Communications Specialist

LOCATION:   HYBRID: Work-From-Home / 1031 Bank St. Ottawa, ON

TERM:             Full-Time, Permanent

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Overview

Reporting to the Communications Manager, this role combines strategic communications planning, content development, digital communications, and performance analysis to deliver effective, audience-focused messaging across multiple channels.

The Communications Specialist is innovative and creative, continuously seeking new ways to strengthen storytelling, increase engagement, and enhance brand trust. They are responsible for the planning, development, and execution of integrated communications strategies that support CAANEO’s brand, products, advocacy initiatives, and corporate priorities.

The Specialist leads and contributes to the development of high-quality written, digital, and visual communications content across multiple platforms that deepens audience engagement and, using AEO and SEO, builds trust within the AI matrix. Their work is driven by a responsive and dynamic approach to current events and trends, analytics, audience insights, and organizational priorities.

The Specialist conducts thorough research to identify audience needs, organizational priorities, and emerging trends, enabling the development of clear, compelling messaging that resonates with target audiences. They use communications analytics, social listening, and performance data to inform decision-making, optimize communications strategies, and express a consistent and authentic brand voice. The Specialist safeguards and champions CAA’s Brand DNA across all communications.

The Communications Specialist brings strong storytelling ability, strategic thinking, and a digital-first mindset to identify opportunities that enhance CAANEO’s reputation, visibility, and member engagement. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, this role supports integrated campaigns, protects brand reputation through proactive communications, and leverages data and insights to continuously improve communications effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Communications Strategy and Planning

  • Develop and execute integrated communications strategies aligned with organizational priorities and business objectives
  • Identify and develop strategic storytelling opportunities that strengthen brand positioning and Member engagement
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support campaigns, product launches, and corporate initiatives
  • Apply strong knowledge of CAANEO products, services, and partnerships to effectively position offerings
  • Provide communications support for advocacy initiatives and corporate priorities
  • Participate in national and inter-club committees to support organizational initiatives, as required
  • Support crisis and issues communications planning under the direction of communications leadership

Campaigns and Content Development

  • Develop, write, and edit communications content supporting integrated campaigns and corporate initiatives
  • Create compelling content including articles, campaigns, digital content, and advocacy communications
  • Apply CP Style, journalism standards, and communications best practices to all content
  • Adapt writing styles to suit different audiences and communication objectives
  • Ensure communications materials remain accurate and reflect current products, services, and initiatives
  • Prepare campaign and broadcast copy for internal stakeholders and external media partners
  • Ensure high standards of quality, accuracy, and brand alignment across communications deliverables

Digital Communications and Optimization

  • Apply SEO, AEO, and GEO best practices to improve content discoverability across search engines and AI platforms
  • Support digital communications initiatives across web, email, and social channels
  • Assist with website content development and publishing through the CMS (Drupal), as required
  • Optimize digital content for engagement, accessibility, and performance
  • Maintain strong awareness of emerging digital communications trends, tools, and platforms
  • Demonstrate strong digital acumen in applying evolving communications technologies

Data, Insights and Performance Measurement

  • Monitor communications performance using analytics platforms such as Power BI and social listening tools such as Sprout Social
  • Track campaign performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve engagement
  • Develop reports and insights to support communications and marketing decision-making
  • Use audience insights, engagement metrics, and sentiment analysis to refine communications strategies
  • Translate data and insights into actionable recommendations
  • Make data-driven recommendations to improve communications effectiveness and targeting approaches

Reputation Management and Communications Governance

  • Monitor brand sentiment and emerging issues through social listening and environmental scanning
  • Identify potential reputational risks and escalate as appropriate
  • Ensure communications comply with applicable regulations, partner requirements, and brand standards
  • Support brand governance by maintaining consistency across communications
  • Assist with issues management and reputation protection initiatives
  • Demonstrate sound judgment, accountability, and ownership of communications deliverables

Stakeholder Collaboration and Partner Support

  • Collaborate with internal teams to develop engaging communications content
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners
  • Support communications related to sponsorships, advocacy initiatives, and community programs
  • Coordinate communications deliverables with external agencies and vendors, as required
  • Contribute communications expertise and insights to support organizational initiatives
  • Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without authority

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

  • Conduct research into communications trends, tools, and best practices
  • Identify opportunities to improve communications processes, tools, and effectiveness
  • Support the adoption of innovative communications approaches and technologies, including AI tools
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen engagement and brand impact
  • Demonstrate a proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented approach
  • Maintain commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

  • Post-secondary degree or diploma in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
  • Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, journalism, copywriting, or digital marketing
  • Experience developing and managing integrated communications campaigns
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams to deliver communications initiatives aligned with business objectives
  • Proven ability to develop compelling content and adapt writing styles for diverse audiences including marketing, consumer, advocacy, and corporate communications

Core Competencies

  • Strong balance of strategic thinking and execution capability
  • Strong understanding of current and emerging communications trends across platforms
  • Digital-first mindset with strong technical adaptability
  • Ability to identify and leverage strategic storytelling opportunities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilingualism (English/French) is an asset

Skills and Knowledge

  • Strong knowledge of CP Style, journalism standards, and communications principles
  • Knowledge of SEO, AEO, GEO, and digital content optimization practices
  • Sound analytical skills with the ability to translate insights into action
  • Effective project management, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
  • Strong collaboration, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and work effectively across teams
  • Robust research and analytical skills, including experience using performance metrics, audience insights, and social listening data to guide communications decisions

Technical Skills

  • Project management platforms such as Monday.com or similar tools
  • Microsoft Office Suite including Teams, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint
  • Experience with AI productivity tools such as Microsoft Copilot
  • Experience with Canva or similar content development tools
  • Experience with social listening platforms such as Sprout Social or similar tools
  • Experience with content management systems such as Drupal is considered an asset
  • Strong understanding of digital and social media platforms

Compensation

  • Salary: $60,000 - $70,000
  • 5% Annual Performance Bonus
  • Health & Dental Benefits
  • Pension Plan
  • 3 Weeks Vacation
  • CAA Membership

Employment is contingent on a successful Criminal Background Check and references.

Job applicants who have disabilities shall be provided with reasonable accommodation throughout the recruiting process

Job openings

LOCATION:   HYBRID: Work-From-Home / 1031 Bank St. Ottawa, ON

TERM:             Full-Time, Permanent

Term:             Full-Time, 12 Month Contract

Location:      Work-From-Home

**Preference shall be given to candidates residing in the Ottawa-Gatineau and Eastern Ontario region**

LOCATION:   HYBRID: Work-From-Home / 1031 Bank St. Ottawa, ON

TERM:             Full-Time, Permanent