Communications and Engagement Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communications Manager leads the development, coordination, and execution of internal and external communications strategies that support both Kemp Care Network (KCN) and Keaton’s House Pediatric Hospice (KH).

This role serves as a key liaison between internal departments, leadership, and external partners to ensure consistent, strategic, and effective messaging.

The Communications Manager oversees brand integrity, public relations initiatives, content creation, and marketing deliverables, while providing direct supervision to the Social Media Coordinator.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills, project management abilities, and a strong understanding of nonprofit and healthcare audiences.

Key Responsibilities

Keaton’s House Communications

• Coordinate with Jan Kelley (JK) and KCN leadership to review and approve all Keaton’s House communications and marketing assets.
• Track and manage deliverables from JK, ensuring timelines are met on both sides.
• Provide strategic insight on tone, voice, language use, and audience targeting for all communications.
• Serve as the primary point of contact (POC) for communicating KH updates to external stakeholders and media.
• Co-host bi-weekly “Pediatric Hospice PR & Comms” meeting.
• Collaborate with the Social Media Coordinator to implement the KH social media campaign using JK-developed assets; approve final copy and content.
• Develop and lead a public relations strategy for the KH opening, including:
• CEO speechwriting
• Community outreach
• Media opportunities and press engagement
• Review email HTML designs from JK for use in KH PR and marketing.
• Oversee the design and consistency of all KH-related marketing materials.

KCN Program & Event Communications

• Lead the development and promotion of communications for all KCN programs (e.g., Day Wellness, Volunteer Engagement, Grief & Bereavement programs, Camp Keaton).
• Manage communications for key organizational events:
• Signature Events: Hike for Hospice, Golf Day, Winter Gala, Grief Symposium
• Public Events: Third-party fundraisers and donor-related events
• Collaborate with internal departments to produce the KCN Insider (internal), Public Newsletter, Annual General Report (AGR), and Annual General Meeting presentation materials.
• Partner with fundraising and leadership teams to support campaigns such as the Holiday Mailer and ongoing donor engagement.
• Develop annual strategic communications goals that align with KCN’s mission and include residential care, Grief & Bereavement, Camp Keaton, and CEO engagement opportunities.
• Manage internal and external media inquiries; create tailored PR strategies when needed.
• Monitor, respond to, and prioritize internal communications requests.
• Track and manage deadlines for deliverables and updates during all-staff and leadership meetings.
• Maintain the shared Communications Outlook calendar and oversee content scheduling.
• Draft and curate LinkedIn content on behalf of the CEO, using social media assets from the coordinator.
• Initiate and manage print production requests for communication materials.
• Finalize content and design, routing materials for approval (as needed) for:
• KCN Insider internal newsletter
• Public Newsletter
• Annual General Report
• Write speeches and scripts for CEO presentations, including those featured in public newsletters and video content.
• Co-lead campaign development for major awareness initiatives (e.g., Advanced Care Planning, Grief & Bereavement Month) with key leadership and team members.
• Provide input to enhance website content language across KCN and KH sites.
• Maintain oversight of all communications subscriptions and accounts.

Supervision & Team Leadership

• Directly supervise the Social Media and Digital Marketing programming and foster a collaborative team environment.
• Review and approve all content and design developed by the KCN team
• Conduct regular workload assessments and support efficient workload distribution.
• Set deadlines and monitor performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Facilitate weekly 1:1 meetings and quarterly performance reviews as needed.
• Create and maintain documentation for communications workflows, templates, and the internal communications handbook.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; a Master’s degree is an asset.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, or marketing.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing communications strategies, PR campaigns, and social media initiatives.
• Experience working in healthcare, nonprofit, or community-based organizations is strongly preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for various formats including speeches, newsletters, media releases, and reports.
• Proven ability to lead projects, manage multiple deadlines, and work collaboratively across departments.
• Proficiency in design and communication tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and email marketing platforms.
• Familiarity with website content management systems (e.g., WordPress) and basic HTML is an asset.
• Experience working with external marketing/communications agencies is preferred.
• Understanding of inclusive language practices and community-based audience engagement.
• Media relations experience, including writing press releases and coordinating interviews or public appearances.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Communication: Ability to plan and implement communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Leadership & Supervision: Skilled in managing and mentoring junior team members, setting priorities, and fostering collaboration.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders.
• Brand Stewardship: Attention to tone, consistency, and visual identity across all communications and campaigns.
• Relationship Building: Skilled in working with internal teams, community partners, and external vendors.
• Digital Fluency: Knowledge of digital platforms, email marketing, social media scheduling tools, and analytics.
• Public Speaking & Speechwriting: Comfortable crafting messages and talking points for executive leadership.
• Creativity & Innovation: Ability to think creatively and bring forward new ideas to enhance visibility and engagement.
• Crisis Communication: Ability to manage sensitive information and provide calm, clear communication under pressure.
• Cultural Competency: Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all communication strategies.

Certifications: (Any of the following would be an asset)

• Meta (FB) BluePrint Certification
• Google Digital Marketing and e-commerce certification
• Canva Design School Certification
• Adobe Certified Professional

WHO WE ARE:

Kemp Care Network is more than just an organization; it’s a compassionate community dedicated to serving the emotional, physical and social needs of individuals living with a serious illness, facing their last chapter, or grieving a death.

Our History:

Thirty years ago, Dr. Bob Kemp recognized an opportunity to redefine how palliative care was offered in the Greater Hamilton Area. Foremost, a founding value was to serve all, especially the most vulnerable. And it all started with a generous donation of land by Iris Berryman.

Vision

To establish Kemp Care Network as a world-class leader in regional palliative-care in alignment with our founding values while evolving to best serve our community.

Mission

To care for every individual and their loved ones with dignity, compassion and attention to their physical, social and psychological well-being during times of serious, life-limiting illness and loss.

We lead, collaborate and drive meaningful improvements to palliative care services with partners across our community.

Values

• Dignity: We focus on quality of living and ensuring the experience of our clients and their families is based in dignity and respect.
• Compassion: Our care for clients and their families is based in compassion, empathy and kindness.
• Collaboration: We actively build relationships and work with partners and our community as part of a continuum of care.
• Inclusivity: We welcome diversity in our clients and deliver care in an inclusive manner that considers their unique needs.
• Excellence: We are dedicated to a high quality of care and strive to continually improve and contribute to the advancement of our field.

Kemp Care Network is committed to providing equal treatment with respect to employment according to the protected grounds established under the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will work to to ensure that our employees are provided with meaningful employment that is ethical and fair, and is in compliance with all applicable employment, and human rights legislation.

Kemp Care Network provides accessible employment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. We strive to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for everyone by identifying and removing barriers in our workplace and ensuring that new barriers are not created. The company ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities. We are committed to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and integrative manner that respects their dignity and independence. Accommodations are available on request.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-07-29

Send your resume to HR@kempcarenetwork.org