Chicken Farmers of Ontario's (CFO) team members are critical to CFO’s success in providing high quality, high impact solutions to Ontario’s chicken farmers, industry value chain stakeholders, and Ontario consumers. The Ontario chicken industry is one of the most successful supply-managed industries in the country and accounts for over $6.3 billion in overall economic activity in the province. CFO has a long-standing strategy of rewarding talent and experience which has been designed to attract, retain and motivate high performers and strategic thinkers.

At CFO, team members work collaboratively; enjoying competitive wages and benefits while immersed in a sustainable culture that stimulates leadership, accountability, excellence, collaboration and innovation. CFO is leading a trusted, prosperous, and sustainable chicken sector. Representing over 1,300 family farms in the province, CFO is responsible for a growing, profitable and sustainable chicken industry.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, the Communications Specialist develops clear, audience-focused content and supports communications, media relations, events and stakeholder engagements that advance Chicken Farmers of Ontario’s (CFO) strategic and operational plans.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Content Curation

• Uses superior writing skills to produce a variety of communications products to support farmer and stakeholder engagement, including the Annual Performance Report, key messages, web stories, scripts, news releases, briefing notes, presentations, and other written communications
• Develops and implements communications strategies to disseminate operational, technical, policy and regulatory-related communication and content, and associated marketing materials, for farmers and stakeholder audiences
• Applies plain language and storytelling techniques to communicate complex data and ideas through clear, persuasive writing
• Uses knowledge of social media and emerging communication platforms to provide creative and strategic advice for internal and external communications including publications, websites, electronic communication, social media and video production
• Develops social media content and digital communications interaction on platforms such as Instagram and ontariochicken.ca to enhance communication with key audiences, in compliance with social media standards and CFO brand guidelines
• Manages and develops website content, including working with CFO subject matter experts to publish regular updates related to the chicken sector and programs areas, such as auditing, pricing, and allocation

Stakeholder Relations and Event Management

• Regularly monitors traditional and social media, influencers, government channels, and stakeholder communications for political developments, commentary, risks, and opportunities and shares critical information with the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs and other colleagues in a timely manner
• Uses superior event management skills to support CFO’s events, including logistical coordination, advance preparation of communication materials and onsite support and implementation
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with CFO leadership, farmers, and stakeholders in the Ontario agriculture and agri-food sector
• Implements communications campaigns and events in support of CFO’s social mission, as well as existing and emerging priorities of CFO

Media Relations and Marketing

• Responds to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner, coordinating accurate, clear and consistent responses with internal subject-matter experts and leadership
• Proactively identifies and pitches compelling stories to media, cultivating relationships with journalists and supporting interview preparation and follow-up
• Supports the development and execution of creative, integrated marketing campaigns that align with CFO’s priorities, audiences and brand guidelines
• Creates engaging social media content and identifies earned-media opportunities to extend campaign reach, strengthen awareness and support organizational objectives

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• A degree in the field of communications, journalism, marketing or another relevant field
• 3 - 5 years of demonstrated experience in communications, journalism, marketing, or another relevant field
• Experience managing media relations, stakeholder engagement and issues management
• Experience supporting senior leaders with key messages, speeches, presentations and briefing materials
• Experience managing external vendors, agencies, or creative service providers
• Experience managing multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in a regulatory environment considered an asset

Skills and Knowledge

• Technological Skills - MS Office, including PowerPoint skills, Canva, Adobe suite, social media platforms, Survey Monkey, Email distribution systems
• Experience with SAP Client Relationship Management System, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and a variety of content management systems
• Must have a valid Ontario Driver’s License and ability to travel to locations not serviced by public transportation
• Flexibility to travel for meetings, events, and stakeholder engagements during evenings and weekends
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent event management skills
• Solid knowledge of current and emerging digital communication trends and tools
• Strong project management skills
• Self-starter, critical thinker, and team player
• Bilingualism (English & French) considered an asset
• Knowledge of Ontario agri-food industry considered an asset

Working Conditions

• This role operates in a hybrid environment consisting of the CFO office and the option to work remotely in accordance with CFO’s hybrid environment and may be revised from time to time
• This role requires regular travel to stakeholder events and meetings

COMPENSATION AND DISCLOSURE

Location: Guelph, ON (Corporate Office) with option for hybrid work

Status: Full Time hours, permanent

Salary Range: $75,000 – 90,000 per year

Disclosure: CFO does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.

CFO's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

At CFO, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, reflecting our industry and the communities where we live and work. We work together, unified by our respect for each other, CFO values, and the pursuit of our business strategy. Diversity at CFO is understanding, recognizing, and valuing the differences that make each person unique.

Our Hiring Commitment:

In compliance with Ontario's Working for Workers Four Act, CFO is committed to transparency. All candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their final interview.

Interested in joining our team? Please submit your resume by clicking on APPLY TO THIS POSITION.