Specialist, Strategic Communications

HR à la carte•Toronto, ON

1d•CA$64,000 - CA$78,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) represents over 150 organizations that provide front-line substance use, addiction, and mental health support and services. AMHO members support Ontarians through their mental health and substance use health challenges by providing community-based and hospital-based services including counselling, structured psychotherapy, case management, crisis support, withdrawal management, live-in addictions treatment, peer support and consumer-survivor programs, harm reduction, and supportive housing. We engage our members, government, and allies to lead change that will revolutionize the addiction and mental health care experience for people in Ontario. AMHO is known for its thoughtful, evidence-informed research projects, policy advocacy, capacity building and system transformation initiatives, knowledge exchange, education, and quality improvement programs. We are a small, energetic, and nimble team dedicated to advancing AMHO’s mission. In addition to market competitive compensation, we offer an industry-leading benefits package including health and dental coverage, a defined-benefit pension plan (HOOPP), generous paid time off and the flexibility of a hybrid work environment. Reporting to the Director, Communications and Public Affairs, the Specialist, Strategic Communications is responsible for leading, supporting and executing strategic communications and public affairs initiatives that advance the organization’s mission and amplify the voice of its members across Ontario’s mental health and addictions sector. Through effective storytelling, public awareness campaigns, and targeted communications, the Specialist strengthens the organization’s influence and fosters understanding of AMHO’s goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, college diploma, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Specialty in communications, journalism, political science, or a related field is preferred.
Minimum three years (3) experience in public affairs, communications, marketing, journalism, or political campaigning.
Exceptional writing and content development skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas persuasively and clearly for diverse audiences and platforms.
Able to assess complex situations, drawing insights to inform targeted and effective communication strategies.
Strong project management skills, including experience with timelines, budgets, and KPIs.
Understanding of Ontario’s political landscape and effective government relations strategies.
Strong understanding of digital marketing and social media strategies, particularly in amplifying campaigns or calls to action.
Comfort using digital tools such as project management software, CRM systems, WordPress and media monitoring platforms.
Highly collaborative individual that thrives in a team environment.
Highly proficient with Microsoft 365 (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and online meeting platforms such as Zoom.
Fluency in written and spoken English; French proficiency is considered an asset.
Authorized to work in Canada

Nice To Haves

Experience with community-based health or social services, particularly mental health, substance use health, and addictions, is an asset.
An understanding of visual content development (e.g., basic design principles or tools) is an asset.
French proficiency is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Translate complex system-level issues into accessible, persuasive narratives for government, AMHO members, media, and the public.
Create compelling content, driving member engagement and public awareness through human-centered stories, comprehensive member toolkits, op-eds, presentations, and digital campaigns.
Support the execution of campaign rollouts, overseeing content development, preparing member-facing toolkits, managing timelines, and tracking engagement.
Steward the organization’s brand and message platform ensuring a consistent tone, terminology, and positioning across communications.
Collaborate with communications, policy, and external consultants to ensure content is on-brand, evidence-informed, and audience-specific.
Identify and uplift community voices, provider stories, and the perspectives of individuals with lived experience to help strengthen AMHO’s advocacy.
Provide creative direction and review for high-profile materials; ensure content is appropriate and effective for intended audiences and channels.
Support the implementation of AMHO’s public affairs strategy and government relations plan.
Contribute to issue-specific policy submissions, support letters, and media engagement.
Work with the Director, Membership to engage AMHO members in the development of materials, webinars, and training to support member mobilization.
Manage multiple projects and campaigns, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and budgets stay on track.
Track key metrics and prepare reports on sector impact, media coverage, member engagement, and campaign performance.
Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment with member priorities.
Support collaboration with AMHO’s key external partners in the mental health and addiction sector to advance AMHO’s priorities.