IDEA National Operations and Communications Coordinator

IDEA (www.vraie-idea.ca) is an initiative at McMaster University, funded for six years by the New Frontiers in Research Fund—Transformation Stream. It follows from the longstanding Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy (www.crwdp.ca). The activities of the IDEA laboratory are focused on advancing knowledge and practice on how workplaces and related systems can be better designed to support full the inclusion of persons with disabilities, including the social aspects of employment.

Overview of position

The Operations and Communications Coordinator will provide broad operations and communication support for the laboratory. Working closely with IDEA’s Executive Director, Director, National Manager, National Operations and Communications Associate and Webmaster, they will plan, initiate and coordinate a wide range of products, services and initiatives to fulfill the laboratory’s communications and operations objectives. The position will be primarily remote with up to 25 per cent of time to be spent on-site in Hamilton and/or Toronto.

Essential duties and responsibilities*

Working with, and under the direction of the Executive Director, National Manager, and National Operations and Communications Associate, the Operations and Communications Coordinator will:

• support note-taking and track action items at important meetings and events
• coordinate, write and post content to IDEA’s website (e.g., articles on IDEA activities, resources, events and outcomes)
• coordinate, write, edit and produce an e-newsletter according to schedule (currently quarterly)
• pitch and write articles on IDEA activities and outcomes for stakeholder publications, ghost-write articles for IDEA participants and partners as needed
• edit and proofread initiative reports, policy briefs, guides and other resources, as required
• review and remediate documents, (Word, PDF, PPT, .txt), video and audio files to ensure all communications products and dissemination methods are accessible
• support social media for IDEA, including planning, writing copy, creating visuals, and posting on LinkedIn, X, and other social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) as required to keep stakeholders up to date on IDEA activities and outcomes
• coordinate production of project-related videos, including writing and approving scripts, creating or approving story boards, editing files, and creating or approving final videos
• coordinate, run and promote IDEA webinar and podcast series, and help coordinate other events such as workshops and conferences, as needed
• support the development of knowledge products arising from research conducted by IDEAs Hubs and Activity Areas.

Education and experience

• strong people and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and coordinate stakeholders in a range of online and in-person formats, as well as the ability to work both in a team and independently
• demonstrated ability of linking communications with building effective partnerships and relationships for knowledge mobilization
• demonstrated knowledge of communication accessibility standards and how to meet them
• knowledge and experience of work and disability policy issues
• demonstrated ability to write and edit for various types of public relations materials, especially newsletters, websites, media releases and video scripts
• strong writing, editing and proofing skills, as well as a general knowledge of social media production processes
• savvy and strong web content and social media skills, video production skills an asset
• sound working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel), Canva, Mailchimp, YouTube and Adobe Suite (InDesign, Acrobat) and HTML
• familiarity with video production an asset
• formal education in public relations, communications and/or journalism and/or related job experience an asset
• experience in a research or academic organization, and/or an organization serving people with disabilities an asset
• knowledge of implementation science an asset
• Bilingualism (English, French) an asset

*NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. Other tasks related to operations and communications may be assigned based on the laboratory’s needs, and the Operations and Communications Coordinator’s skills and interest.

Salary range

The position will be assessed after three months.

This is a full-time position for one year with a possibility of extension and is based on a full-time salary range of $60,000-$70,000, plus benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Physical setting/working conditions

Much of this job can be done remotely. The job requires coming into the office as needed, approximately 25 per cent of the time, in Hamilton and/or Toronto. The physical environment of the office is an accessible modern building. There is no unusual physical effort involved in the duties. There are many periods of focused concentration at a computer terminal.

Application details

We strongly encourage candidates who identify as a person with a disability to apply. We are open to the possibility of job sharing in cases where a candidate has strong skills in key areas of the position. If you are interested in this position, please submit your résumé and cover letter by e-mail to Sabrina Chaudhry (schaudhry@iwh.on.ca) by February 14, 2025. Your cover letter should clearly state how you meet the qualifications for this position.

IDEA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We thank all applicants, but only those considered for the position will be contacted.