Communications & Public Relations Specialist

Job summary

The specialist leads strategic communications and public relations initiatives to enhance brand awareness and manage the organization's public profile. Key duties include creating engaging content for external channels, managing media relationships, and coordinating internal employee engagement communications.

Job details

Requisition Number: 1333 Terms of Employment: Permanent Full-Time Location: Head Office Employment Address: 700 – 2235 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto ON M2J 5B5 Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 37.5-hour work week Vacancy: 1 Language: English Hiring Range: $71,059 - $75,974 annually About Mount Pleasant Group: Mount Pleasant Group (MPG) is a not-for-profit organization that has been dedicated to serving families in the Greater Toronto Area since 1826. MPG comprises of two affiliated entities: the Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries (MPGC) and Canadian Memorial Services (CMS). Together, they deliver comprehensive death care services with compassion and professionalism. MPGC owns and operates ten cemeteries and four crematoriums across the GTA, while CMS provides funeral services at nine locations, including funeral centres within MPGC cemeteries and standalone facilities known as The Simple Alternative. As a trusted community partner and environmental steward, MPG is committed to innovation, leveraging new trends and advancements in technology while upholding our long-standing values. Our team takes pride in the meaningful work we do every day, helping families navigate life's most challenging moments with care and respect. Our Vision: A world where dignified, inclusive, innovative and trustworthy death-related planning and care are accessible to everyone. Our Mission: MPG will serve the diverse clients and communities of yesterday, today and tomorrow with excellence and compassion to meet all their death care needs. Our Values: Inclusiveness • Transparency • Innovation • Dependability • Compassion At Mount Pleasant Group, we believe our strength lies in the passion and diversity of our people, and we deeply value the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences each individual brings to our team. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. By embracing inclusivity, we aim to build a workforce that collaborates meaningfully and reflects the richly diverse communities we are privileged to serve. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including those from underrepresented groups, to apply and join us in advancing our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. About the Position: The Communications & Public Relations Specialist leads strategic communications initiatives that strengthen MPG's reputation, elevate brand awareness, and engage key audiences. This role develops compelling content, manages media and stakeholder relationships, and provides communications support on organizational priorities and emerging issues. The successful candidate is a skilled storyteller and strategic communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can translate complex information into clear, engaging messages across a variety of channels. The role also supports issues management and crisis communications to help protect and strengthen MPG's public profile. What we offer: Comprehensive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and a health care spending account Wellness resources and benefits including a wellness spending account Defined contribution pension plan with employer match RRSP & TFSA options Enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Internal training and development opportunities, including job shadowing and a mentorship program, and access to an Educational Assistance Program Paid Vacation days plus additional personal paid days off Hybrid work environment Annual Employee Engagement Surveys and Annual Employee Townhalls Salary increases, in accordance with company policy The successful candidate will be required to: Writing & External Communications Develop and produce engaging content for MPG’s corporate and external communication channels, including digital newsletters, annual reports, brochures, and social media platforms. Create marketing communications materials and plans that support product launches, campaigns, promotions, and organizational initiatives while ensuring alignment with branding standards and key messaging. Collaborate with the Community Outreach Specialist to develop communications strategies that support community engagement initiatives, public events, and local activities across MPG locations. Draft speeches, remarks, and key messaging for the Senior Leadership Team and designated representatives for events, meetings, and public engagements. Ensure all external communications comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and reflect MPG’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles. Internal Communications Contribute and curate content to the Hub, this includes managing the content that was formerly included in the Insider newsletter such as Client Corner, events recaps, etc Partner with HR and other departments to create employee-focused communications, including organizational announcements, leadership updates, and milestone celebrations. Design and implement internal communications plans and employee engagement initiatives, communications planning Q&A sessions, forums, and corporate events such as the Annual General Meeting, managing all content and logistics. Public Relations Develop and implement public relations strategies that elevate MPG’s brand profile, support marketing campaigns, and promote community outreach events. Identify and generate compelling story ideas that highlight MPG’s initiatives and services, securing media coverage across local, regional, and national platforms. Cultivate relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers, proactively pitching stories and coordinating media opportunities such as interviews, press conferences, and site visits. Respond to media inquiries, coordinating journalist visits, photo shoots, and filming requests while ensuring adherence to MPG’s brand and messaging guidelines. Develop press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, executive bios, and other materials to support MPG’s public relations and communication efforts. Plan and execute media events, including press briefings and launch events, to align with MPG’s business objectives and campaigns. Provide regular media activity reports and insights to the Senior Leadership Team, assessing press coverage and identifying strategic opportunities for brand positioning. Other Additional duties that fall within the scope of the role as assigned by the Director of Marketing, Communications & Outreach. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility At all times employees are responsible for: Committing to work within an inclusive team that enables MPG to better understand and connect with the diverse communities it seeks to serve; and Modelling their commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility through their words and actions. Qualifications: Two (2) year diploma or higher in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or other related disciplines; or equivalent combination of work experience, training and education Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in external communications, media relations, and public relations. Experience planning and coordinating events for employee and public/media audiences. Strong background in executive-level communications, including speechwriting and strategic messaging. Experience working with diverse communities and a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Prior experience in a not-for-profit or community-based organization is an asset. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive, and audience-appropriate messages. Strong writing, editing, and research skills with exceptional attention to grammar, style, and tone. Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards. Proven ability to foster strong business relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including executives and media professionals. Strong analytical skills and ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible communication. Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and professional growth. Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and discretion in handling sensitive information. Intermediate proficiency of Windows and MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook The Mount Pleasant Group is committed to providing equitable opportunities to all applicants and strives to ensure a barrier-free selection process. If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please send us an email with your accommodation needs at [email protected], quoting the job requisition ID # and the job title. Any information received related to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. Transparency in Our Hiring Process: Mount Pleasant Group’s recruitment process may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening and matching of applications to job requirements. These tools are designed to support efficiency and consistency in reviewing applications. All hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team, in conjunction with the respective hiring manager. If you have questions regarding this process or require an alternative review method, please contact us.

What you’ll do

The specialist leads strategic communications and public relations initiatives to enhance brand awareness and manage the organization's public profile. Key duties include creating engaging content for external channels, managing media relationships, and coordinating internal employee engagement communications.

Requirements

Candidates must have a diploma or degree in PR, Communications, or Marketing with at least three years of progressive experience in external communications and media relations. Proficiency in executive-level messaging, event coordination, and a commitment to equity and diversity are essential.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance • Dental Insurance • Vision Insurance • Disability Insurance • Life Insurance • Health Care Spending Account • Wellness Spending Account • Defined Contribution Pension Plan • Employer Match • RRSP Options • TFSA Options • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Internal Training And Development • Educational Assistance Program • Paid Vacation • Personal Paid Days Off • Hybrid Work Environment • Salary Increases

Listed skills

• Microsoft Office · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Strategic Communications
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Content Creation
• Speechwriting
• Crisis Communications
• Internal Communications
• Stakeholder Management
• Event Planning
• Digital Newsletters
• Social Media Management
• AODA Compliance
• Editing
• Research
• Interpersonal Communication
• Microsoft Office

Job areas

• Marketing
• Creative & Media
• Social Services
• Management & Leadership
• Administrative