Communications & Development Officer (Canada Summer Job)
Full Time | Toronto, Canada
Position Details
- Location: Toronto, Canada (hybrid position; 3-4 days in office per week; YCI office is located at 577 Kingston Rd.)
- Dates of Contract: May 26 - August 18, 2025
- Contract Length: 12 weeks
- Commitment: Full time, 35 hours/week
- Compensation: $17.20/hour
- Eligibility: Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee; must be between the ages of 15-30 at start date
How To Apply
About Youth Challenge International
Youth Challenge International (YCI) is accelerating youth innovation for good. Together with young leaders and innovators, we are creating a better future where people, planet and profit can thrive. We are going all in on the bold ideas, skills and ventures that will get us there. In over 30 countries, YCI has teamed up with young people and partner organizations to transform complex challenges into sustainable solutions; collectively, we learn fast, fail smart and turn insights into action. We believe that a better world can – and will – be built by the next generation.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Communications & Resource Development Manager, the Communications & Development Officer will play a key role in advancing YCI’s communications strategy and supporting its organizational growth. By creating compelling content, conducting targeted research and identifying new funding opportunities, this role will enhance the visibility of YCI’s impact and contribute to resource development efforts. The Officer will also provide coordination support to enhance cohesive storytelling and stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities Include:
Creative Content Development: Support the development of high-quality and engaging content across various YCI communication channels, including social media, newsletters, blogs and web, which may include capturing high quality photos, editing videos, writing blog content, and drafting social media posts; support the design and execution of program outreach and recruitment campaigns, as well as communications and marketing materials in support of business development, fundraising and talent acquisition.
Digital Marketing Strategy & Coordination: Assist in analyzing social media metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement; research industry best practices and suggest new ideas to the communications team; contribute to the planning and execution of outreach campaigns, increasing brand visibility and reach within diverse audiences; assist with the coordination of communication-related databases, tracking key information and ensuring proper documentation.
Support Business Development Strategy: Collaborate with the business development team to research new funding opportunities and organizations for strategic partnerships; Conduct primary and secondary research to strengthen internal knowledge of current trends, best practices and challenges in relevant program areas; compile insights from research and programmatic data for internal and external knowledge dissemination; Contribute to the development of grant proposals and program design as needed
Support to Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives: Provide support to special projects and strategic initiatives; provide feedback and insights to inform new program design and new communications initiatives.
Ideal Qualifications:
You are a self-starter with 1-3 years of experience creating communications materials and conducting research; demonstrate strong digital communication and creativity skills, including social media content creation and visual design, with the ability to craft engaging posts, graphics, and videos; skilled at storytelling, with experience writing success stories, blogs, and other content; demonstrate strong writing skills with the ability to draft clear, concise, and compelling content for proposals, reports and outreach materials; skilled in conducting research to identify funding opportunities, industry trends and potential partners; tech-savvy with a working knowledge of diverse platforms (e.g., Canva, Slack, Airtable, Mighty Networks), and a willingness to learn and adapt to new tools; highly organized with excellent time management skills, able to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines; proactive, flexible, and capable of taking initiative; committed to working equitably and inclusively with others, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and respectful work culture.
This position is funded through the Government of Canada – Canada Summer Jobs program for youth. To be eligible, youth must:
- Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
- The candidate may be more than 30 years of age at the end of the employment period as long as the youth was 30 at the beginning of the employment period.
