DIRECTOR, STRATEGY & COMMUNICATIONS (MATERNITY LEAVE TERM POSITION)
PURPOSE
We’re on the lookout for a driven, passionate, and energetic leader to join the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI). Working with the Executive Director, and managing the Strategy & Communications Coordinator and Administrator, you’ll play a pivotal role in implementing our communications strategy across a variety of channels.
In addition to being the megaphone that amplifies the organization’s ongoing work, the Strategy & Communications team acts as strategic advisors, critical thinkers, and convenors. Our high-level visibility and long-term vision means our department is involved at the start of all strategic projects to find opportunities, identify risks, and reinforce consistency, all while keeping the OPPI brand and voice front-and-centre.
ABOUT OPPI
The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) is the recognized voice of Ontario’s planning profession with over 4,600 members who work in government, private practice, universities, and not-for-profit agencies in the fields of urban and rural development, community design, environmental planning, transportation, health, social services, heritage conservation, housing, and economic development. Our student members attend undergraduate and graduate planning programs at six accredited Ontario universities.
Members must meet quality practice requirements and are accountable to OPPI and the public to practice ethically and to abide by a Professional Code of Practice. Only full OPPI members are authorized by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute Act, 1994, to use the title Registered Professional Planner (or RPP).
In short, we represent the planning professionals who work actively to shape our communities in every avenue available to them. In this section you’ll find the most current news about active RPPs and information relevant to anyone with an interest in planning.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Communications strategy
· Work with each department to develop and execute strategic communication initiatives for OPPI’s biggest projects.
· Manage an overall communications calendar that aligns with organizational efforts and takes a member-centric approach.
· Optimize communication channels (Planners Connect, Y Magazine, e-communications, website, social media, etc.) to align with strategic efforts and targeted audiences and/or key messages.
· Design communication tools, resources and frameworks that foster new ways of thinking and working.
· Develop, manage, and strategically update all communication materials, including content audits, e-communications policies, social media policy and website policy.
Branding and Media Relations strategy
· Position OPPI as the voice of the profession in all organizational efforts, while ensuring tone and key messages are aligned.
· Consistently place the OPPI and RPP brand front-and-centre in all organizational efforts by employing a variety of marketing tactics.
· Develop, socialize and enforce consistent brand standards with OPPI staff (OPPI’s brand style guide and OPPI’s writing guide).
· Work closely with consultants to inform and execute on external communications strategy.
Strategic advisor
· Play an active role in high-level organizational planning to advance strategic directions and constantly evaluate progress/success.
· Identify organizational opportunities and mitigate risks by addressing gaps and empowering OPPI staff to develop creative solutions.
· Shape change strategies that may start small, but could lead to long-term impact by implementing a critical thinking approach.
· Streamline internal processes to increase organizational clarity and align organizational efforts.
· Co-lead project teams along with subject matter experts to execute project goals.
Strategic convenor
· Identify interdependencies and encourage OPPI staff to work with subject matter experts to come up with solutions to fill gaps.
· Encourage collaboration across departments by bringing teams together.
Culture strategy
· Inspire OPPI staff to deliver in a complex, high-paced environment with multiple competing priorities.
· Motivate OPPI staff to capitalize on value-creating opportunities that align with the strategic plan.
DIRECT REPORTS
This role has two direct reports: the Coordinator, Strategy & Communications, and the Administrator, Strategy & Communications.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
· Post-secondary degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or equivalent experience.
· 5-8 years’ experience with an understanding of communications best practices.
EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS
· Outstanding interpersonal skills, proactivity, and a positive attitude.
· Stellar communications skills, written and verbal.
· Exceptional problem-solving and project management skills.
· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
· Advanced computer skills and strong working knowledge of Office365.
· Familiarity with social media platforms, CMS, Google Analytics, and CP Style.
· Knowledge of planning profession is considered an asset.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION
The Ontario Professional Planners Institute works diligently to ensure the diversity of staff. Disclosing your personal identities is entirely optional, and OPPI recognizes that there are real and perceived risks in self-identifying and disclosing this information. These responses are kept confidential and are used solely for the purpose of ensuring a greater representation of lived and professional experiences amongst members of staff. We strongly encourage applications from members of Indigenous, racialized, marginalized communities and/or other equity-deserving groups.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Salary: $90,000.00-$95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- NORTH YORK, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in NORTH YORK, ON
