Public Affairs and Communication Lead (C2R2 Special Project: October 2026 - March 2028)

Status: Special Project (October 2026 – March 2028)

Hours: Monday – Friday, 35 hours/week

Home Campus: Fennell (remote work available)

Rate of Pay: Payband 9 ($79,101 - $98,878 per year)

Vacancy Status: 1 vacancy available

Posting Date: September 11th, 2026

Closing Date: September 18th, 2026 at 7:00 pm EST

We believe the rich diversity among our students and the communities we serve should be reflected within our workforce. As educators, we believe it is important to act and show leadership in advancing the principles of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our community.

Job Summary

Reporting to the C2R2 Coalition Manager, the Public Affairs and Communication Lead is responsible for leading and coordinating the administrative processes related to the public affairs and marketing needs of the C2R2 team. They will be responsible for the implementation of promotional initiatives to advance the strategic objectives for the coalition’s strategy and its associated projects, managing virtual and in-person events, and support government advocacy activities.

In this role, they will liaise with coalition members, marketing agencies, external vendors, industry associations, business, government officials, public sector, and non-profit organizations on C2R2 activities.

The role will support the C2R2 Coalition Manager in opportunities and lead the coordination and management of face-to-face, electronic and print communications.

This position will be responsible for supporting all requirements associated with coalition-wide strategic communication. They will support the marketing and advertising for the coalition projects and work with external vendors and project partners on deliverables and scheduling. They will be responsible for social media and digital content strategy for the coalition and its funded projects.

What you’ll be doing:

Public Affairs, Marketing and Communication Activities

- Develop and manage the execution of a communication strategy in collaboration C2R2 Manager and work with the team on executing the deliverables.
- In collaboration with the C2R2 team, create content and communication plans for C2R2 and associated projects.
- Lead the development of strategic communication and promotional materials for the coalition and C2R2 projects.
- Engage with institutions and partners to explore and execute co-branded tactics to respond to the targets, sectors and institutional needs.
- Lead engagement and relationship with external vendors to manage and execute the coalition branding, positioning and execution of project-specific marketing and advertising needs.
- Monitor the local, regional and national publications including scope of article angle, writer needs, design elements and publication posting.
- Coordinate and monitor needs for external writers and project management to bring initiatives to completion.
- Prepare and provide summaries of C2R2 activities and projects and related narrative to be submitted as progress reports.
- Participate in C2R2 steering group and working group meetings as required.

Communication Support & Content Creation

- Work in conjunction with other members of the C2R2 team to create compelling, multi-channel content that advances the coalitions’ strategic goals and enhances its reputation nationwide.
- Develop social media strategy for coalition activities. Track quarterly performance, report back to team regularly, and identify and present opportunities to address strategic gaps or trends.
- Monitor and engage with the C2R2 Coalition Manager in managing social media negative posts and address/respond as necessary.
- Provide agreed-upon, regular status reports on matters falling within responsibilities including tracking and analysis of social channels and tactics.




- Monitor and manage the digital communication assets including website, social and newsletter tactics.
- Manage website maintenance and revisions to ensure relevant content, functionality, and accuracy. Ensure website proper functioning in English and French.
- Work with coalition partners to create content that highlights and promotes areas of excellence while aligning to the coalition’s mandate. This could include but is not limited to op-ed articles, website feature stories, social media, etc.
- Lead the development of press releases, seek appropriate content approvals from coalition, and work with Mohawk College communication to coordinate release.
- Monitor incoming requests for communications support through coalition channels and takes responsibility for addressing inquires accordingly.
- Research, write and distribute content through coalition emails, newsletters, social media, and other channels as required.
- Prepare and schedule the monthly and quarterly newsletters for Quick Train Canada and C2R2.
- Support Quick Train Canada Manager in content development, writing, and graphic creation as required.
- Draft coalition communication to inform coalition senior leadership and implement communication objectives.
- Develop feedback surveys to capture content in both English and French from project partners, participants, and employers.
- Offer occasional graphic design and content development support to proposals, reports, social media posts, and presentations as requested.

