Marketing & Communications Lead ID #1656

The opportunity:

The Marketing & Communications Lead plays a key role in organizing and advancing the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka's marketing and communications function. Working closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications and internal teams, this role translates organizational priorities and marketing strategy into coordinated plans, campaigns and communications that engage our audiences and advance the YMCA's mission. 

This is a highly collaborative, hands-on role that brings structure, coordination and momentum to the marketing portfolio while supporting the development of clear, compelling and consistent communications across the organization. 

The Marketing & Communications Lead will coordinate integrated marketing initiatives, develop internal and external communications, manage marketing workflows and priorities, coordinate internal resources and external partners, and ensure that marketing and communications activity is aligned, timely and effective. 

This role works collaboratively across the Marketing & Communications team and with departments throughout the organization to move initiatives from strategy through execution.

In this role, you will:

• Demonstrate strong support and commitment to the mission and core values of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and the YMCA in Canada 

• Demonstrate strong support and commitment to serving the membership, facility users and all program participants of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka 

• Adhere to all provincial and federal legislation relevant to job description. 

Marketing Operations & Project Leadership 

• Coordinate the marketing portfolio in alignment with organizational and departmental priorities. 

• Manage marketing intake, prioritization, workflows and project timelines to ensure initiatives are appropriately scoped, resourced and delivered. 

• Translate strategic priorities into marketing plans, campaign briefs and actionable work plans. 

• Coordinate internal teams, vendors, agencies and external partners to deliver marketing and communications initiatives effectively. 

• Maintain visibility of key campaigns, organizational initiatives and competing priorities while identifying risks, dependencies and opportunities. 

• Support continuous improvement of marketing processes, systems and ways of working. 

Communications Development 

• Develop and implement internal and external communications plans that support organizational priorities. 

• Create and coordinate communications materials including announcements, articles, newsletters, media materials, press releases and other written content. 

• Translate complex information into clear, engaging and audience-focused communications. 

• Provide copywriting, editing and proofreading support to ensure communications are accurate, consistent and aligned with YMCA messaging. 

• Provide communications advice and support to internal stakeholders, including support for high-profile or sensitive communications. 

Campaigns & Audience Engagement 

• Coordinate integrated marketing campaigns from planning through execution. 

• Work with stakeholders to define objectives, audiences, messaging and desired outcomes. 

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop campaign content and promotional materials. 

• Monitor campaign performance and apply audience insights to improve effectiveness and engagement. 

Brand, Media & Public Relations 

• Support consistent application of the YMCA brand, voice, messaging and positioning across all marketing and communications activities. 

• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, community partners and key external stakeholders. 

• Coordinate media inquiries, interviews, press releases and proactive storytelling opportunities. 

• Support communications related to community initiatives, events and organizational announcements. 

Measurement & Continuous Improvement 

• Coordinate marketing and communications reporting and performance tracking. 

• Monitor key metrics and identify insights, trends and opportunities for improvement. 

• Use research, audience insights and performance data to inform future planning and decision-making. 

Collaboration & Stakeholder Relationships 

• Build strong relationships across the YMCA and serve as a key point of contact for marketing and communications support. 

• Partner with internal stakeholders to identify priorities and develop effective marketing and communications solutions. 

• Serve as a trusted advisor, helping departments align initiatives with organizational goals and brand standards. 

• Coordinate with vendors, agencies, community partners and service providers, including project deliverables and budget tracking. 

• Balance competing priorities while maintaining a high level of service and responsiveness. 

You bring:

• Post-secondary education in marketing, communications, public relations or a related field. 

• 5+ years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, public relations or a related field. 

• Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating and executing integrated marketing campaigns and communications initiatives. 

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong copywriting, editing and proofreading abilities. 

• Experience developing communications plans, messaging and content for internal and external audiences. 

• Experience working with media relations, public relations and external communications is an asset. 

• Strong understanding of marketing principles, audience engagement and integrated campaign planning. 

• Strong understanding of brand consistency and the ability to apply brand and messaging standards across communications. 

• Ability to interpret marketing and communications data and use insights to support decision-making. 

• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. 

• Highly organized, proactive and comfortable bringing structure to complex or competing priorities. 

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team. 

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365 and relevant marketing and communications tools. 

• Commitment to the YMCA's mission, values and role in strengthening communities. 
• Willingness to work flexible hours based on client needs.

Why work for the Y:

At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, we believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and staff. As a Marketing and Communications Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our participants and the community. You will work alongside a supportive team of individuals who are committed to our vision of building vibrant and connected communities where everyone belongs. 

Perks:

• Annual Salary of $56,550 - $60,000 based on experience
• Paid Well- Being Days  
• YMCA Simcoe /Muskoka Wellness Day
• Benefits Plan
• Pension Plan after 2 Years
• YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics Membership 

When people find a community where they belong, they shine. At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, we believe in creating spaces where everyone belongs. In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you grow professionally and personally. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career, working with a diverse team where your own ideas will be heard, then the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka is the perfect place for you. 

About us:

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity dedicated to building healthier, stronger communities by promoting physical, mental, and social well-being for all. We offer a wide range of inclusive and affordable programs and services to individuals and families, regardless of their background or financial situation. 

Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

This role is for an existing vacancy that is available or will be available at the time of fulfillment. We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Each step of our recruitment process is human-led; we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated screening tools. Individuals needing employment accommodation in the hiring process or job postings in an alternative format may contact the People and Culture department at hr@sm.ymca.ca.

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check and employment reference checks. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Police Records Checks must be renewed every three years.