Communications, Social Media

Job Title: Communications Specialist
Organization: Toronto Wildlife Centre
Location: Currently located in Downsview Park (North York) with plans to move to Rouge National Urban Park (Scarborough), GTA

• Status: Full – Time, Permanent (Hybrid)
• Start Date: Immediate (estimated March 30, 2026)
• Compensation: $55,500 – $61,500 / annual salary. Pay within the range is based on job-related skills and relevant experience. The upper end of the range is typically reserved for candidates who fully meet or exceed the role’s requirements.
• Reports To: Communications Manager

Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) is the only wildlife hospital in the Greater Toronto Area and one of the busiest wildlife rehabilitation centres in Canada. Each year, approximately 6,500 sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals representing more than 300 species are admitted for care.

As a charity funded primarily by donations, TWC relies heavily on strong communications, compelling storytelling, and digital engagement to raise awareness and inspire support for its life-saving work.

Position Summary

The Communications Specialist plays a supporting leadership role within the Communications Team and serves as the operational right hand to the Communications Manager. This position is responsible for the day-to-day execution of TWC’s communications activities, including social media management, graphic and web design, multimedia production, and effective story production. The role ensures that communications output across all platforms remains consistent, high-quality, and aligned with organizational priorities.

This is a highly interdisciplinary communications role requiring strong abilities in visual design, social media management, multimedia production, and professional writing and editing. The successful candidate must be able to construct compelling, accurate, and emotionally resonant narratives — particularly for donor audiences — while maintaining exceptional editorial standards.

Working closely with the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist will assist with overseeing content production workflows, mentor Communications Team members, review and edit multimedia and written content, provide regular updates and reporting, and ensure daily communications operations run smoothly.

Duties & Responsibilities

Design Lead

• Design visual assets for social media campaigns, fundraising materials, newsletters, education resources, donor communications, special projects and other design requests as needed
• Assist with overseeing design projects as needed, including contract or volunteer assistance with graphic design work
• Develop templates, design systems, and enhance style guidelines to improve workflow efficiency
• Ensure accessibility and clarity best practices are incorporated into visual communications
• Support website updates and web design, including content and visual layout in WordPress

Narrative Development & Copy writing

• Construct compelling, strategically aligned narratives that best represents TWC and its mission
• Write high-quality donor-centric and public-facing communications, including newsletters, email campaigns, website copy, social media content, campaign messaging, etc.
• Translate complex veterinary/medical, behavioural, and natural history information into clear, accessible and engaging content for the public and donors
• Maintain exceptional editorial standards — grammar, tone, flow, clarity, and accuracy must be flawless
• Provide senior-level copy editing across communications materials to ensure consistency of voice and messaging

Social Media & Digital Content

• Oversee daily social media management and content creation across platforms
• Work closely with the Communications Manager to plan and manage the communications content calendar
• Monitor engagement, community responses, and emerging trends across platforms
• Assist in developing and executing seasonal campaigns and fundraising initiatives, working closely with Communications Team members to create multimedia content
• Track performance metrics and support reporting on campaign effectiveness

Multimedia Production

• Assist with the production of short-form video content for social media and campaign initiatives
• Collaborate and coordinate cross-departmentally to inform story development and produce content, while ensuring wildlife patients, rehabilitation work, and educational activities are represented accurately, ethically, and responsibly across all communications channels
• Edit and refine multimedia content produced by Communications Team members to ensure narrative and editorial strength, and brand alignment
• As-needed assistance with coordinating, capturing and editing photo and video content in collaboration with the Rehabilitation, Rescue, and Veterinary Teams and in support of the Communications Team

Team Leadership & Content Oversight

• Ensure the day-to-day execution of communications activities runs smoothly across all channels
• Provide regular updates, workflow insights, and performance reporting to the Communications Manager
• Assist with collaboration and special projects between departments, working closely with the Executive Direct and Development Manager
• Provide mentorship, leadership, and guidance to Communications Team members
• Assign, schedule, and review communications deliverables
• Review and edit content created by team members, including:
  • Social media copy and visuals
  • Video scripts and edits
  • Photography selections
• Deliver clear, constructive feedback to strengthen writing and storytelling quality, as well as professional development of team members
• Assist with volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and training
• Assist with team scheduling

Qualifications

Education

• Post-secondary education in communications, journalism, marketing, writing, multimedia, or a related field
• Education or training related to nonprofit communications and/or fundraising is considered an asset

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of progressive communications experience, with demonstrated leadership responsibilities
• Proven supervisory, mentorship, or team leadership experience with staff and volunteers
• Exceptional writing, copy editing, and narrative storytelling skills
• Strong portfolio demonstrating both visual design and written storytelling excellence
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro) and in primary social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube etc.)
• Experience with email marketing tools such as Constant Contact
• Experience with photography and videography (DSLR/mirrorless and/or mobile production) and photo/video editing software
• Experience managing social media platforms and digital campaigns
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to synthesize technical or medical information into compelling public-facing communications
• Demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation, environmental protection, or animal welfare
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in fundraising communications, volunteering, or working in a not-for-profit environment, particularly within animal welfare organizations.

Competencies

• Proven leadership and mentorship ability
• Flawless writing and editorial precision
• Advanced narrative storytelling skills, particularly for donor audiences
• Strong visual storytelling and brand management
• High attention to detail and accountability
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset
• Self-starter able to work independently while contributing to a team environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, social media management tools, and email marketing platforms
• Experience working with WordPress, including writing copy and design
• Ability to work quickly and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic nonprofit environment
• Additional assets:
  • Digital marketing experience
  • Basic understanding of SEO and web analytics
  • Knowledge of Southern Ontario wildlife identification and natural history

Work Schedule

• Regular schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day. One week per month, the schedule will shift to include weekend days as part of a rotation
• One work-from-home day per week is available
• Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required

Working Conditions

• The role is fast-paced and requires managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional outdoor work. Some assignments may require working in varying weather conditions or visiting wildlife care areas
• Exposure to animals and materials that may trigger allergic reactions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to spend extended periods sitting and working at a computer
• Ability to walk on concrete floors indoors and uneven terrain outdoors
• Work may occasionally involve physically active environments within the wildlife centre

How to Apply

Along with a cover letter and resume, please submit:

• A portfolio of relevant work
• A 150–250 word social media writing sample promoting TWC’s mission

Email applications to recruitment@torontowildlifecentre.com , with the subject line

“Attn: Brittany Seki – Communications Specialist”.

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.

Applications will be reviewed as submitted until the position is filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Due to the anticipated number of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Toronto Wildlife Centre does not use artificial intelligence or automated tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.

Applicants who require accommodations are encouraged to include details in their application or contact us directly at recruitment@torontowildlifecentre.com .

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.