Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To participate as a team member in the implementation of an effective marketing program for MNR's Ontario Wood brand by assisting in the development and delivery of communications/marketing products and promotional initiatives.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Working with Branch staff, under general direction of the Manager, Forestry Innovation and Market Development, the incumbent will be expected to:
1. Collaborate with branch staff, outside agencies and Communications Service Branch in the development of communications and marketing tools and products for Ontario Wood by:
• preparing internal or external communications;
• contributing to program newsletter etc.;
• preparing reports and proposing options on product design and use;
• supporting the preparation and organisation of communications requirements for special events, exhibits, campaigns and other events in order to identify the goals, objectives, and target audience for the event, and to determine short and long term strategies;
• reviewing communication/marketing products and information to ensure they are consistent with corporate communications and other standards;
• assisting with the development of communication products through researching communications/marketing methods and recommending approaches;
• collaborating on the development and recommendation of creative and efficient layout, presentation and delivery of communications material; and
• representing the MNR through participation in public awareness and consumer events associated with Ontario Wood and other branch programs.

2. Assist program staff in the implementation of social media strategies for Ontario Wood by:
• gathering information on trends in social media platforms and uses and recommending options for consideration for the promotion of Ontario Wood;
• assisting in the monitoring of Ontario Wood social media sites;
• participating in project planning activities including scheduling and co-ordinating consultation sessions with staff;
• writing and editing for the intranet and internet and assisting with planning and organization of broader program intranet and internet sites;
• documenting planning session discussions and identify process gaps and inefficiencies;
• researching and analysing data and information; and
• assisting with the development of presentations and recommendations to facilitate program implementation.

3. Provide support to Ontario Wood program staff by:
• participating in initiatives to facilitate the expansion of Ontario Wood's brand recognition amongst Ontario wood product producers,
• assisting with the development of evaluations and reviews of potential Ontario Wood licensees,
• assisting in the development and maintenance of databases of Ontario Wood licensees and potential licensees;
• assisting with the evaluation of requests for event partnership from the Ontario Wood program to ensure that these events meet program objectives;
• undertaking research to support the development of targeted marketing programs by maintaining a current knowledge of trends in the marketing of wood products and associated trade marketing and communications, consumer trends, attitudes and habits as they impact on wood product retailing and distribution,
• supporting the retail merchandising activities that promote the Ontario Wood, and
• interviewing/consulting with various program leads to gather information on the Ontario Wood program.

The manager has the right to assign additional duties. The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and any workplace practices as directed by their immediate supervisor. Report any hazards of which they are aware to their immediate supervisor.

Staffing and Licencing :

Proof of full-time enrolment in a recognized post secondary college or university or graduation within the last five years.

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of communication methods and practices, research techniques, and writing styles, techniques and grammar, punctuation and spelling in order to assist with the development and maintenance of communication materials, coordinating communications product development, including researching communications methods and recommending approaches;

Job requires knowledge of leading social media platforms, and marketing trends using those and other web-based platforms;

Job requires knowledge of public relations and how to organize conferences and public awareness events or make arrangements for meetings;

Job requires knowledge of personal computers/software/hardware (e.g. word processing, desk top publishing, database, electronic mail and spreadsheet application);

Internet and social media technology and peripherals (e.g. plotter, printer) to develop and maintain communications.

General knowledge and understanding of Ontario's geography and natural resources including natural, social and economic values.

Knowledge of responsibilities as outlined in the OH & S Act.

Skills :

Well developed written and oral communication skills to produce effective communications messages.

An introductory knowledge of marketing, communications research and planning, media relations and public relations is required.

Research skills to gather and produce clear program messaging for a variety of audiences.

Strong computer skills. Understanding of HTML is an asset

Client relationship building skills to be able to work with clients on marketing plan development and build rapport to encourage program participation.

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills in order to obtain necessary information to meet project deadlines.

Excellent time management skills to organize workload and meet project plan deliverables.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Freedom of Action :

Position works within procedural controls of ministry and government policies, legislation, manuals, guidelines, directives and established practices and procedures.

Work is regularly reviewed and monitored by senior staff and Manager to ensure project objectives and timelines are met.