Government Relations and Funding Applications

- Support government relations tactics as required in collaboration with C2R2 Coalition Manager.
- Laise with external government relations counsel and the Mohawk College communications and government relations team to interpret trends, opportunities, developments, and proposed legislation on matters specific to the coalition.
- Work with other coalition partners to organize government relations tactics including participation, procure all necessary supplies, ensures resources are assigned and allocated, and manage any related expenses.
- Join government relations meetings and record minutes as required.
- Analyse and evaluate government funding opportunities to secure new funding for coalition activities and infrastructure.
- Support the development and drafting of funding proposals in partnership with C2R2 leadership to secure additional funding and support for the coalition.
- Provides both strategic and tactical communications expertise to assist in achieving support from government funding opportunities and grants.

Project Management

- Lead coalition projects closely related to communications (e.g. Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grants).
- Act as primary liaison with project funders to understand, interpret and respond to all partnership requirements.
- Lead all aspects of specific project management within coalition including but not limited to coordination of legal agreements, definition of processes, operation of project activities, and connection with project participants.
- Liaise with project participants and C2R2 partners in one-on-one interactions as well as focus groups, webinars, and/or events as appropriate.
- Develop and run focus groups, surveys, and feedback collection mechanisms to continuously improve programming.

Other duties as assigned. What you’ll bring to the role:

- A Diploma/Degree in disciplines such as business administration, marketing and communications, advertising, graphic design or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.




- Minimum of 4-5 years of relevant, professional experience working in an office setting focused on administration operations, communications, government relations, community engagement and/or public affairs roles.
- Experience working in the post-secondary sector with an emphasis on the public college system.
- Experience with collective impact initiatives and/or environment and social coalitions.
- Proven ability to develop/implement marketing/strategies and plans.
- Related qualified experience in brand management or marketing services.
- Demonstrated experience in writing positioning proposals, developing promotional materials, and government engagement.
- Client relationship building skills including ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including upper management, other departments and external clients and stakeholders.
- Excellent written/oral communication skills.
- Highly developed project management skills.
- Customer service training/skills and client relationship building skills including ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including upper management, other departments and external partners and stakeholders.
- Extensive experience with and a sound knowledge of the media, design and printing/publishing processes.
- Self-starter, comfortable with establishing own priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – with internal and external stakeholders at all levels – including senior administration; government officials; business leaders and community representatives.
- Able to effectively handle multiple assignments at one time in a highly collaborative environment.
- Capable of learning new technologies quickly.
- Prior experience in developing communications tools.
- High degree of problem solving, judgement and decision-making abilities required.
- High degree of diplomacy, and ability to work with many different types of individuals.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and related automated management information systems.
- Advanced skills in social media platforms such as Meta (Facebook, Instagram), SnapChat, YouTube, X, etc.
- Ability to speak, read, and write in French is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated commitment and understanding of human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- The ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse students, employees, and communities.

What we offer:

- Progressive vacation plan starting with 22 vacation days per year plus holiday closure.
- Opportunity to gain experience and build relationships at a Hamilton/Niagara Top Employer.
- Access to professional development opportunities.
- Option to enroll in Defined Benefit pension plan (CAAT) with contributions matched by Mohawk College.
- Discounted rate for full-service athletic facility and instructor-led classes.
- Opportunities to engage in wellness events and activities.

To find out more about working at Mohawk College, including our Employee Value Proposition, please visit https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/about-mohawk/careers-at-mohawk We are committed to reconciliation and nurturing an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible (IDEA) environment for everyone who learns and works at Mohawk College. We welcome applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

The College is committed to fostering inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources.

To learn more about Mohawk College’s commitments, please visit the Mohawk College strategic plan webpage: https://www.strategicplan.mohawkcollege.ca/

📌 Public Affairs and Communication LeadSpecial Project: October 2026 - March 2028) (Canada)
🏢 Mohawk College
📍 Canada