Program Specialist, Public Education and Communications

Are you a creative and innovative communications professional? Do you have knowledge of fire safety, marketing with a keen desire to promote and educate the public on fire safety matters? If so, consider joining our team with the Office of the Fire Marshal within the Ministry of the Solicitor-General as a Program Specialist in the Public Education & Communications Unit.

In this exciting communications role, you will act as an agent of the Ontario Fire Marshal to develop, coordinate and deliver, the OFM’s public education, advisory, fire safety and prevention programs. You will assist in promoting fire and life safety programs to change public attitudes to reduce fires, fire deaths, injuries and property losses.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Refer to the “How to apply” section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this position, you will:

• Identify and develop programs, strategies and materials aimed at reducing fire losses
• Develop program proposals and implementation plans and monitor, evaluate and revise programs and materials
• Conduct media interviews regarding public fire and life safety issues
• Organize, market and promote public education conferences and awards programs.
• Provide support in the development and implementation of public education programs and media relations

How do I qualify?

Technical Knowledge:

• You have proven knowledge of communication and public relations techniques, and media strategies, practices and tools.
• You have knowledge of fire safety education programs, current theories and strategies, the Ontario fire services/operations and related legislation, statistical analysis, methods and practices regarding risk assessment, risk management, fire department management, fire protection and fire prevention services.
• You are aware of the latest developments, trends and programs in the field of fire safety.
• You have some knowledge of applicable OFM legislation, codes, statutes, regulations and by-laws to program development and delivery, and provide expert testimony in court, as required.
• You have knowledge of fire service development, organization, and management practices to support programs and delivery strategies.

Communication Skills:

• You have demonstrated experience in developing and executing communications plans, social media and traditional media engagement including the developing of digital media products, , news releases, media advisories, communications plans and programs.
• You can translate technical and/or specialized material and terminology into plain language for public dissemination and to edit copy for style, language usage, flow and logical presentation of information.
• You have effective presentation skills to present at conferences and conduct training sessions with various audiences.
• You can maintain effective relationships among staff and program stakeholders and influence diverse client and interest groups.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:

• You can design, develop, implement and evaluate fire safety programs.
• You have analytical skills to assess program objectives, initiatives, business and operational plans, develop and recommend public education programs, identify communication requirements and develop project schedules.
• You have experience analyzing data to identify trends and issues, evaluate complex information and prepare reports.
• You can conduct needs analyses, research, focus groups, interviews, formative and summative evaluation, implementation, delivery and maintenance strategies.
• You have analytical skills to assess communication implications of new policy and program initiatives.
• You have experience researching, identifying and conducting fundraising activities.

Organizational and Leadership Skills:

• You have proven leadership skills to provide technical direction, facilitate training, meetings and focus groups and to motivate various audiences to participate in fire and life safety programs.
• You have proven organizational skills to coordinate and assess tasks, duties and projects and program delivering activities.

Additional Information:

Address:

• 1 English Permanent, 25 Morton Shulman Ave, Toronto, Toronto Region, Criminal Record Check

Compensation Group:

Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Understanding the job ad – definitions

Schedule:

3

Category:

Communications; Marketing and Creative Services

Posted on:

Monday, December 9, 2024

Note:

• In accordance with the Ontario Public Service (OPS), Employment Screening Checks Policy (ESCP), the top candidate(s) may be required to undergo a security screening check. Refer to the above to determine the screening checks that are required for this position.
• Required security screening checks along with your written consent, will be sent to the Transition and Security Office (TSO), Corporate Talent Programs Branch, Talent and Leadership Division to evaluate the results. If applicable, the TSO, with your written consent, will request and obtain any additional employment screening checks that were not obtained directly by you.
• A record under the Criminal Code and/or other federal offence record(s) does not automatically mean you will be ineligible for the position. The employment screening check(s) will only be reviewed and evaluated by the TSO for the purpose of making a security clearance decision. The details of an individual’s employment screening check(s) will be considered in specific relation to the duties and responsibilities of the position being filled. Employment screening check records will be maintained by the TSO and kept strictly confidential.
• T-SL-223633/24

How to apply:

1. You must apply online.
2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee’s exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Monday, December 23, 2024 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.

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