Company Description

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is a farmer-led provincial organization that advocates for the interests of Ontario's farming community. As a dynamic lobbying body, OFA works closely with government and stakeholders to address agricultural issues. The organization is committed to ensuring a profitable and sustainable future for farmers in Ontario. Through collaboration, OFA plays a key role in shaping policies that support and strengthen the agricultural sector.

Role Description

This is a 18-month contract, on-site role for a Communications Coordinator located in Guelph, ON. The Communications Coordinator will be responsible for drafting press releases, developing and implementing strategic communication plans, and managing corporate communication needs. They will liaise with media outlets, write and edit content, and ensure consistency in messaging across various platforms. The role also involves building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders to support organizational goals.

Key Position Responsibilities and Duties

Support Function:

- Work closely with the Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations to develop and maintain a strong brand identity and reputation while supporting OFA's strategic plan and objectives.

- Manage and write content for news releases, weekly Viewpoints, weekly newsletter, speaking notes, the OFA website, social media and other communications materials.

- Lead development and creation of content on OFA's digital and social media platforms.

- Work across organizational departments and with the communications team to communicate strategic priorities, initiatives and policies to government policymakers, industry stakeholders, organizational partners and members.

- Prepare, research, edit and format various OFA documents, fact sheets, reports and presentations as required.

- Provide design, formatting and layout support of OFA communication materials targeted at internal and external audiences.

- Provide media relations support to the organization and its representatives.

- Manage OFA's internal and external mailing lists.

- Oversee and assist with requests for weekly email communications to members on behalf of county and regional federations.

- Manage OFA's media inquiries, tracker and contact lists.

- Manage, write and coordinate OFA ads with various partners and organizations.

- Coordinate and manage communications efforts and materials with OFA's Benefit Partners.

- Attend monthly OFA Board of Directors meetings and prepare high level notes for the General Manager.

- Coordinate and manage communications efforts and materials for OFA webinars and surveys.

- Support the entire OFA team, filling in wherever additional help is needed to meet deadlines, finish projects or coordinate events.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree or diploma in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations/Communications, or equivalent work experience in related field (communication/marketing).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Strong written and verbal communications skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, independently or within a team environment.

- Demonstrate creativity and attention to detail.

- Advanced knowledge and understanding of social media platforms.

- Knowledge and experience using web and social media management tools (ex. WordPress, Sprout Social and Mailchimp).

- Computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Canva and Adobe Acrobat.

- Positive attitude and a strong work ethic.

- Outgoing nature with the ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues, industry partners, members and external audiences.

- Knowledge and understanding of Ontario's agri-food sector an asset.

- Bilingual in English and French an asset.

- A valid Ontario driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.

Working Conditions

- Works in an office environment with flexibility for off-site meetings.

o In-person - working out of OFA's head office in Guelph.

- Works a standard thirty-five (35) hour work week.

- Flexibility to travel in Ontario and a willingness to work outside of normal office hours when required (events, meetings etc.).

- Lieu Time build-up, if hours exceed 35 hours per week.

- May experience tight deadlines and stressful conditions at times.

- Spends a frequent amount of time sitting and looking at a computer screen.

- Able to lift 30 Lbs., bending, twisting, hands above shoulders.

- Comfortable working in a shared environment.

- Is required to maintain high levels of concentration and attention to detail for extended periods.

- Must be able to manage frequent interruptions and multiple tasks daily.

- Ability to commute/relocate: Guelph, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required) full-time in office working environment.

Benefits & Renumeration

- Annual Salary: Starting range $71,000 - $75,000/yr. (based on experience)

- Hours of work: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. (35-hours)

o 1-hour meal break (lunch)

- Benefits: OFA's group benefit program (company paid) - become active three (3) months following start date.

o Health care

o Dental care

o Vision care

o Employee & Family assistance program

o Disability insurance (employee paid)

o Company events

o Casual dress, following policy

o Day shift

o Morning coffee/tea

- Sick time: Sick leave benefits earned/accrued monthly over the course of each calendar year, as outlined and limited by policy.

- Vacation time: Three (3) weeks per year (prorated)

- Personal time Off (PTO): paid time of 35 hours (1 week) per year. (prorated)

- Mileage Per/Km: Vehicle use will be compensated at a rate of 0.67 cents /km for work related mileage when applicable (if required).

We wish to thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those who will be considered for an interview will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome diversity within our workforce. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities act, 2005 and Disabilities Act of Canada, upon request, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. Please note that we only recruit individuals who are here in Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada.

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume, in confidence, to Human Resources no later than June 4, 2026, by 4 pm.

Expected start date: July 3, 2026 (flexibility allowed)

End date: December 3, 2027 (possible extension)