Now Hiring – Communications Specialist

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking to fill the position of Communications Specialist

 

The job details are as below:

Position: Communications Specialist

No. of Positions: 01

Position Type: Permanent- Part Time

Hours per week: 24

Hourly rate: Determined based on education and experience

Anticipated Start Date: CLOSED – POSITION FILLED

Location: CASASC A201, 5212-48 Street Red Deer, AB

 

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.

We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with no judgement. We provide a range of support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence including counselling, play therapy, police and court support, crisis support and education.

 

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist is a cooperative team member of CASASC responsible to implement and execute a variety of internal and external communication activities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Specialist will work collaboratively with management team, staff, volunteers, and the community to develop and implement communications strategies which will broaden CASASC’s impact and facilitate the achievement of CASASC’s vision and mission.

The Communications Specialist involves in continuous quality improvement by providing support to the Executive Director and contribute to the efficient day-to-day communications operations of the organization. The goal of this position is to increase brand awareness and funding opportunities.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

  • Post-secondary Degree or education with a focus on communications, professional writing, journalism, public relations, or similar discipline.
  • 2-4 years direct experience with non-profit organization in a communication and marketing role.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate messages in a professional and engaging manner.
  • Knowledge, understanding and interest in sexual violence prevention and related issues.
  • Exceptional organizational abilities and time management skills, ability to meet deadlines, multi-task and prioritize workload.
  • Excellent public relation and interpersonal skills and must be comfortable in building relationship and rapport with external media personnel.
  • Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic communication and marketing plans and materials.
  • Experience with Word Press, Graphic Designing, Email marketing software, Adobe Creative Suite and CRM would be an asset.
  • Strong computer skills and excellent knowledge of MS Office.
  • Hands-on experience of managing social media, print media and other communications and marketing platforms used to increase organization’s presence.
  • Must have knowledge and understanding of latest media and communication tools and software.
  • Must be a team player and willing to take new challenges.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be able to provide a clear and valid criminal record check and vulnerable sector check.
  • Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job and be able to lift 40lbs as and when required to fulfill the job responsibilities.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: Communication Strategy and Brand Oversight

  • Implement and integrate strategic communication plans to advance CASASC’s brand identity, broaden awareness of its resources and supports, and increase visibility to all key stakeholders.
  • Work as internal and external brand ambassador.
  • Design and implement marketing and public relations strategies that will allow CASASC’s leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with target audience, including funding partners, media, and key influencers of the community.
  • Monitor analytics and create reports detailing the successes and failures of communications campaigns and strategies.
  • Coordinate volunteers, support staff, vendors and more to support promotional events.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: Marketing, Public Relations and Advocacy

  • Assist in the development of CASASC’s internal and external communications including, but not limited to communication media plans, and marketing collateral materials. This includes writing, editing, and designing.
  • Create and coordinate brand awareness content for the organization on multiple social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, CASASC’s official website, E-newsletter, and/or print media and promote CASASC’s mission and vision.
  • Assist the Executive Director and coordinate other members of the team in fundraising events and activities.
  • Prepare and submit periodic reports on communication metrics and analytics.
  • Support Executive Director with media interactions that help promote CASASC’s brand awareness in the community.
  • Exercise judgement to prioritize media opportunities, prepare speeches, presentations, and other supporting material as needed for the Executive Director or other staff members when needed.
  • Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding CASASC’s programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects.
  • Manage requests for sponsorship, donations, and partnerships.
  • Respond to media inquiries and maintain relationships with journalists and other members of the press.
  • Supports and assists Executive Director in identifying grant opportunities and writing proposals for the same while upholding the mission, vision, and values of CASASC under the supervision and guidance of Executive Director.
  • Perform outreach to press outlets, magazines, social media, influencers, and build strategic partnerships to grow brand awareness inline with the core values of the organization.

 

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES/ STAFF DEVELOPMENT:

  • Adheres to the values and guiding principles, policies, and procedures of CASASC and supports the strategic direction of the organization.
  • Participates in staff meetings and offered trainings.
  • Acts as a responsible team member by demonstrating initiative, completing work duties, and by maintaining clear, direct, and respectful communication with everyone in the work environment.
  • Proactively stays current with best and emerging practices in the field. Participates regularly in the staff development activities according to a learning and development plan identified through supervision and the on-going performance review process.
  • Provides back-up coverage to CASASC as required in response to the needs and priorities of the organization which includes other duties as and when assigned.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Maintains agency confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
  • Represents CASASC in a professional manner.
  • Maintains on-going positive public relations with external agencies, groups, and individuals.
  • Uses appropriate mechanisms for resolving internal agency problems.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

CASASC is an equal opportunity employer, and we value the importance of diversity, dignity, and worth of every individual in the workplace.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Human Resources at hr@casasc.ca

Please ensure your name and job title are included in the subject line with attachments either in PDF or Word format.

