Communications and Community Engagement Specialist

job title: Communications and Community Engagement Specialist
job ID #: DETOHT CCES -26-0313

department: Downtown East Toronto Ontario Health Team

reports to: Executive Director and Manager, Operations and Population Health, DET OHT

salary:  $36.04 to $44.72 per hour

status: (Non-Union) Contract, Full-Time (Contract, 1 year with a possibility of extension)

hours: 37.5 hours per week

Vacancy: 1

background:

The Downtown East Toronto Ontario Health Team (DET OHT) is a partnership of 47 health and social service organizations working together to build a more connected system of care for people living in the downtown east.

Our work is guided by the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and grounded in Client and Family Centered Care, Health Equity, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Transparent Collaboration, Quality Improvement, and Responsive Leadership.  Community members play a central role in shaping our work, including co‑designing initiatives, advising on equity implementation, strengthening governance, and contributing to system planning.

about the role:

The Communications and Community Engagement Specialist leads day-to-day communications and supports structured community engagement activities for the DET OHT.

This role is responsible for developing clear, accessible communications that strengthen alignment across Team Member organizations and support meaningful participation of community members through the Community Advisory Network (CAN).

This is a hands-on role focused on execution, coordination, and continuous improvement.

we believe in work-life balance and offer:

• A competitive salary.
• Membership in Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
• Up to four weeks of vacation per year (to start).
• Up to five personal days per year.
• An extended healthcare and dental package.
• An employee assistance plan.
• A generous professional development plan: up to $1300 to be used towards learning activities.
• Up to six fully paid professional development days per year – related to position/responsibilities.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

Communications Planning & Execution

• Develop and implement annual communications workplans aligned with DET OHT priorities.
• Draft and distribute newsletters, announcements, briefing materials, and presentations.
• Maintain website content and support social media updates.
• Ensure messaging is clear, accessible, and aligned with equity principles.
• Coordinate media inquiries and draft media materials in collaboration with leadership.

Content Development & Storytelling

• Produce written content including community stories, initiative updates, and partner spotlights.
• Conduct interviews with partners and community members to support storytelling.
• Support basic visual and digital content creation (in collaboration with external vendors when required).
• Maintain consistency in tone, visual identity, and brand use across materials.

Community Advisory Network (CAN) Coordination

• Coordinate CAN meetings, including scheduling, agendas, materials, and follow-up.
• Support onboarding and orientation of CAN members.
• Work with leadership to implement structured feedback processes.
• Ensure community input is documented and shared with relevant working groups.
• Support accessible communication materials for community members.

Team Member Communications

• Manage communications to Team Member organizations, including updates and meeting summaries.
• Support cross-organizational information sharing.
• Assist with coordination of webinars, workshops, and partner events.
• Maintain distribution lists and internal communication tools.

Measurement & Reporting

• Track communications and engagement metrics (e.g., newsletter engagement, participation rates).
• Conduct simple surveys and compile results.
• Prepare summary reports to inform planning and improvement.
• Support reporting requirements related to engagement activities.

To thrive in this role, you’ll need

education/experience

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, community engagement, or related field.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in communications and/or community engagement.
• Experience working in healthcare, non-profit, or complex partnership environments.
• Demonstrated experience producing high-quality written materials for diverse audiences.

knowledge and skills:

• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to clarity and accessibility.
• Experience managing newsletters, websites (e.g., WordPress), and digital platforms.
• Basic understanding of equity-informed engagement practices.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Comfort facilitating small group discussions.
• Familiarity with Ontario’s health system is an asset.

conditions of employment:

• Offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of background checks i.e., professional references, education verification, criminal background checks, and vulnerable sector checks.
• Understands and works within the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, and other relevant legislation, including, but not limited to, regulations for the safe preparation and quality of food.
• Demonstrates a commitment to a healthy and safe workplace for self and others (staff, patients, families, etc.) by taking all reasonable precautions and working in compliance with SHC related policies, health and safety legislation and best practices.

working conditions:

The position standard work week is 37.5 hours, typically Monday through Friday, with occasional evening meetings to support community engagement. The role must be available to attend on-site meetings within 24 hours’ notice. This role follows a hybrid work model and must be performed in Ontario. The role requires professionalism and diplomacy when interacting with diverse partners and community members.

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume (combined into one document) referencing Job ID# DETOHT CCES -26-0313 to myjob@sherbourne.on.ca by 5:00 pm on April 2, 2026.

Sherbourne is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

BOLD.          KIND.                     REAL.                    OPEN.                    WE CARE.