Communications Officer, Generalist

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The Ombudsman is an independent, impartial office of the Legislature that resolves and investigates complaints about Ontario government organizations, broader public sector bodies, including municipalities, universities and school boards, child protection services, and compliance with the French Language Services Act (FLSA). The Ombudsman recommends solutions to individual and systemic administrative problems, and promotes fairness, accountability and transparency in the public sector as well as respect for French language service rights and the rights of children and youth.

As a Communications Officer, you'll be part of a versatile, dynamic team that handles all types of media, organizes events and outreach with the public and stakeholders, and curates the Ombudsman's print and digital communications – in English and French. If you're a bilingual, media-savvy communicator who's passionate about public service and government accountability, this position is for you

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About the job

This is a permanent full-time position. The position reports to the Manager, Communications.

In this position, you will work with the Communications team to monitor the news and social media, maintain the Ombudsman's social media presence, and produce communications materials and web content (print, digital, video). You will also play a role in co-ordinating events and liaising with stakeholders to seek out, develop, implement, and manage engagement opportunities for stakeholders and the public.

ABOUT YOU:

• Have excellent writing and editing skills, whether you're drafting a two-page press release, editing a 50-page report, or preparing a speech
  
• Have experience planning events, including co-ordinating logistics, liaising with outside organizations, and on-site event management
  
• Can produce PowerPoint presentations for a range of presenters and audiences
  
• Have demonstrated success in public outreach and fostering relationships with stakeholders
  
• Have experience monitoring traditional and social media
  
• Are able to distil complicated and nuanced ideas into plain language
  
• Can nimbly manage competing priorities in a busy environment
  
• Are a self-starter, capable of working independently and in a small team
  
• Understand the value of independent oversight of the public sector
  
• Can read and write fluently in both English and French
  
• Have a background in communications or journalism

WE:

• Are always looking for new ways to reach the public
  
• Produce print products, web content, videos, photos, speeches and slide presentations – all in English and French, and almost all in-house
  
• Keep our staff, followers, stakeholders and staff informed and connected
  
• Network with and train ombudsmen and other watchdogs across the globe
  
• Work in a progressive, fast-paced environment

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What you bring to the team

Applicants must have:

• A post-secondary degree in communications, journalism or a related field
  
• At least three years' work experience that includes event co-ordination and stakeholder engagement
  
• Solid presentation writing skills
  
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities
  
• Knowledge of major social media platforms, video and photo editing, website management, and analytics tools
  
• Experience with social media, traditional communications and media relations
  
• Fluent English and French speaking and writing skills
  
• Superior research skills

HOW TO APPLY:

Please include a cover letter with your résumé, describing:

• What makes you a great communications specialist
  
• Your competency in French
  
• Your specific experience/achievements in communications
  
• Why you'd like to work in the public sector and specifically for the Ombudsman's Office

Interested candidates please apply by visiting our careers website at https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/what-we-do/careers/current-opportunities

Our recruitment practices reflect the Ontario Ombudsman's continuing goal of encouraging a diverse and inclusive workplace. Accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code will be provided.

Please Note: Only applicants selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted. Moving expenses will not be paid. This is a unionized position.

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Additional information:

Note:

• This ad is also available in French.
• In accordance with the Ontario Public Service (OPS), Employment Screening Checks Policy (ESCP), the top candidate(s) may be required to undergo a security screening check. Refer to the above to determine the screening checks that are required for this position.
  
  Required security screening checks along with your written consent, will be sent to the Transition and Security Office (TSO), Corporate Talent Programs Branch, Talent and Leadership Division to evaluate the results. If applicable, the TSO, with your written consent, will request and obtain any additional employment screening checks that were not obtained directly by you.
  
  A record under the Criminal Code and/or other federal offence record(s) does not automatically mean you will be ineligible for the position. The employment screening check(s) will only be reviewed and evaluated by the TSO for the purpose of making a security clearance decision. The details of an individual's employment screening check(s) will be considered in specific relation to the duties and responsibilities of the position being filled. Employment screening check records will be maintained by the TSO and kept strictly confidential.

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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Information collection notice

We are collecting your personal information to assess how well you meet the qualifications for employment with the Ontario Public Service, and for related recruitment purposes. The collection of personal information is necessary to the proper administration of OPS Careers, which is an authorized common service in accordance with s. 6 of the Ministry of Government Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.25.

Please do not include any more personal information than is needed for your application (for example, do not include your photograph or social insurance number).

If you have any questions about how your information is collected, used, shared or saved, please contact us.