Communications & Public Relations Specialist

Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries is a not-for-profit organization that has been caring for families in the GTA since 1826. We operate ten cemeteries, nine funeral centres and four cremation centres, all serving the distinct needs of the local communities where they are located. As a community partner and environmental steward, we constantly strive to set innovative standards for our industry, guided by new trends, and advancements in technology without compromising our long-held values. We are a collection of amazing people who recognize that what they do every day is genuinely meaningful to the families we serve.

We are looking for a Communications & Public Relations Specialist to join our team at our head office in East York.

What we offer:

• Comprehensive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a health care spending account
• Wellness benefits including a wellness spending account
• Defined contribution pension plan with employer match
• RRSP & TFSA
• Employee Assistance Program
• Internal training and development opportunities, and access to an Educational Assistance Program
• Vacation days plus additional personal paid days off
• Hybrid work environment

The successful candidate will be required to:

Writing & External Communications

• Write and develop copy for MPG’s corporate and external communications channels as required including digital newsletters, annual report, brochures, and web and social media
• Write and develop marketing communications to support product launches, promotions, and other MPG initiatives
• Provide communications support to Community Outreach Specialist as needed for community and public engagement initiatives, local events at MPG locations, etc.
• Write speeches/remarks for MPG senior leadership team and/or other designates for special events and meetings as required
• Ensure that all MPG external communications are AODA-compliant, and reflect MPG’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Public Relations

• Execute PR plans to support MPG’s brand profile, external communications, marketing campaigns, product promotion, and community outreach events
• Develop story ideas and perform other media relations activities as required
• Actively pitch local, regional and international media aligned with business objectives or campaigns, providing media tours and events across all properties/venues when appropriate
• Address media requests, journalist visits, photo/TV/ film shoot inquiries and supervise accordingly
• Develop and write press releases, press kit materials, fact sheets, biographies, and advisories as needed
• Lead planning, coordinating, and implementing media events as needed
• Provide weekly and monthly press reporting to the Senior Leadership Team

Internal Communications

• Lead writing and editing of content for internal digital platforms including intranet and content management systems in collaboration & support with HR & IT
• Partner with different departments, including HR, to provide communications support for employee announcements, organizational changes, business milestones, and other employee engagement content
• Support or execute key internal communications and employee engagement programs that drive understanding of corporate strategy, including corporate town halls, question and answer sessions, forums and other corporate events including the Annual General Meeting. This includes event logistics, content development, speaker preparation, and executing content strategies.
• Act as the editor and main content creator for, The Insider, MPG’s monthly newsletter

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility

• Commit to work within an inclusive team that enables MPG to better understand and connect with the diverse communities it seeks to serve; and
• Model their commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility through their words and actions

Administrative Duties

• Other copywriting and proofreading as required
• Performs other sundry duties as assigned by the Director of Marketing, Communications & Outreach.

Hours/Days of Work:

• 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday
• Additional hours as required for business needs

Qualifications:

• Degree / Diploma / Certificate in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or other related disciplines; or equivalent combination of work experience, training and education
• At least three (3) years of relevant, progressive work experience in external communications and in media and public relations
• Experience coordinating community/public events
• Experience coordinating events for employee and media/public audiences
• Experience managing executive-level communications
• Experience working in relationship or partnership with diverse communities and within contexts where there is a focus and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Experience working in not-for-profit and/or community-based organizations would be an asset
• Excellent writing, editing and research skills, with superior knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and tone
• Team player who excels at delivering high-quality work under tight timelines while maintaining a positive attitude and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to develop strong business relationships with internal partners and executives.
• Ability to convert complex/difficult concepts/information into simple and compelling messages.
• Intermediate proficiency of Windows and MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, troubleshoot and solve complex problems
• Self-motivated with the desire to continuously learn and expand knowledge.
• Tact and diplomacy skills

At Mount Pleasant Group, we believe our strength is in the passion of our people, and value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the team. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an environment where all individuals are respected, supported and can be their authentic self. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workforce that will allow us to collaborate on deeper levels and better serve the richly-diverse communities of which we are privileged to be a part. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences and identities who are equally committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

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 let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs. Any information received related to an accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please include a cover letter as well as your resume as part of your application.