Media and Press Officer

at  Islamic Relief Canada

Become a changemaker with Islamic Relief Canada! Join our team and work towards our mission to mobilize Canadians to transform more lives around the world in the most trusted manner.
Location: Ontario (Hybrid or Remote)
About the Department:
The Communications and Government Relations team is at the forefront of shaping and sharing the impact of our humanitarian work and advocacy. We foster strong connections with government officials and policymakers to advocate for meaningful change. With an innovative approach to media relations and public engagement, we work to amplify community stories that highlight our humanitarian efforts around the world.
Job Purpose:
The ideal applicant is an excellent writer and oral communicator, organized, deadline-driven, has a go-getter personality and a strong interest in journalism and government relations. The successful candidate will primarily spearhead our media engagement work, which includes drafting press releases, liaising with traditional media outlets, authoring op-eds, writing briefing notes for interviews and building relationships with key journalists— among other tasks. Additionally, the position also requires providing occasional support to our wider Communications and Government Relations team through our advocacy campaigns and initiatives, government relations work, and various writing and administrative tasks.
Prior experience in journalism, press, or media engagement ranging from 6 months to a year is an asset. The position can be partially remote if desired, but some in-person attendance at the office and other local/regional events will be required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Attending weekly team meetings with the Communications & Government Relations department
• Attending local fundraising events, government meetings and emergency work
• Liaising with traditional press and media outlets (TV, radio, newspaper, and online)
• Drafting press releases and delivering press statements
• Drafting and editing opinion editorials (op-eds) for the IRC blog as well as external outlets
• Communicating with Islamic Relief Canada’s regional and national fundraising teams to obtain information in a timely manner in order to coordinate media coverage for events
• Monitoring traditional and social media mentions of Islamic Relief Canada
• Updating and organizing existing media and external relations databases
• Building relationships with media outlets, editors, and government officials
• Supporting the Communications & Government Relations team with the organization of external facing events
• Prepare briefings and speaking notes where required
• Provide copy editing support to the Communications & Government Relations team
• Coordinate with the Marketing team to ensure the website is updated with the latest press releases, reports, statements and media articles
• Complete various administrative tasks such as creating spreadsheets, submitting receipts, paying for memberships, etc. on an as-needed basis

Qualifications & Competencies

• 1-2 years of work experience;
• Educational and professional background in journalism, media, communications, or related field is required;
• Organized, innovative, action-oriented and deadline-driven;
• Motivated self-starter who is able to take both guidance and initiative;
• Detail-oriented with strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Non-adversarial interview skills and the eliciting of information;
• Team player, able to work collaboratively within a team environment;
• Comfortable with using Google Suite and MS Office;
• Willingness and openness to learn how to do media interviews on camera;
• Commitment to IRC mission, values and goals;
• Must be eligible to work in Canada
• Other
• Current local driving license and access to a vehicle
• Flexibility to attend occasional evening/weekend events

Starting Salary:
$60,000.00
Please note: The posted starting salary is intended to provide potential candidates with a general understanding of the compensation associated with the position. The actual salary offered will start at this figure, with adjustments possible based on individual qualifications and other relevant factors

• Attending weekly team meetings with the Communications & Government Relations department
• Attending local fundraising events, government meetings and emergency work
• Liaising with traditional press and media outlets (TV, radio, newspaper, and online)
• Drafting press releases and delivering press statements
• Drafting and editing opinion editorials (op-eds) for the IRC blog as well as external outlets
• Communicating with Islamic Relief Canada’s regional and national fundraising teams to obtain information in a timely manner in order to coordinate media coverage for events
• Monitoring traditional and social media mentions of Islamic Relief Canada
• Updating and organizing existing media and external relations databases
• Building relationships with media outlets, editors, and government officials
• Supporting the Communications & Government Relations team with the organization of external facing events
• Prepare briefings and speaking notes where required
• Provide copy editing support to the Communications & Government Relations team
• Coordinate with the Marketing team to ensure the website is updated with the latest press releases, reports, statements and media articles
• Complete various administrative tasks such as creating spreadsheets, submitting receipts, paying for memberships, etc. on an as-needed basi