Communications & Public Affairs Specialist

The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) works to advance human rights and justice in housing for low-income Ontarians through legal advice & representation, law reform, training and education.
ACTO is seeking a creative and dynamic individual with strong communications skills and political acumen to join its small but mighty team of professionals to advance its mission.

Responsibilities include:

•  Developing/updating a communication plans to support ACTO’s strategic objectives;
•  Developing and executing on law reform strategies that advance ACTO’s priorities;
•  Leading ACTO’s public relations work to ensure public engagement with ACTO’s initiatives, including media relations, digital communications and stakeholder engagement;
•  Serving as communications advisor to the legal and program team providing strategic advice on key messaging and stakeholder outreach;
•  Represent ACTO with community partners;
•  Collaborate with the legal and program team to create, coordinate and disseminate housing policy, fact sheets, blogs, and other relevant documents;
•  Develop & maintain ACTO’s digital communications (including social media, newsletters, and website) and enhance digital engagement with stakeholders;
•  Measure and track communications efforts to provide report to management.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter motivated by an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment. They will also possess the following skills and qualifications:

•  Post-secondary education in communications, public relations, political science, or a related field or any combination of these.
•  4 or more years of experience in communications or related role, preferably in a not for profit environment.
•  Experience in leading communications and public affairs campaigns demonstrating strong organizational and problem solving skills
•  Experience building relationships with decision makers
•  Strong written and oral communication skills
•  Experience working with community-based groups and organizations
•  Knowledge of policy issues in the area of human rights and/or housing
•  Strong technical skills (Microsoft Office, WordPress, social media management tools, Mailchimp, Adobe InDesign, Canva)
•  French language skills an asset
•  Experience with providing media training an asset

This is a 2 year contract position with a salary of $76,500 and generous benefits. Please email a covering letter, your resume, and any media related materials that demonstrates your candidacy to the attention of the Hiring Committee, Communications & Public Affairs Specialist to on or before April 21, 2025.

ACTO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from equity seeking groups including but not limited to individuals of indigenous descent, individuals who identify at as LGBTQ2+, persons with disabilities, members of racialized communities, people of diverse faiths and creeds, and women.

We thank all applicants; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.