New Job Media Relations And Communications Specialist In Ontario

Media Relations and Communications Specialist* Central location, close to transit (TTC), bike lanes* Flexible location of work (remote or hybrid)* Meaningful non-profit organization workDentists like to smile too! And there's nothing that makes them happier than the support of their own, dedicated professional association. We're the Ontario Dental Association (https://oda.ca/index.php) , and we represent over 90% of dentists in Ontario: advocating on their behalf to improve dentistry for both dentists and patients, and keeping Ontarians smiling. Working with other health-care professionals, governments, the private sector and the public, the ODA provides a wide range of services, resources and continuing education programs to support ODA dentists in their pursuit of professional excellence and personal fulfillment. What we're looking forWe're looking for an enthusiastic and energetic Media Relations and Communications Specialist. You'll help enhance the reputation of dentists in Ontario, promote the importance of oral health to overall health, and maintain the ODA's role as a primary source of dental news and information in the province.You're an expert communicator who knows how to build relationships with the media and internal and external audiences. You think strategically, finding creative, engaging and effective ways to promote the brand of the ODA and its member dentists. Come join our team!What we offerThis is a full-time, permanent position, with some flexibility with daily work hours. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll have access to a benefits plan that includes dental (of course!) as well as plenty of vacation days, personal days, and access to a health-spending account.The position is part of the ODA's Flexible Location of Work policy, which means you can work remote, in-person at the office, or a combination of the two! You'll have to come into the office occasionally for our staff development days (we have four throughout the year) and attend some in-person member events.Our office is in a large, open space that used to be a copper factory. We're located in the heart of Yorkville with nearby parks, shops and restaurants and easy access to transit and bike lanes. Everything downtown Toronto has to offer is just a bus ride away.What you'll doIn this role, you will work with the Manager, Communications and Public Affairs and be part of a growing creative team. You'll also work closely with teams inside the department and across the organization, along with external groups, to help us advocate for the profession, promote good oral health and provide support for our members. You will:* Lead the development, implementation and measurement of our media relations strategy.** Prepare and manage media relations collateral, including news releases and pitches; media lists; media logs; and response plans.** Monitor the media landscape for mentions of the ODA, its members, and subjects that impact dentistry and health care to identify trends and emerging issues. You'll also prepare daily briefs for our executive management, Board of Directors and other stakeholders.** Manage proactive media outreach and reactive media requests, and arrange interviews with our spokespeople, identifying opportunities for the ODA to bring the voice of dentists into conversations about oral health in Ontario. ** Collaborate with our internal subject experts to develop and maintain appropriate responses and key messages on issues.** Coordinate media relations training and coaching on the appropriate delivery for interviews and speeches for our spokespeople.** Provide on-the-spot and on-site media and public relations support for the ODA President, Board members and other spokespeople.** Lead the development, implementation and measurement of our speakers' bureau and Media Contact Dentist program. This includes identifying and securing suitable spokespeople; identifying, pitching and coordinating speaking opportunities; marketing and promoting the programs; ensuring training, coaching, speechwriting and other speaker preparations; and coordinating debrief/evaluation activities.** Help coordinate and execute our public awareness and advertising campaigns, including Oral Health Month, and support our regional chapters with their own community public-education activities. ** Work with other internal teams to research and write speeches for the ODA President and other Board members when they speak to our regional chapters, at industry events and to external audiences, such as other health care groups and the government.** Build communications and public relations partnerships with external stakeholders and other organizations.** Develop content for our publications, including our journal, Ontario Dentist (https://www.oda.ca/news-and-publications/ontario-dentist-journal/) , and consumer magazine, Smile (https://www.oda.ca/news-and-publications/smile-magazine/) .** Support our team by helping with content development for our website and social media channels.What you'll bring* Bachelor's degree or post-graduate certificate in journalism, communications, public relations or equivalent.* At least five years experience in developing, executing, and evaluating communications, media and/or public relations campaigns and strategies.** Previous work as a journalist coupled with experience in a professional organization, association, or not-for-profit is definitely an asset! ** Excellent communication and interpersonal and presentation skills.** Outstanding political instincts to provide confident, supportive, and strategic advice to volunteer decision-makers, spokespeople, and senior management.** Strength in assessing suitability of potential spokespeople and their training needs.** Experience and knowledge in copywriting, proofreading, editing and working with editors and other contributors.** Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy and tact skills and the ability to be a good team contributor.** Ability to initiate and manage projects.** Ability to operate in high-demand, high-pressure situations.** Excellent organizational and time-management skills.** Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.** Professional membership in IABC, CPRS or equivalent association is a plus! We'll even pay for your membership.A little about usWe're the Ontario Dental Association, and we represent over 90% of dentists in Ontario. We advocate for our members, promote optimal oral health and support successful professional lives and general well-being. To achieve this, we:* Promote the highest standards of dental care.* Work with governments, the private sector and other health-care professionals.* Advocate on public policies that affect the practice of dentistry and the oral health of people in Ontario.* Raise public awareness of how important oral hygiene is and its connection to overall health.* Provide our member-dentists with programs, services, and products to support their role as leaders of the oral health care team. The ODA is proud to be one of the GTA's Top Employers for 2023 (https://reviews.canadastop100.com/top-employer-ontario-dental-association) , our fifth year in a row! We think that says a lot about the culture and work environment we've built over the last 150+ years. We are all about growth and learning: every position in our organization offers both challenges and opportunities, and we encourage all our staff to establish themselves within and beyond their individual roles. Whether through our employee recognition program, we make sure that support and opportunity are always within reach.How to ApplyOur online application will give you the option to apply to this role as a complete person, not just a resumé. The application will assess your qualifications, personality traits and workplace preferences, and should take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. After submitting, you'll receive an email inviting you to log in and view your assessment results.We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the community we work in and encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ2SI, veterans, and people with disabilities. If we can make this easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please contact us using the "Help" button.