POSITION SUMMARY For more than two decades, the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions (the Knowledge Institute) has been bringing people and knowledge together to strengthen care for infants, children, young people, and families. As a trusted partner and advisor to several of Ontario’s ministries, we collaborate across sectors to drive high-quality mental health, substance use health and addictions care. We mobilize evidence, strengthen knowledge and skills, and accelerate system change to improve services for mental health, substance use health, and addictions across Ontario.

Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Communications, the Communications Specialist develops, delivers, and continuously evaluates and improves strategic communications that advance the Knowledge Institute's mission of strengthening child and youth mental health, substance use health and addictions services across Ontario.

Working collaboratively with the strategic communications team, project teams and external partners, the Communications Specialist develops and executes communications plans, identifies strategic communications opportunities, and creates compelling, audience-focused content that helps advance the Knowledge Institute's strategic goals and organizational priorities.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic communications planning

- Develop and execute communications plans that support the Knowledge Institute's strategic priorities, projects, resources and initiatives;
- Identify strategic communications opportunities that increase awareness, engagement and the reach of the Knowledge Institute's work;
- Monitor and evaluate communications performance, incorporating analytics, feedback, and lessons learned into future planning and continuous improvement; and
- Stay current with emerging communications trends, technologies and best practices,



and recommend opportunities to strengthen the Knowledge Institute's strategic communications.

Strategic communications advising and project support

- Partner with project teams to provide strategic communications advice throughout the planning, development and implementation of projects, resources and initiatives;
- Represent Communications at internal and external meetings to ensure communications considerations are incorporated into project planning; and
- Build collaborative relationships with staff, project leads, and partners to support effective communications planning and delivery.

Content development and storytelling

- Research, write, edit and coordinate engaging, audience-focused content for a variety of communications channels, including but not limited to websites, social media, newsletters, reports, presentations and media materials;
- Translate complex information into clear, accurate and audience-focused communications that support understanding and engagement;
- Ensure communications materials align with the Knowledge Institute's brand, editorial standards, accessibility requirements and style guides; and
- Work collaboratively with staff, project teams and partners to identify and develop stories and messaging that showcase the Knowledge Institute’s work and impact.

Other responsibilities include:

- Support the ongoing development and maintenance of the Knowledge Institute’s website and communications channels;




- Contribute to internal communications initiatives that support organizational priorities and employee engagement;
- Assist with media relations, social media, and government relations; and
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager, or in response to a dynamic and changing environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or a related field (Essential)
- Three to five (3-5) years of experience in communications or related field (Essential)
- Experience developing and implementing communications plans (Essential)
- Experience writing about health research (Preferred)
- Experience developing products in a variety of formats and for a variety of platforms (Essential)
- Experience monitoring and evaluating communications performance to support continuous improvement (Preferred)
- Superior oral and written communication skills (Essential)
- Superior organisational and project coordination skills (Essential)
- Ability to work in a fast-paced setting and manage multiple priorities (Essential)
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team (Essential)
- Proficiency with creative communications software (PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator, Canva, etc.) (Preferred)
- Demonstrated understanding of child and youth mental health, substance use health and addictions (Preferred)
- Criminal Record Check (Level 1) (Essential)
- Bilingualism (French/English) (Preferred)

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

📌 Communications Specialist, Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions- Temporary Full-Time (Ottawa)
🏢 CHEO
📍 Ottawa