Application Deadline: 4:00 pm on Friday, May 12, 2023

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – May

Welcome back to CASASC Connections. This is a space where we provide updates on our services, programs and all things CASASC for the month of MAY 2023.

If you would like to have this update emailed to you each month please send us a note at education@casasc.ca and we’d be happy to add you to the list.

 

May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month

In Alberta, May is dedicated as Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM). The goal of SVAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence in a non-scary way. To educate communities on how to incorporate prevention into their daily lives, empowering children, youth and adults to get involved in social action projects.

We know that one month alone isn’t enough to solve the widespread issue of sexual violence; help us use this opportunity to expend prevention efforts throughout the year.

Sexual violence continues to increase be a concern. Sexual violence is often a taboo topic and the issue has been pushed into the back, dark crevasse of society.

Sexual violence needs to be addressed and a message of hope needs to be relayed to survivors. This is why we rise – to empower, to support, to inspire and to show respect.

Join us all month for SVAM activities, education opportunities and awareness messages.

  • Virtual learning series
  • FREE community/school resource/activity package
  • Social media messages and images
  • Colouring pages
  • and more

Find more details about SVAM here.

Police and Court Support – NEW HIRE

We are happy to welcome a new member to our team. Jenifer Ambrose has joined the CASASC team as our new Police and Court Support worker.

Jenifer is a positive, welcoming and respectful individual, we are so lucky to have her on our team, if you’d like to connect with Jenifer email courtsupport@casasc.ca

The CASASC Police, Community + Court Support program is your safe place. We are dedicated to being that place where you work through your options, navigate the system, and process a traumatic experience. Our support worker is here to listen and support you while you are considering or navigating the criminal justice system. We are advocates and sources of information for you – that safe guiding presence throughout the process.

Community + Court Support Program is available to anyone who has experienced sexual violence. You don’t need to be a CASASC client.

No matter where you are in your healing journey, or whether you choose to report, the Police, Community + Court Support Program is here to provide:

  • Support, information, and advocacy. No legal services or advice is provided.
  • Can discuss options for legal advice and provide resources & referrals.
  • Information about reporting, the court process & court preparation
  • Accompaniment to report and/or court proceedings
  • Assistance with filling out forms and applications
  • Ask us about the SUPPORTIVE REPORTING option

We invite you to a FREE 45min information session on May 17 @ 10am

Find more details and registration access HERE

 

F12.net Supports CASASC

On April 13 we accepted a donation from F12.net to continue to engage with all our client service programs. We appreciate all the support from our valuable partners and community members.

Thank You F12.net

Read more here: https://casasc.ca/f12-net-supports-casasc-3/

 

May 5 is Red Dress Day

May 5 is Red Dress day, CASASC invites everyone to take part in creating safer environments for Indigenous women and girls by wear red or hanging a red dress in your window on Friday, May 5.

An event hosted by the Red Deer native Friendship Society will take place at 9am at Red Deer City Hall Park.

Join us as we seek to acknowledge that our environments are not equal for all people and aim increase awareness and contribute to the establishment of safer communities.

 

Second Annual Ride for Respect – July 29, 2023

Our 2nd annual Ride for Respect event is happening on July 29th. Make sure to block your calendars.

More details about the event to be released in the coming months.

Sponsorship, silent auction, volunteer and vendor support opportunities are available – ask us about it casasc@casasc.ca

 

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in either of the volunteer opportunities below email Erin at ewillmer@casasc.ca for more information

  1. 24/7 Sexual Violence Help Line Volunteers – We are looking for volunteers who can take one or two shifts a month on the phone, text or webchat functions of our helpline. Shifts are virtual/remote.
  2. Event volunteers – Our second annual Ride for Respect event is coming up on July 29th and we will be needing event volunteers to support various functions during the day.

 

24/7 Sexual Violence Help Line

1-866-956-1099

www.casasc.ca

Call, text or webchat – We provide 24/7 confidential and anonymous support and a friendly conversation with the end goal being information, support and referrals.

 

Programs + Services

Our programs our available at no cost to all our central Alberta communities and do not require formal medical or legal referrals.  We do our best to help reduce barriers to accessing our services including barriers to those in rural and remote spaces.

For more information about our programs and services email casasc@casasc.ca or call 403-340-1124

 

Social Media

Stay up-to-date on services, community events and updates by following our social media accounts.

