Job vacancies
Communications Specialist
Location: Remote (our office is located in Toronto, but remote/hybrid work is possible)
Employment status: Full-time, permanent (after probationary period)
Salary range: $52,000 – $58,000, plus full benefits, including 3 weeks’ vacation and flexible hybrid working environment
Language requirements: Preferred bilingual (English/French)
Application deadline: Rolling (applications will be assessed as they are received, with the view of having the role filled for September 2025)
The HIV Legal Network (www.hivlegalnetwork.ca) promotes the human rights of people living with HIV or AIDS and other populations disproportionately affected by HIV, punitive laws and policies, and criminalization, in Canada and internationally. We do this through research and analysis, litigation and other advocacy, public education, and community mobilization.
The Legal Network is seeking a Communications Specialist to support the organization’s communications activities. As part of a three-person Communications Team, the Communications Specialist reports to the Co-Executive Director. Specific areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Initiate and manage the production process of Legal Network materials, including print and electronic publications (and explicitly the annual report), aimed at members, government officials, UN agencies, NGO partners and donors
- Lead the writing, copy editing, and design/layout of Legal Network materials, including fundraising materials, or, where necessary, source, coordinate and manage appropriate contractors
- Work with development, policy, finance and program support staff to ensure the smooth, timely and within-budget delivery of Legal Network materials, in coordination with anticipated promotional strategies
- Have a thorough knowledge of Legal Network style and branding guidelines, and ensure that all published materials conform thereto
- As needed, and in coordination with the Digital and Strategic Communications Officer, manage the Legal Network’s online presence, including its websites and social media accounts, and troubleshoot any outstanding issues (with the aid of technical contractors)
- Work with the Digital and Strategic Communications Officer to develop, implement and evaluate the Legal Network’s activities in the area of media relations
- Help develop, implement and evaluate the Legal Network’s activities in the areas of advocacy, relations with members and other stakeholders, and other public communications activities
- As needed, and in coordination with the Digital and Strategic Communications Officer, ompile and issue daily media clippings to inform the organization’s policy positions and educational and advocacy activities
- Provide support for events through print and web-based products and their promotion
- Perform other tasks as assigned
As an ideal candidate, you
- Hold a post-secondary degree (certificate in copy editing highly desired)
- Have approximately 2-5 years’ experience in a communications-related position
- Possess exceptional writing and editing skills in English (and a solid reading familiarity with French, though bilingualism is a definite asset), and are sensitive to their application across various communications platforms
- Can demonstrate project- and production-management experience — including cultivating strong relationships with outside contractors — to produce successful communications products
- Are a double- and triple-checker with an uncompromising attention to detail
- Have some experience either producing or evaluating graphic design, or if not, have an interest in establishing such skills
- Have some experience with maintaining websites, ideally in a WordPress environment
- Are a skilled computer-user, with high proficiency in Microsoft Office products, and preferably, some familiarity with Adobe Design software (in particular, Acrobat Pro and InDesign) and Canva
- Maintain good humour and collegiality
- Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and can work under tight deadlines
- Resonates with the values of the HIV Legal Network
Please send your resumé to hiring[at]hivlegalnetwork.ca, along with a cover letter explaining how your experience corresponds to this posting.
The deadline for applications is open, and we will assess all applications as they are received. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Legal Network is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including persons living with HIV.
Volunteer opportunities
Why volunteer?
Volunteering with the Legal Network is a valuable experience. It can allow you to acquire knowledge, gain insights and make contacts, while defending the legal and human rights of people living with or affected by HIV or AIDS.
Before applying
Think about the following questions and please let us know your answers:
- When am I available (e.g., during daytime hours, during the week, or only evenings and weekends)?
- How much time can I volunteer?
- Do I want to work in or out of the office?
- What skills can I offer? (Identify 2 or 3 skills, which could include experience in making contacts by phone; ability to use software such as Word or Excel; writing skills, including in languages other than English; experience in providing reception or filing services; research abilities; etc.)
- What do I want to gain from this experience? (Volunteering will be more fulfilling if you let us know what you’re looking for; e.g., experience to add to your resumé, a way to support a worthy cause, social relationships or contacts within the community of non-governmental organizations.)
Available opportunities
- Advocacy Campaign — Gathering and updating information on members of Parliament or members of a provincial/territorial legislature or municipal government; contacting people by phone or e-mail; writing advocacy material; developing web content, including video and text; programming and designing for websites.
- Office Assistance — Greeting people at reception; answering phone calls and helping respond to e-mails; supporting mailings; assisting at events.
- Policy Research — Performing research; helping formulate policy and legal briefs; summarizing in-depth research reports.
Applying
To submit your application for a volunteer position, please e-mail your resumé and the answers to the above questions to Terry Gould, Program Support Manager, at tgould [at] hivlegalnetwork.ca.