Community Engagement and Content Specialist

Why Work for the Y?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto aspires to be a great work place committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. Guided by our shared values — kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism — the YMCA provides thousands of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities.

Nature and scope

YMCA Employment and Community Programs provide a variety of employment, counselling, outreach, intervention, training and newcomer programs to youth and adults throughout the GTA. For decades, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has been a leader in supporting the settlement and integration of newcomers to the GTA.

The Pre-Arrival Client Registration and Referral Portal aims to test a centralized registration and referral system as a means to streamline the process that is cost-effective and efficient for both clients and service providers against the current multiple-registration process. The first component of the portal is the centralized client registration that simplify client efforts in accessing pre-arrival services. With this model, pre-arrival clients only need to complete one registration form for all the eligible IRCC funded pre- arrival programs. The second component is the cross-referrals, which features automated data transfer and promotes an information-sharing mechanism among service provider organizations (SPO). Service providers can easily access information such as the pre-arrival program(s) the client has registered for thereby reducing duplication in cross-referrals and easing the amount of work by program staff. This contributes to a more responsive and coordinated service delivery model easing the amount of work by program staff. This contributes to a more responsive and coordinated service delivery model.

The Community Engagement and Content Specialist acts as dynamic member of the Pre-Arrival Client Registration and Referral Portal team who provides support to the Project Coordinator in building relationships with community organizations and service providers; implementing digital promotion strategies to increase community engagement and client reach; and developing and managing content for the program’s Knowledge Management System (KMS). This position requires a proactive in supporting the team and plays a key supporting role to the Project Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of an annual outreach and community engagement plan, and communications and marketing plan, both consistent with the policies and standards of both YMCA of Greater Toronto and funder.

Engages and builds relationships with community organizations including YMCA Employment and Immigrant Services programs for cross-collaboration, factoring the needs of the target audience.

Works closely with the Project Coordinator in producing and managing content such as videos, blogs, articles, event calendar etc. for the Pre-Arrival Client Registration and Referral Portal including all social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) to engage target audience.

Work closely with Pre-Arrival partners to coordinate the ongoing creation and maintenance of the portal KMS; researches, collects, and organizes settlement-related information ensuring that information is sufficient, relevant, accurate and up-to-date.

Participates and provides support in managing online community forums, meetings and similar activities to increase client reach and stakeholder engagement.

Assists in the planning, production, promotion and coordination of online events, while efficiently handling project delivery elements within set timelines.

Updates and maintains contact database of all key internal and external partners, including settlement service providers.

Creates, edits and proofreads written articles before posting to online and social media platforms, and ensures all content material is consistent with the Y branding.

Actively develops social media presence and identifies the creative use of social media platforms such as Facebook campaigns and similar strategies.

Utilizes social media management tools (e.g. Hootsuite, Sprout Social, etc.) and develops new tools to track and manage different social media channels.

Utilizes digital content development tools (e.g. Canva, Articulate, iMovie) to produce and edit videos, create eye-catching graphics, develop e-learning courses and other similar content for the portal.

Assists in connecting with community partners for content creation such as videos and blog posts.

Develops and maintains newsletters, online community forums and/or other tools for ongoing communication with partners and clients.

Remains alert to immigration, newcomer and settlement trends and uses this data to inform content development and improvement.

Identifies, coordinates and follow-ups on logistics for online events such as vendors, lodgings, equipment and other necessary details.

Provides regular status reports to the Project Coordinator, alerting the team to any needed changes in timeline and proactively proposing solutions for any barriers to completing projects on time and on budget.

Ensures confidentiality of sensitive information and compliance with YMCA and funder privacy policies.

Works with team to build awareness of program among target population; liaises with settlement
partners to develop referral mechanisms.

Demonstrates appropriate behaviours in line with our Mission, Vision and Values as reflected in our YMCA competencies; takes a member focused approach to increase their understanding of programs offered across the Association. Represents the YMCA and the Association in a professional manner.

Understands the legal responsibilities and moral imperative to report suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.

Understands the importance of the volunteer staff partnership and integrates the value of philanthropy and volunteerism in dealings with members, volunteers, donors and staff.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• University Degree or Community College Diploma in related field or equivalent training/work experience
• Minimum 1 year experience working with newcomers, providing settlement information and referral
• Proven experience in community relations strategies including outreach and engagement
• Marketing background, experience in organizing events, programming and troubleshooting experience are an asset
• Demonstrated knowledge of settlement and immigration barriers, trends, resources and services
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with participants, community partners, staff and volunteers
• Ability to communicate with diplomacy and tact in various type of environments
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic about leveraging technology to connect with and engage people
• Strong presentation and written communication skills
• Advanced social media skills (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Familiarity with photo and video editing software
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit compelling, clear, and concise content
• Experience working with content management systems is an asset
• Understanding of best practices for online usability, accessibility and safety
• Experience and sensitivity in dealing with individuals of different cultural and racial backgrounds, including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity
• Strong organizational skills, ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks
• Ability to communicate in French is an asset
• Flexibility regarding work location and hours, including evenings and Saturdays

Job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

If you are hired, prior to your start date and as a condition of your employment, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a valid medical or other Human Rights Code-related exemption.