Position description

Position Title:	Bilingual Media and Communications Lead
Reports to:	Operations Manager
Office Location:	Canada, remote work-Eastern Standard Time work hours generally
Type:	Full time
Salary:	$55,000-$63,000 annually
Start Date:	Immediately

Join our team!

About Autism Alliance of Canada

Autism Alliance of Canada is a pan-Canadian network with a broad and diverse membership of Autistic people and their families and support persons, as well as clinicians, researchers, policy influencers, service providers and organizations from across Canada. 

We work together as a shared leadership movement to champion an Autism Strategy that ensures Autistic people have equal rights and opportunities for full participation and acceptance in Canadian society. We harness the power of collective impact as an inclusive organization whose members, board of directors and staff reflect our commitment to Autistic participation in all aspects of our work.

Position Overview:

The Bilingual Media and Communications Lead at Autism Alliance of Canada will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and impact of our initiatives through strategic communication and public engagement. This position emphasizes leadership in media relations, social media strategy, content creation, and high-impact writing such as speeches, op-eds, and other public-facing materials. The ideal candidate will be fully bilingual (English and French) with demonstrated expertise in advocacy, storytelling, and effective communication to diverse audiences. This role is instrumental in ensuring that Autism Alliance of Canada effectively communicates its mission, initiatives, and impact to a national audience. 

About You

You are a strategic, bilingual communications professional with exceptional writing skills and a deep understanding of media relations. You are a creative self-starter, comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment, and committed to supporting advocacy efforts for the autism community. You thrive in high-stakes situations, have an eye for detail, and are passionate about making a positive impact through your work. You excel in both French and English, with experience engaging with audiences in both official languages, tailoring content to resonate with various stakeholders, and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Position Description

In this role, you will engage in a range of activities, including, but not limited to:

• Media Relations: Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts, pitch stories, and proactively seek media opportunities to elevate the profile of Autism Alliance of Canada.
• Public Relations: Craft press releases, statements, and media advisories, and handle media inquiries in both English and French.
• Speechwriting and High-Impact Writing: Draft compelling speeches, opinion editorials, and other materials that represent the voice and values of Autism Alliance of Canada.
• Social Media Management: Create and implement social media strategies that engage a bilingual audience, driving awareness and support for organizational initiatives.
• Content Development: Develop and oversee the production of bilingual content across multiple channels, including web, social, and print, ensuring messages align with strategic goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Tailor communication strategies to reach diverse audiences, including policymakers, media, community organizations, and the general public.
• Event Support: Assist with communications planning for key events, including the Canadian Autism Leadership Summit, coordinating with team members to ensure cohesive messaging.
• Brand and Messaging Consistency: Maintain consistency of messaging, tone, and branding across all public communications, ensuring alignment with Autism Alliance of Canada’s mission and values.
• Analytics and Reporting: Monitor and evaluate media and social media metrics to refine engagement strategies and report outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Speechwriting and Op-eds: Develop and deliver high-quality speeches, op-eds, and public statements in both English and French.
• Media Relations: Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts, coordinate interviews, and seek out opportunities to raise the organization’s profile.
• Social Media Strategy: Create and execute social media strategies that engage bilingual audiences and drive awareness and engagement with our work.
• Bilingual Content Creation: Draft press releases, articles, policy briefs, fact sheets, infographics, and other materials that communicate key messages effectively in both languages.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate outreach to key audiences and stakeholders, fostering strong partnerships and aligning messages with audience needs.
• Event Communications: Support communications for major events, including the development of pre- and post-event press releases, social media content, and public statements.
• Metrics and Reporting: Track media and social media analytics to assess impact, report on findings, and refine strategies for optimal engagement.

Qualifications:

• Languages: Full professional fluency in both English and French (written and spoken)
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in communications, media relations, or public relations.
• Skills:
  • Exceptional writing skills with a proven ability to craft impactful speeches, opinion editorials, and media content.
  • Expertise in social media management and engagement strategies.
  • Proven track record in media relations, including the ability to pitch stories and build relationships with journalists.
  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
  • Proficiency in relevant communications and social media tools; familiarity with design tools (e.g. adobe illustrator, canva) is an asset.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge

• Advocacy: Experience in advocacy, public policy, or social impact organizations is highly desirable.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to engage a broad range of stakeholders, from policymakers to community members, tailoring communication effectively for each group.
• Analytical Skills: Experience with media tracking and social media analytics to assess and report on communications impact.
• Collaborative Team Member: Ability to work in a team-based environment, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and adaptability.

Benefits and Perks:

• Paid vacation
• Extended health care
• Paid sickness and wellness days
• Flexible Schedule

Apply Now

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit the following items in English & French to info@autismalliance.ca:

• A cover letter showcasing your suitability for the role.
• Your up-to-date resume, highlighting your relevant experience and skills.
• A writing sample (e.g., a project, an article, a blog post, etc.).

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Autism Alliance of Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization. We strive towards building an Autistic-inclusive space. We actively encourage applications from individuals on the autism spectrum and from all equity-seeking groups. Priority will be given to Autistic or neurodivergent applicants.

We invite you to become a member of Autism Alliance of Canada. As a member, you will become aligned with a coalition of organizations, groups and individuals that has come together to provide a strong collective voice toward a national shared leadership movement. To join, click here.