Indigenous Internship Program – Communications Intern

Indigenous Internship Program

The Indigenous Internship Program (IIP) is a 12-month paid internship program designed to provide recent Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) post-secondary graduates, with the opportunity to gain professional level work experience and a pathway through which they can build and develop transferable skills that can be used to gain sustained employment in their field of choice.

You must self-identify as an Indigenous person to be eligible for this program. The term Indigenous refers to individuals who identify as being descended from the original inhabitants (the first peoples) of what is now known as Canada. In this context, Indigenous people are First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit.

Personal Information

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful, and equitable workplace. To enable this commitment and advance broader organizational objectives, this dedicated internship has been created for eligible applicants who self-identify as an Indigenous person. As part of the application process, all applicants must respond to a self-attestation. Applicants who do not self-identify as Indigenous or who choose not to identify will not be eligible.

What makes working in the Ontario Public Service great

Working in the public service has real meaning and impact on the lives of Ontarians. What we do matters, and you can grow your career here. From economic growth to health and social justice, we offer career opportunities in multiple disciplines and business areas to match your passion. Our strength is the diversity of our people and the ideas we generate. We value trust, fairness, diversity, creativity, collaboration and excellence. We are committed to be an employer of first choice.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (2 positions at 222 Jarvis St., Toronto or 300 Water St., Peterborough)
Government Services Integration Cluster
The Government Services Integration Cluster (GSIC) is one of eight technology clusters in the OPS and works closely to provide groups of ministry partners with all their information technology needs.? In an intern placement in Government Technology Ontario (GovTechON) you will have the opportunity to be part of a movement to drive innovation and excellence across government using technology. You will get?hands-on?experience solving real challenges both individually and in project teams.?

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary, high-impact team that fosters digital transformation within government while using user-centric design strategies and new technology trends. You will have the opportunity to tell some of the innovative and future-looking stories of our government. We are looking for people with an interest and skills required to learn about digital solutions leveraging emerging technologies and communicate the benefits and outcomes with the Ministries we support.?The ideal candidate should be eager to learn and have hands-on experience with online communication tools.

Ministry of Solicitor General (1 position at 17-25 Grosvenor Street, Toronto)
Inspectorate of Policing Division, Office of the Inspector General of Policing
Are you interested in improving public safety in Ontario and public confidence in the public safety system and looking for an exciting opportunity to help build a first of its kind organization in Canada? If so, join the Office of the Inspector General within the Inspectorate of Policing (IOP). The IOP is a new arm's-length division that will be tasked with monitoring, advising, conducting inspections, research, analytics and investigating complaints once the Community Safety and Policing Act and its regulations are in force.

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to support a wide variety of communication activities including internal and external communication activities, stakeholder relations, media monitoring and social media content creation. You would also have an opportunity to support the IOP's First Nations Policing Liaison Unit and the Centre for Data Intelligence and Innovation as part of a fulsome experience of the type of work the IOP does and how it fits within Ontario's policing oversight system. The IOP is building an organization that embraces diversity, is respectful and is open to new ideas with staff with lived Indigenous and racialized experiences. As an intern, you would be paired with an Indigenous leader within the IOP to serve as a mentor and to provide support throughout your placement.

Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism (1 position at 1075 Bay St., Toronto)
Anti-Racism Directorate
The Anti-Racism Directorate (ARD) works to eliminate systemic racism in government policies, decisions and programs, and advance racial equity in Ontario for Indigenous, Black and other racialized populations. To acknowledge historical and continued impacts of the unique forms of systemic racism and colonization faced by First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities. The Anti-Racism Directorate affirms its commitment to Reconciliation by building meaningful relationships with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous partners across Ontario.

As the intern, you will participate in relationship-building with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous partners and key partner ministries and have the opportunity to participate in province-wide strategic policy initiatives, as well as lead research and policy development across key areas specific to First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous communities.

Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism (1 position at 1075 Bay St., Toronto)
Deputy Minister's Office, Communications Branch
MCM leads the government's anti-racism and inclusion initiatives to build an equitable Ontario and promote a sense of belonging through informed policies, programs and services. This includes leading anti-racism and anti-hate initiatives, promoting equitable economic growth and opportunity for all Ontarians, and celebrating the Ontario spirit and foster inclusive, vibrant communities through volunteerism across the province and recognizing contributions and achievements of Ontarians.

As an intern, you will work in the Deputy Minister's Office to help plan announcements and events for the Minister and help members of the public and key partners engage with the programs, grants and award programs we deliver. You will work with colleagues to promote the ministry's work in various communities and better facilitate their interactions with government. Also, you will support announcements, communications planning and digital projects that aim to increase the participation of equity seeking groups in the ministry's programs.

As an intern in communications, you may be involved in:

• Writing/editing content including digital materials, web content, fact sheets and news releases
• Helping to manage the ministry's social media accounts, including content and strategy.
• Providing analysis of data on the ministry's communications activities to help assess outcomes and strategies
• Participating in stakeholder consultation and outreach
assisting with graphic design of social media content, brochures, posters and reports
• Contributing to communications strategies and event planning
• Identifying and analyzing marketing, communications and media opportunities and issues
• Crafting and editing content for various audiences, both internal and external
• Collaborating with colleagues to identify and analyse new and ongoing content opportunities and issues for various platforms
• Supporting the project planning, research and execution of digital products for web, social media and graphic design areas
• Helping to manage the ministry's social media accounts, including content, strategy and community
• Measuring the impact of social media through regular monitoring and reporting on social media account activities
• Ensure branding, accessibility and/or other regulatory guidelines are followed pertaining to web and social media properties and creative assets

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You must have graduated or will complete the requirements to graduate with a degree, diploma or post-graduate certificate from a recognized or legally authorized post-secondary institution in the last five years (May 2018-August 2023).
• You must self-identify as an Indigenous person. The term Indigenous refers to individuals who identify as being descended from the original inhabitants (the first peoples) of what is now known as Canada. In this context, Indigenous people are First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit.
• You must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Select here to view information about Indigenous Self-Identification.

Knowledge of communications practices:

• You understand communications methods, techniques and multi-media approaches, including marketing principles and concepts.
• You understand social media and web platforms and can use different digital channels to communicate with target audiences.
• You understand digital media applications and graphic design methods to produce communications materials.
• You can interpret and apply legislation, policies, processes and procedures.

Research and analytical skills:

• You understand research practices to source communications information, identify trends, assess opportunities and draft/present findings.
• You have analytical, reasoning and evaluation skills to assess communication requirements, evaluate options, and identify alternative approaches.

Communication skills:

• You can prepare and present various documents (i.e., presentations, reports, summaries).
• You have the ability to write and edit materials that reflect intended tone, style and messaging.

Interpersonal and teamwork skills:

• You can establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• You can participate and contribute to working groups.

Planning and organizational skills:

• You can plan, organize, and manage multiple tasks and projects with competing deadlines.

Computer Proficiency:

• You are proficient using word processors and presentation software to draft documents, reports and prepare presentations.
• You are proficient in digital media applications and graphic design methods.

Other Summer Opportunities:

We offer a variety of summer jobs in diverse career fields. See what summer opportunities are currently available!

Also, check out all the other student and new professional opportunities offered within the Ontario Public Service.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

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.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 21, 2023 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.