  • Twitter @CASASC2
  • Instagram @CASAC3
  • Facebook @CASASCRD
  • TikTok @CASASC5

Your 2023 Guide to Sexual Violence Awareness Month

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence each and every day of the year.

In Alberta, May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM). The goal of SVAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it.

The theme of SVAM this year is RISE. We know that one month alone isn’t enough to solve the widespread issue of sexual violence; however, the attention we generate during the month is an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts throughout the year.

 

About RISE

SVAM is about more than awareness – the ultimate goal is prevention. This year’s theme centres around rising up – rising up to support, empower, show respect and inspire one another during this uncertain time.

The theme Rise is inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise. She writes: “Just like the moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.”

Throughout the pandemic, rates of sexual violence continued to increase. Sexual violence is often a taboo topic and the issue has been pushed into the back, dark crevasse of society.

Sexual violence needs to be addressed and a message of hope needs to be relayed to survivors. This is why we rise – to empower, to support, to inspire and to show respect.

 

Key Messages: Sexual Violence and Prevention

  • Sexual violence is a serious and widespread problem. Anyone can experience sexual violence in their lifetime, however most incidents occur against women and girls.
  • In their lifetime, 45 per cent of adult Albertans have experienced some type of sexual abuse. That’s two in three adult females and one in three adult males.
  • In Canada, 87 per cent of survivors are women and girls. Ninety-four per cent of offenders are men. Sexual violence is the most underreported crime in Canada. Ninety-five per cent of survivors do not report their assaults to the police.
  • Statistics also show that some groups are more likely to experience sexual violence including: Indigenous women and girls, children and adolescents, people with disabilities, those of the LGBTQ2IA+ community and new Canadians.
  • When we speak about prevention, we mean taking a proactive approach to stopping sexual violence before it even has a chance to happen. This means changing the social norms that allow it to exist in the first place, from individual attitudes, values and behaviors to laws, institutions and widespread social norms. CASASC believes this is achieved through the concept of respect.
  • Prevention is all our responsibility. We can create and promote safe respectful environments through all facets of our lives. We can intervene to stop concerning behavior; promote and model healthy attitudes and relationships; promote the creation of a culture of respect; and believe survivors and assist them in finding the support they need.

View the AASAS 2019/2020 summary of the Prevalence of Sexual Assault and Childhood Sexual Abuse in Alberta HERE

Find additional social media messages and images HERE. For more information and/or additional access to the messages and images email education@casasc.ca

How You Can Stay Involved All Month Long

Each week in May we’re featuring different ways you can get involved by promoting awareness and rising up. Want to get involved? We’ve got you covered. We have an array of events and ways for you to participate in SVAM.

Download the SVAM calendar here complete with session links.

Visit our learning series document for full information on May and June virtual learning series dates and access.

Calendar of Events:

Week 1:

May 1

  • Launch of SVAM

May 5

 

Week 2:

May 12

 

Week 3: Victims and Survivors of Crime Week

May 17

May 18

May 19

 

Week 4:

May 26 – DAY OF ACTION

 

Week 5:

May 29

May 30

 

 

Available all month long:

-SVAM 2023 Community Resource Package

A free document of SVAM activities and information for schools and community. Use all month long to show your contribution to communities without sexual violence. Prevention and awareness are key. Respect, kindness, and healthy relationships are at the foundation of change. Plan to celebrate your activities and share your successes on MAY 26.

-SVAM 2023 colouring pages

Join Ressie the Respect unicorn and share with us your ways you show respect and kindness to others. Being kind and respectful to animals, people and places is an important part in having safe and healthy communities. How do you help to make our communities and school safer?

I Respect Statement SVAM 2023

Make your own Respect statement. Print out your own sign, tell us how/what you respect. Send in your statement signs to education@casasc.ca or tag us in our social media. Use the #iRespect and #SVAM hashtags.

-iRespect – MADE TO RESPECT t-shirts

Individuals are encouraged to wear the classic CASASC ‘iRespect’ t-shirts on Friday, May 26. T-shirts are available at the main office for a nominal donation. Sizes are limited. Post a selfie of yourself wearing the t-shirt and tag CASASC in social media. Use the #iRespect and #SVAM hashtags.

 

Find these month-long offerings on the iRespect tab of the CASASC website https://casasc.ca/irespect/

 

Checking your social media feeds anyway? Follow CASASC on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube share our posts, tag CASASC and encourage others to do the same.

 

Maya Angelou’s Poem Still I Rise: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46446/still-i-rise

 

Facebook: @CASASCRD

Twitter: @CASASC2

Instagram: @CASASC3

YouTube: Let’s Connect – CASASC

 

Hashtags: #iRespect, #SVAM, #cultureofrespect #rise