Communications Officer (Digital) (Classification 5)

Under the direction of the Executive Director and working in close collaboration with other employees and external contractors and service providers, this position is responsible for the maintenance, development, and implementation of The Council of Canadians’ digital presence.

The Digital Officer will assist in building the Council’s overall communications strategy. This includes overseeing and directing the content flowing onto the Council’s website, and other online spaces, and collaborating with staff and partners to ensure the Council’s message and materials are optimally presented. The incumbent will perform maintenance on the website, debugging graphical and HTML problems.

This position also supports digital outreach, advocacy, and movement building through tools such as Action Network; applies an understanding of how to segment audiences and map supporter journeys; and uses analytics to monitor and improve performance.

The Officer will work with the Council’s volunteer network of chapters to provide support for regional events, political actions and materials. In addition, the position provides support and training to the team as needed.

• Oversees the adoption, migration, maintenance, and overall usage of the Council’s digital tools, including website, contact management, analytics platforms, and other communications tools;
• maintains a Planner calendar or similar project management tool to track digital communications activities, deadlines, and deliverables;
• designs, modifies, and maintains the Council’s website and any other internet or web resources;
• inputs and occasionally writes or lightly edits content for the Council’s website or e-newsletter, in collaboration with all relevant teams;
• ensures a consistent style throughout the website by understanding the requirements of the Council, and its target audiences (developing a style guide if necessary);
• adheres to the Council’s values and vision in the presentation of material on the website;
• ensures and oversees the security of the Council’s website resources and data;
• manages the Council’s domain names and DNS records, ensuring secure and reliable access to web and email services;
• monitors and analyzes digital performance, including site traffic, audience behavior, and segmentation data, to support leadership ladder development, movement building, and strategic decision-making; develops functional specifications and test plans for new site initiatives as required;
• utilizes current HTML, CSS, and other web design standards to enhance the Council’s content;
• performs maintenance on the Council’s website software, tests and resolves all bugs within the site;
• responsible for creative aspects of the website, and suggests possible presentation methods or content; and
• performs all similar and related duties.

• Monitors shared communication channels and contributes as necessary to support chapters;
• works to ensure digital projects are planned in accordance with communications best practices;
• produces communication materials and digital tools for chapters as needed;
• develops and delivers how-to guides and provides training for staff and volunteers on using the Council’s online platforms and tools as needed;
• occasionally provides technical support and coordination for online events, including webinars and digital actions, and the Annual Meeting of Members; and
• performs all similar and related duties.

• Contributes to an environment of respect, collegiality and professionalism within the work environment;
• utilizes tact, discretion, and judgement at all times, including within the Council’s teams and with external partners, allies, and stakeholders;
• contributes to cross-team projects, working-groups and campaigns while building a rapport with colleagues from other teams;
• participates in the planning and implementation of the Council’s long-term and annual plans and strategies;
• participates in regular joint work planning and work plan review sessions and annual performance evaluations;
• contributes to team coordination using current project management and collaboration tools;
• participates in team meetings to coordinate work, resolve operational issues and ensure harmonious relations amongst team members; and
• contributes to the preparation of reports to the Executive Director and the rest of the organization as required.

The minimum qualifications for this job are:

• Commitment to the Council’s values, vision and directions;
• 3 years of experience maintaining web sites with advanced knowledge of Content Management Systems;
• experience with funnel or ladder of engagement approaches to digital organizing;
• post-secondary training in communications from a recognized institution, or equivalent experience;
• current knowledge of current national economic, social and political issues;
• excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including strong writing and light copy editing for digital content;
• demonstrated experience with audience segmentation, supporter engagement strategies, and digital advocacy;
• experience using digital advocacy platforms such as Action Network, or similar;
• demonstrated ability to monitor and assess digital performance using analytics tools to inform strategy and improve outcomes;
• ability to develop and deliver user-friendly training or support for staff and volunteers on digital tools and platforms;
• capacity to work in a self-directed manner, and demonstrated ability to collaborate with others in a team situation;
• demonstrated creative and innovative thinking, particularly in website and content design;
• ability to create visually appealing website layouts using current HTML and CSS standards;
• a strong understanding of WordPress, web hosting, cPanel, DNS, domain name services, security protocols, and content management systems;
• ability to organize/prioritize a multi-task workload, take initiative and be flexible;
• ability to organize many ongoing projects and meet tight deadlines;
• proven skills and experience in the planning and implementation of projects;
• experience with website design, including web applications and tools, and content management systems;
• good interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise tact, discretion and judgement at all times;
• advanced computer skills including word-processing, communications tools, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, database software, and collaborative project management platforms; and
• curiosity and willingness to always be learning.