Communications Associate

COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

People and Culture

One (1) Non-Unionized, Permanent Full-Time Position

Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Existing Vacancy

Compensation: $24.75/hour

About Cota

Cota is an accredited not-for-profit organization that has been providing community-based support to people living with mental health and cognitive challenges for over 50 years. At present, our wide array of services delivers much needed support to over 4,000 people/year who live with mental health challenges, psychogeriatric mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses and/or the experience of homelessness. These services include, but are not limited to, case management, supportive housing and adult day program services. A full listing of our services can be viewed on our website at https://cotainspires.ca/

Cota is presently seeking a dynamic and innovative individuals to join our amazing team in the capacity of the role outlined within this posting. Followed by our mission to support individuals with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities, we strive toward a vision of a supportive, inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. If you feel you have the skills and qualifications to perform the duties of this role while consistently exemplifying Cota’s values Hope, Respect, Dedication, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration and Innovation, we would love to hear from you.

About the Position

Reporting to the Manager, Communications and Branding, the Communications Associate supports the execution of internal and external communications initiatives that strengthen Cota’s organizational profile, support staff engagement, and enhance our reputation as an employer of choice. This role is hands-on and execution-focused. Working closely with the Manager, Communications and Branding, the Communications Associate contributes to content creation across print, digital, and social platforms, with a strong emphasis on maintaining brand consistency and visual quality.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Communication Associate's primary duties may involve, but not necessarily be limited to:

Content and Storytelling:

• Draft and edit engaging internal and external communications, including web content, newsletters, announcements, presentations, and social media copy
• Support the development of service user stories and organizational storytelling initiatives with sensitivity, empathy, and professionalism
• Assist in positioning the organization as an employer of choice through thoughtful content and campaign support
• Ensure all written and visual materials align with brand voice and messaging standards

Design and Visual Communications:

• Create and format branded materials such as brochures, posters, presentations, social graphics, internal materials, and digital assets
• Execute layouts in accordance with the organization’s brand style guide
• Refresh and update existing materials to ensure visual consistency and clarity
• Collaborate with the Manager to maintain a strong and cohesive visual identity across platforms

Social Media & Digital:

• Develop and schedule social media content aligned with the content calendar
• Support engagement initiatives and identify content opportunities
• Assist in basic tracking of social media and digital performance metrics
• Support website and intranet (SharePoint) updates as required

Multimedia Support:

• Capture photography at organizational events (as required)
• Support light video production, including filming and basic editing for social or web use
• Assist in creating short-form multimedia content to enhance digital storytelling

Coordination & Support:

• Assist in promoting organizational events and initiatives
• Support communications planning for recognition and wellness activities
• Coordinate timelines for communications materials and liaise with internal stakeholders

Other Responsibilities:

• Adheres to all COTA Health’s policies and procedures and follows established applicable program guidelines, procedures and practices
• Adheres to all applicable legislation, particularly the Ontario Human Rights Code
• Comply with all Health and Safety policies and procedures to ensure every reasonable precaution is taken for the protection of workers and clients and that health and safety concerns or incidents are responded to promptly
• Works cooperatively, respectfully and constructively with clients, Team members, management, other service providers, and external stakeholders
• Ensure that the confidentiality of clients, employees and COTA information is always maintained
• Undertakes other related and/or delegated duties, as assigned

Qualifications:

Knowledge and Abilities

• Accuracy and attention to detail when performing a wide variety of tasks
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to demonstrate a high standard in communications projects
• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with various computer programs (e.g., MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Experience with writing social media content, creating posts with Canva considered a strong asset
• Effective team player with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively when appropriate
• Demonstrated respect for the confidentiality of employee and service user information

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field
• 2–3 years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, or digital content creation
• Experience creating branded materials and social media content
• Experience working with or supporting vulnerable populations (e.g., individuals with mental health challenges, acquired brain injury, or other complex needs) considered an asset

Application Details:

Please complete the application below before Friday, May 1st, 2026 at 4:00pm

We are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We recognize lived experience as a valuable form of knowledge and encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of experiences, identities, and perspectives — including those with lived experience of housing insecurity, mental health or substance use recovery, or engagement with community supports. Accommodations are available throughout the hiring process upon request.

Benefits:

Upon successful completion of a three-month period of employment, permanent full-time and permanent part-time staff working more than 20 hours per week will be eligible for employer-paid group insurance benefits. These employer-paid benefits include:

• Extended Health Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Life insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Vision care
• Travel assistance

Permanent full-time staff and permanent part-time staff working more than 20 hours per week are also required to enroll in employee-paid long-term disability coverage.

Cota participates in the OPTrust Select Pension Plan; participation is mandatory for permanent full-time staff, and optional for permanent part-time staff.

Cota also provides additional financial assistance to all eligible employee in preparing for their retirement by contributing to a Group RRSP on their behalf.

Additional Information:

Interview Process: Cota may choose to conduct parts/all of the hiring process virtually. Please note that as part of maintaining an agile workforce, all Cota staff may be required to be reasonably reassigned to support the operational needs of our essential services.

Screening Process: Please note that Cota uses AI to screen potential applicants for all roles.

We would like to thank all those that apply; however, due to high volumes of interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thank you, Cota's People and Culture Team.

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Hope, Respect, Dedication, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation are key values of Cota. We are dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace, upholding dignity, and acknowledging each person's individual contributions and potential as an equal-opportunity employer. We uphold the Ontario Human Right Code and strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ people, and others who provide various viewpoints. Cota ensures an accessible hiring process in line with the AODA principles, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities. For any accommodation requests, please contact hr_recruitment@cotainspires.ca