications opportunities for identified First Light spokespersons by serving as a liaison between them and external organizations, such as media outlets.
• Organize media training sessions for staff members who may be called upon for media interviews.
• Advise staff spokespeople in the preparation of attending external events by providing speaking points to ensure a consistent messaging and voice.

Analysis and Reporting:

• Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of communications efforts.
• Track and analyze data related to website traffic, social media engagement, media coverage, and other relevant metrics.
• Prepare regular reports with insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Internal Communications:

• Develop and implement internal communications strategies to promote employee engagement, and ensure all staff members are informed about organizational updates, initiatives, and events.
• Work with the Executive Assistant to coordinate internal communications channels to foster a sense of community and engagement within the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences and platforms.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience using design tools such as Canva and Adobe (Photoshop, Illustrator), or an interest in learning how to use them.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms, including social media management, email marketing, and content management systems.
• Passion for First Light's mission and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.