Communications Officer

The Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation provides compassionate HIV care for people living with significant health and social issues including mental illness, trauma, addictions, unstable housing and poverty.

 Through its day health, 24-hour care residence and enhanced supportive housing programs, the Dr. Peter Centre provides healthy meals, counselling, therapies, nursing, and a safe place for peer socialization and support. This integrated model of care successfully engages individuals in their health care, improving adherence to HIV treatment and overall health.

We are currently looking for a full time Communications Officer to join our Philanthropy and Communications Department.

 Position Summary:

As a member of the Philanthropy & Communications team, the Communications Officer is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the communications plan to help achieve the goals and objectives of the strategic plan of the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation.

Key Responsibilities:

The Communications Officer reports to the Director of Development and is responsible for the following:

• Developing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive and integrated communications plan that supports the strategic plan of the Foundation;
• Facilitating media relations, public relations and government relations;
• Designing the foundation website, e-blasts, annual reports, newsletters, brochures, and other collateral marketing and communications materials;
• Developing social media messaging and keeping all online communications portals and other electronic tools current and up to date;
• Identifying and interviewing subjects for articles, testimonials and videos;
• Scheduling and briefing subjects for media interviews;

• Preparing press releases, organizational correspondence, briefing notes, reports, presentations, stewardship cards, committee agendas and minutes;
• Delivering a public/media event for World AIDS Day;
• Applying for awards and recognition opportunities without a monetary component;
• Stewarding prospects, media, clients, staff and volunteers appropriately;

• Developing efficient, effective and appropriate procedures;
• Reporting on communications plan progress to the Director of Development and the Communications Committee;
• Scheduling Communications Committee meetings in collaboration with the Committee Chair and the Director of Development;
• Contributing to an environment of collaboration, respect and teamwork;
• Representing the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation and the Dr. Peter Centre in a professional and ethical manner to ensure that the reputation of the Foundation is maintained and enhanced;
• Conducting all business activities in accordance with Dr. Peter Foundation terms and conditions of employment, policies and procedures;
• Performing other related duties as assigned/required.

Education, Qualifications and Experience:

The preferred education, qualifications and experience of the Communications Officer are:

1. Undergraduate degree or certificate in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline; or equivalent training and experience;
2. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in communications;
3. Understanding of issues faced by vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV/AIDS, mental illness, addiction, poverty, homelessness, &/or discrimination.

  Required Competencies:

The Communications Officer must possess the following competencies:

• Integrity;
• Strong work ethic, highly motivated and enthusiastic;
• Diplomacy;
• Commitment to accuracy, consistency, sensitivity and confidentiality of information;
• Accountability;
• Time management and organizational skills;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Creativity;
• Relationship stewardship talent;
• Marketing communications aptitude;
• Intermediate web design, social media and graphic design skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication proficiency;
• Collaborative approach;
• Commitment to the cause and the organization.

 General Working Conditions:

Normal business hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm; however this position requires flexibility, the ability to prioritize workload, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment where demands and deadlines may change with short notice. Working hours must be flexible in order to meet deadlines and to support many philanthropy and communications functions/activities that occur outside of the normal business hours. Evening and weekend work will be required.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to humanresources@drpeter.org and indicate "Communications Officer" in the subject line.

We thank all applicants for your interest. Regretfully, we are not able to respond to phone calls or email inquiries and, we are only able to respond to applicants who are being considered for an interview.