Strategic Communications Representative (Design & Technical)

We are seeking a Strategic Communications Representative to join our growing team. This role combines visual communications and design expertise with technical problem-solving to ensure UFCW 1518's communications are accessible, engaging, and consistent with our brand.

You'll be responsible for triaging communications requests from across the union, strategically delivering high-quality visual and technical communications solutions, and ensuring that all outputs align with UFCW 1518's brand and strategic priorities.

This role requires strong interpersonal and consultation skills, as you'll work closely with colleagues across departments to understand their needs, offer clear guidance, and deliver solutions that balance creativity, efficiency, and organizational priorities.

This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on both creative design and technical problem-solving, and who wants their work to make a difference for working people.

Responsibilities :

• Manage and triage communications requests from across the union, ensuring they are routed, scoped, and delivered in alignment with organizational priorities and brand standards.
• Design and produce high-impact, audience-centered visual materials including graphics, animations, posters, presentations, social media assets, event collateral, and templates for recurring needs.
• Apply project management best practices to plan, track, and deliver design and technical projects from concept through completion, balancing multiple deadlines and stakeholder needs.
• Maintain and strengthen UFCW 1518's brand identity by ensuring consistency, accessibility, and quality across all communications.
• Lead technical communications projects, including website updates and redesigns, applying user experience and accessibility principles.
• Troubleshoot and manage digital tools and platforms, researching and recommending new solutions that improve efficiency and integration across systems.
• Develop and maintain digital forms and workflows (for event registration, surveys, and feedback) that are user-friendly and support member engagement.
• Implement and support SMS/text messaging campaigns, coordinating with content creators to deliver timely and effective communications.
• Produce and edit photography and video content at events and for campaigns, including editing for digital and social media use.
• Create and maintain design systems, including brand guidelines, asset libraries, standardized templates, and documented workflows.
• Provide consultation and clear recommendations to colleagues on communications feasibility, scope, and timelines.
• Collaborate on strategic campaigns and initiatives, contributing visual strategy and technical expertise to bring organizing, engagement, and advocacy campaigns to life.
• Coordinate feedback and approval processes with multiple stakeholders, ensuring projects stay on track and meet quality standards.
• Support cross-departmental alignment by coordinating design and technical elements with the organizational calendar and communications strategy.

Other Duties (as required)

• Member Representation: As needed, assist in contract campaigns, workplace visits, and advocate for members in areas such as health & safety, human rights and grievance management.
• Member Engagement & Organizing: Develop and implement engagement strategies to connect with members and non?members in the workplace and community. Support organizing campaigns as needed by participating in outreach events to educate members of the benefits of joining the union
• Member Education: Educating workers/members about union membership and other relevant topics. Supporting programs and workshops for members if required.

Key Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field; a combination of relevant education, experience, and demonstrated skills will be considered
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing successful strategic communications plans

Design & Visual Communications: Professional graphic design experience with a portfolio demonstrating strategic visual storytelling, brand consistency, and accessibility; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects) or equivalent tools.

• User Experience & Web: Strong skills in web development and management (WordPress, Elementor), with working knowledge of HTML/CSS; ability to apply UX and UI design principles to create intuitive, user-friendly digital experiences.
• Project Management: Proven ability to plan and deliver multiple projects on time, coordinating deadlines, stakeholders, and feedback processes.
• Content & Media: Strong writing skills for short-form content and campaign copy; photography and video production/editing capabilities for digital campaigns.
• Digital Tools: Experience with email marketing platforms (Mailchimp or equivalent), SMS/text campaign setup (an asset), and integration of digital tools, forms, and databases to improve workflows.
• Collaboration & Consultation: Ability to work across departments, provide clear recommendations on feasibility and scope, and guide stakeholders toward effective communications solutions.
• Values & Experience: Commitment to social, racial, gender, and economic justice. Experience in a union or progressive organization is an asset.

What Success Looks Like

• Design & Accessibility: Members engage more readily with UFCW 1518 communications because visual content is clear, consistent, and accessible across platforms. Design choices make information easier to understand and act on, helping members stay informed and connected to their union.
• Service Excellence: Requests from other departments are triaged and delivered efficiently, with clear prioritization, consistent brand quality, and high satisfaction from internal clients.
• Systems & Processes: Technical infrastructure, workflows, and documentation are in place, adopted by the team, and reducing turnaround times and errors.
• Technical Leadership: Website redesign and platform implementations improve user experience, integrate smoothly with member/organizing databases, and minimize troubleshooting needs.
• Collaborative Partnership: Strong relationships are built across departments, with colleagues feeling supported and guided toward communications solutions that align with strategy and standards.

Compensation and Benefits:

At UFCW 1518, we believe in attracting top talent and rewarding them generously. Our compensation package is designed to reflect your skills, experience, and the value you bring to our organization.

Compensation: Starting from $1,961.62 CAD per week (equivalent to approximately $102,004 annually), with an increase after 6 months as per the Wage Schedule in the CBA.

In addition to your salary, you will be eligible to participate in UFCW 1518's health and dental benefits package (subject to standard waiting times) and Flexible work arrangement with the chance to collaborate with colleagues and a hybrid work environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability Insurance
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Pension

Submissions should include a portfolio showcasing writing, graphic design, and visual storytelling abilities.

UFCW 1518 is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. BIPOC, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ people are encouraged to apply.