JOB SUMMARY
The Marketing and Communications Lead is responsible for developing and executing Support Ontario Youth's (SOY) marketing, communications and brand strategies to support organizational growth, program success and stakeholder engagement. Working closely with leadership, program teams, external partners and the Marketing Specialist, this role leads integrated marketing and communications initiatives that increase awareness, drive participation and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
Serving diverse audiences, including apprentices, employers, educators and community partners, the Marketing and Communications Lead ensures audience-focused communications while maintaining a consistent and compelling brand presence across all channels. The role oversees marketing planning, campaign execution, content strategy, stakeholder communications, brand management, performance measurement and team leadership, collaborating across the organization to promote programs, services and organizational impact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Marketing Strategy and Planning
- Lead the development and execution of SOY's annual marketing and communications strategy in alignment with organizational goals and program priorities.
- Develop integrated marketing plans for programs, events, partnerships, recruitment initiatives and stakeholder engagement activities, including campaign objectives, target audiences, key messages, tactics and success metrics.
- Identify opportunities to increase brand awareness, audience engagement and program participation.
- Monitor marketing trends and recommend innovative approaches to support organizational growth.
Marketing and Communications Management
- Lead the planning, development and execution of marketing campaigns across digital, print, email, website and social media channels.
- Provide strategic direction for content development to ensure communications are accurate, engaging, audience-focused and aligned with SOY's brand.
- Manage communication calendars and campaign timelines to ensure coordinated and timely delivery.
- Develop and implement communication plans for program launches, events, partnerships and organizational initiatives.
- Ensure all marketing and communications activities reflect SOY's mission, values and strategic priorities.
- Review and approve marketing materials for quality, accessibility, strategic alignment and adherence to brand standards, escalating materials to the Senior Director of Operations for approval when required.
Brand and Content Leadership
- Manage and strengthen SOY's brand identity, voice and messaging across all platforms.
- Oversee the creation of marketing materials, including social media content, newsletters, website updates, presentations, promotional materials, media releases and stakeholder communications.
- Lead storytelling initiatives that showcase participant success, program impact and organizational achievements.
- Maintain brand standards and develop supporting guidelines, templates and processes.
- Ensure content is clear, accessible, inclusive and relevant to SOY's diverse audiences.
Audience Engagement and Stakeholder Communications
- Develop targeted communication strategies for apprentices, employers, educators, community partners, funders and other stakeholders.
- Support participant recruitment, employer engagement and program awareness through strategic outreach initiatives.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with external partners, community organizations and industry stakeholders.
- Represent SOY and foster strategic partnerships to strengthen organizational visibility within the skilled trades sector.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Provide leadership, mentorship and direction to the Marketing Specialist and support staff involved in marketing activities.
- Collaborate with leadership and program teams to identify communication needs and marketing opportunities.
- Establish and maintain effective workflows, marketing processes and standard operating procedures.
- Support the development of internal marketing knowledge, resources and best practices.
- Coordinate cross-functional projects to ensure marketing efforts support organizational objectives.
Vendor and External Partner Management
- Manage relationships with designers, printers, photographers, videographers, digital marketing agencies and other external vendors.
- Develop project briefs, oversee deliverables and ensure SOY's brand and quality standards are met.
- Monitor vendor performance, budgets and project timelines.
- Identify and recommend external support when specialized expertise is required.
Reporting, Analytics and Continuous Improvement
- Track, analyze and report on marketing performance using defined metrics and key performance indicators.
- Monitor campaign effectiveness, audience engagement, website traffic, lead generation and program participation outcomes.
- Develop dashboards and regular reports to support data-driven decision making.
- Use insights and feedback to optimize marketing strategies, campaigns and communications activities.
- Provide recommendations to leadership on opportunities for growth, improvement and increased impact.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Post-secondary education or training in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related field is an asset.
5+ years of experience in marketing and communications.
3+ years of leadership experience.
Graphic design experience is considered an Asset.
Project Management experience.
Experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies.
Experience managing multi-channel marketing campaigns and campaign calendars.
Experience supervising staff, contractors, or external vendors is an asset.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant Ontario legislation and regulations.
Valid G Driver’s license, reliable vehicle and valid insurance.
Ability and flexibility to travel to events across Ontario, including those requiring overnight stays.
Ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies up to 20 lbs independently.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Five-day work week (Monday to Friday), with flexible start and end times and occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight stays may be required for events and workshops.
In Office out of the Etobicoke head office, and travel across Ontario for events, meetings and/or site visits
Flex hours of work to complete special requests or projects.