Communications and Member Services Specialist

Position Location: 165 The Queensway, Suite 209 | Toronto, ON (hybrid work arrangement)

Position Reports to: President; Manager of Communications and Member Services

Hours of Work: Full-time, Monday-Friday. Occasional evening and/or weekend hours may be necessary.

We are looking for a dynamic, versatile Communications and Member Services Specialist to join the OPMA team and help us connect people and information in the fresh produce industry. This is a unique opportunity to use your diverse skill set from website content management and digital engagement through to virtual and in-person event planning.

Your new role

The Communications and Member Services Specialist plays a key role in fostering a culture of community across the OPMA membership through the development and implementation of timely information, engaging education sessions, and premier industry networking and professional development events.

The Specialist is responsible for coordinating and effectively executing the Ontario Produce Marketing Association's (OPMA) internal and external communications strategy, including creating and distributing content on social media and the consumer facing platform, Produce Made Simple; executing member communications; coordinating OPMA events, sponsorships, and outreach initiatives; and increasing engagement with OPMA members. The role requires building and fostering external relationships and providing administrative support to ensure successful communications and achieving unparalleled membership satisfaction and value.

Key responsibilities

External Marketing & Communications

• Oversee the OPMA's consumer facing platform, Produce Made Simple (PMS), content and engagement, including working with social media brand ambassadors and maintaining a roster of influencers.
• Develop content themes for the year and monthly content calendars, including key messages, sponsors, industry collaborations, and local commodities.
• Keep abreast of social media trends and create daily content and advertising for various platforms.
• Post and engage on social media platforms daily, including community management and executing contests.
• Update website content to reflect sponsors, grower retailer promotion periods, and local seasonal availability.
• Write, source images, and distribute a PMS newsletter twice a month.
• Track community growth and adjust strategy as needed.
• Create end of promotion period reports with analysis and results.

Member Communications & Engagement

• Support content creation and distribution of member communications: OPMA website, newsletters, and social media.
• Support outreach to media, including pitching and writing articles.
• Help oversee the Grower Retailer Program and connect with growers for marketing initiatives.
• Manage the Young Professionals Network/Committee by scheduling meetings and events.
• Generate reports to assess successful themes, messages, and posts for engagement improvement.

Event Coordination & Relationship Management

• Support OPMA event coordination and manage logistics before, during, and after events.
• Maintain sponsor relationships and manage requests, concerns, and questions.
• Research and develop partnerships aligned with OPMA's values.
• Coordinate sponsorship promotion at events.

Support & Collaboration

• Contribute to OPMA team activities and support collaboration with team members.
• Track budgets and ensure activities fall within set limits.
• Provide professional service to OPMA staff, members, and stakeholders as requested.

What you'll need to succeed

• At least two years of experience in communications and outreach/relationship management.
• Understanding of marketing and communications strategies and tactics.
• Experience in an association or membership-driven organization is an asset.
• Strong skills in web content management and digital marketing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe, and Google ads.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive market compensation structure
• A fulfilling, challenging, and flexible work experience
• Opportunity to be part of a vibrant industry and encourage healthy living

The OPMA is committed to creating a diverse environment, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process.