Communications Coordinator – 4DY Initiative (one-year contract, with potential to be extended)

The Institute for Work & Health is an independent, not-for-profit research organization. Our mission is to conduct and mobilize research that supports policymakers, employers and workers in creating healthy, safe and inclusive work environments. The Institute provides practical and relevant findings and evidence-based products on the inter-relationships between work and health from worker, workplace and systems perspectives.

The 4DY project, short for “Transforming Workplace Systems to Build Sustainable Capacity for Inclusion of Diverse Youth,” is a multi-year initiative funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). Administered through the University of Toronto’s Centre for Industrial Relations & Human Resources (CIRHR), this project aims to build employer capacity for barrier-free, disability-inclusive workplaces, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. It prioritizes support for youth with disabilities (specifically those with neurodivergence, intellectual disabilities, or mental health challenges) through systems-level innovations, cross-sector collaboration, and the development of scalable tools, platforms, and frameworks.

Overview of position

Reporting to the National Manager and collaborating with the broader team, the Communications Coordinator supports the strategic communications activities of the 4DY Initiative. This role is responsible for developing and delivering high-quality communications that promote research initiatives, knowledge mobilization, and stakeholder engagement. The Coordinator produces written and multimedia content for print, web, and social media platforms, including news stories, feature articles, marketing materials, and digital campaigns. The role also supports event planning and promotion, website content management, and podcast and media production activities.

Duties and responsibilities

Communications and content development

• Develop and produce original communications content, including news stories, feature articles, reports, and promotional materials.
• Pitch and write articles highlighting 4DY activities and research outcomes for stakeholder publications.
• Provide ghostwriting support for researchers, partners, and initiative participants as required.
• Edit and proofread reports, policy briefs, guides, and other knowledge products.
• Support the development and dissemination of research and knowledge translation materials.

Digital and social media communications

• Assist in planning and implementing social media campaigns to promote research activities, events, and publications.
• Coordinate updates and content management for initiative websites and digital platforms.
• Create digital communications materials using platforms such as Canva or similar design tools.

Podcast and multimedia production

• Support the planning, coordination, and promotion of the initiative’s podcast series.
• Assist with media production activities, including script development, storyboarding, and video editing.
• Coordinate production and distribution of multimedia communications content.

Event coordination

• Support the planning, coordination, and promotion of events such as conferences, symposia, webinars, and stakeholder meetings.
• Manage event calendars and assist with event logistics and communications.
• Coordinate meeting logistics, including agendas, invitations, virtual meeting links, note-taking, and follow-up actions.

Accessibility and quality assurance

• Review and adapt communication materials to ensure accessibility across formats (documents, presentations, video, and audio).
• Ensure all communications align with accessibility standards and organizational branding.

Other duties

• Provide general communications and administrative support as required to advance the goals of the 4DY Initiative.

Education and experience

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or a minimum of two years of work experience in a similar position. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience coordinating complex projects, conferences, programs, or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience coordinating meetings (in person and online), including agenda preparation, scheduling, meeting logistics, documentation, and follow-up.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience using digital collaboration (Dropbox) and meeting platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
• Experience with financial administration, bookkeeping, or accounts payable processes.
• Experience working in a research or academic environment.
• Experience supporting initiatives serving persons with disabilities.
• Knowledge of disability studies, accessibility standards, or work and disability policy.
• Proficiency in French (written/spoken) is an asset.

Compensation package

Starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience and will be in the range of $58,000.00 to $68,000.00, plus group benefits, pension eligibility, and four weeks' annual vacation. Suitability for the position will be assessed at three months.

Application details

• Applicants must be able to work a minimum of two days per week at the IWH office in Toronto.
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work on full-time basis for any employer in Canada.

If you are interested in this position, please submit an application that must include a cover letter and resumé in a single MS Word or PDF file and forward to:

Derek Wills
Director, Human Resources & Corporate Services
400 University Avenue, Suite 1800
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S5
Email: careers@iwh.on.ca

Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (EST) or until the position is filled. IWH does not use AI to screen applications.

IWH is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values and promotes diversity. IWH encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ2S+ persons, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact Derek Wills at dwills@iwh.on.ca or (416) 927-2027, ext. 2115 to discuss their needs.

We thank all applicants, but only those considered for the position will be contacted.