About the Role
The Communications & Public Relations Specialist leads strategic communications initiatives to enhance MPG's reputation, increase brand awareness, and engage key audiences. This role involves creating compelling content, managing media and stakeholder relationships, and supporting organizational priorities and emerging issues. The ideal candidate is a strategic communicator adept at translating complex information into clear, engaging messages across various channels, and will also contribute to issues management and crisis communications.
Responsibilities
- Develop and produce engaging content for corporate and external communication channels, including digital newsletters, annual reports, brochures, and social media.
- Create marketing communications materials and plans for product launches, campaigns, promotions, and organizational initiatives, ensuring brand alignment.
- Collaborate with Community Outreach Specialist to develop communication strategies for community engagement, public events, and local activities.
- Draft speeches, remarks, and key messaging for Senior Leadership Team and designated representatives.
- Ensure all external communications comply with AODA and reflect MPG’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Contribute and curate content for the Hub, managing content previously in the Insider newsletter.
- Partner with HR and other departments to create employee-focused communications, including announcements, leadership updates, and milestone celebrations.
- Design and implement internal communications plans and employee engagement initiatives, including Q&A sessions, forums, and corporate events.
- Develop and implement public relations strategies to elevate MPG’s brand profile and support marketing campaigns.
- Identify and generate story ideas to highlight MPG’s initiatives and services, securing media coverage.
- Cultivate relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers, pitching stories and coordinating media opportunities.
- Respond to media inquiries, coordinating journalist visits, photo shoots, and filming requests.
- Develop press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, executive bios, and other PR materials.
- Plan and execute media events, including press briefings and launch events.
- Provide regular media activity reports and insights to the Senior Leadership Team.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Marketing, Communications & Outreach.
Requirements
- Two (2) year diploma or higher in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or related disciplines; or equivalent combination of work experience, training and education.
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in external communications, media relations, and public relations.
- Experience planning and coordinating events for employee and public/media audiences.
- Strong background in executive-level communications, including speechwriting and strategic messaging.
- Experience working with diverse communities and a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Prior experience in a not-for-profit or community-based organization is an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Strong writing, editing, and research skills with exceptional attention to grammar, style, and tone.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
- Proven ability to foster strong business relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and professional growth.
- Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
- Intermediate proficiency of Windows and MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
Skills
- Public Relations
- Communications
- Marketing
- External Communications
- Media Relations
- Content Development
- Social Media Platforms
- Brand Alignment
- Community Engagement
- Speechwriting
- Strategic Messaging
- AODA Compliance
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility Principles
- Internal Communications
- Employee Engagement
- Public Relations Strategies
- Media Pitching
- Media Inquiry Response
- Press Release Writing
- Event Planning
- Media Event Execution
- Media Activity Reporting
- MS Excel
- MS PowerPoint
- MS Word
- MS Outlook
Location
- Head Office
- 700 – 2235 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto ON M2J 5B5
Work Type
- Permanent
- Full-Time
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience
Education Level
- Two (2) year diploma or higher in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or other related disciplines
Salary/Compensations
- $71,059 - $75,974 annually
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and a health care spending account
- Wellness resources and benefits including a wellness spending account
- Defined contribution pension plan with employer match
- RRSP & TFSA options
- Enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Internal training and development opportunities, including job shadowing and a mentorship program, and access to an Educational Assistance Program
- Paid Vacation days plus additional personal paid days off
About the Company
- Mount Pleasant Group (MPG) is a not-for-profit organization serving families in the Greater Toronto Area since 1826.
- MPG comprises Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries (MPGC) and Canadian Memorial Services (CMS), delivering comprehensive death care services.
- MPGC operates ten cemeteries and four crematoriums; CMS provides funeral services at nine locations.
- MPG is committed to innovation, leveraging new trends and technology while upholding values.
- Our team takes pride in helping families navigate challenging moments with care and respect.
- Our Vision: A world where dignified, inclusive, innovative and trustworthy death-related planning and care are accessible to everyone.
- Our Mission: MPG will serve the diverse clients and communities of yesterday, today and tomorrow with excellence and compassion to meet all their death care needs.
- Our Values: Inclusiveness • Transparency • Innovation • Dependability • Compassion.
Equal Opportunity
- At Mount Pleasant Group, we believe our strength lies in the passion and diversity of our people, and we deeply value the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences each individual brings to our team.
- We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
- By embracing inclusivity, we aim to build a workforce that collaborates meaningfully and reflects the richly diverse communities we are privileged to serve.
- We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including those from underrepresented groups, to apply and join us in advancing our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- At all times employees are responsible for: Committing to work within an inclusive team that enables MPG to better understand and connect with the diverse communities it seeks to serve; and Modelling their commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility through their words and actions.
- The Mount Pleasant Group is committed to providing equitable opportunities to all applicants and strives to ensure a barrier-free selection process.
- If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please send us an email with your accommodation needs at accomodations@mountpleasantgroup.com, quoting the job requisition ID # and the job title.
- Any information received related to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.
- Mount Pleasant Group’s recruitment process may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening and matching of applications to job requirements.
- These tools are designed to support efficiency and consistency in reviewing applications.
- All hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team, in conjunction with the respective hiring manager.
- If you have questions regarding this process or require an alternative review method, please contact us.
