Public Relations & Communications Assistant

Public Relations & Communications Assistant - Canada Summer Jobs About HIEC Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) is an innovative not-for-profit social enterprise focused on partnerships, mentorship, and workforce development in Ontario. With over 30 years of experience as an active, community-focused organization, HIEC aims to enhance career education and inspire youth to make informed career decisions. Through impactful programs such as Ontario Career Lab and ApprenticeSearch.com, HIEC works with schools, volunteers, employers, and community partners to create meaningful pathways between education and employment. We offer a team environment that encourages innovative ideas, collaboration, initiative, and an entrepreneurial spirit. About the Opportunity HIEC is seeking a Public Relations & Communications Assistant to join our team through the Canada Summer Jobs program. This is an exciting opportunity for a student or recent graduate interested in public relations, communications, media relations, government affairs, stakeholder engagement, or strategic storytelling. Working closely with HIEC's Executive Team and Communications department, you will help shape how the organization communicates its impact, engages with stakeholders, and positions itself across the workforce development sector. This role goes beyond traditional social media content creation. The successful candidate will support public relations initiatives, contribute to strategic communications planning, help identify opportunities to increase organizational visibility, and develop content that highlights the impact of HIEC's programs and partnerships. This is a contract position with a start date in June and an end date of the first week of September, with a potential for extension. This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Candidates must: Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the funded position. Be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or someone to whom Refugee Status has been granted/conferred. Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). Be available to work the required full-time contract hours for the duration of the placement. Key Responsibilities: Support public relations initiatives that enhance HIEC's visibility, reputation, and stakeholder engagement Assist in identifying opportunities to showcase organizational impact, partnerships, programs, and success stories Support communications and outreach activities that strengthen awareness of HIEC's programs and services Draft and edit content for newsletters, websites, presentations, communications materials, social media platforms, and organizational communications Assist in developing stories, testimonials, profiles, and other materials that showcase HIEC's work and community impact Conduct research on workforce development trends, labour market information, government priorities, and sector developments Monitor media coverage, industry news, and emerging issues relevant to HIEC and the workforce development sector Collaborate with internal teams to gather information, stories, updates, and content for communications purposes Support communications projects, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and organizational priorities Attend select meetings, events, conferences, and community activities to support communications and stakeholder engagement efforts Contribute ideas that strengthen HIEC's visibility, reputation, stakeholder engagement, and communications efforts Complete other duties as assigned from time to time in support of organizational priorities Qualifications to succeed: Relevant post-secondary education in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science, Public Affairs, English, Business, or a related field is considered an asset Equivalent combinations of education, training, experience, and transferable skills will be considered Previous experience in communications, public relations, stakeholder engagement, customer service, community outreach, events, administration, marketing, or related areas is considered an asset Strong written and verbal communication skills Strong research, organizational, and analytical abilities Demonstrated initiative, creativity, curiosity, and willingness to contribute ideas Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Canva, social media platforms, and general workplace technology Experience creating written content, newsletters, presentations, communications materials, or social media content is considered an asset Passion for community impact, workforce development, education, and stakeholder engagement Interest in or experience within the not-for-profit sector is considered an asset Key Competencies: Demonstrates curiosity, initiative, and creativity in identifying opportunities and supporting new ideas Produces clear, professional, and audience-appropriate communications Applies strong research and analytical skills to support organizational initiatives Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion Works collaboratively and professionally with internal teams and external stakeholders Balances independent work with responsiveness to team needs and deadlines Maintains strong attention to detail and accuracy across projects and communications materials Adapts well in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities and organizational needs Demonstrates a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to challenges and opportunities Working Conditions: Typical working hours are Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility required based on meetings, events, or organizational priorities This position may operate within a hybrid work environment, combining onsite work at HIEC's Burlington office with some remote work, subject to operational needs Some travel within Ontario may be required Attendance at meetings, conferences, networking events, or community activities may occasionally be required A Vulnerable Sector Check may be required based on program involvement Valid driver's licence considered an asset This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking practical experience in public relations, communications, stakeholder engagement, organizational storytelling, community outreach, and strategic communications. If you are a motivated individual with strong communication skills, creativity, and a passion for helping organizations tell their story, we would love to hear from you. Please submit a cover letter and resume. We thank everyone who submits an application for their interest! This job opening represents an existing vacancy. Although our team is mighty, it's still small; only successful applicants will be contacted. HIEC is committed to equity and creating a respectful and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the broad diversity of communities we work with. This includes people who identify as immigrants, refugees, women, Indigenous, Black, LGBTQ2S+ people of colour, and people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for qualified candidates during each stage of the recruitment process. Please note that candidates applying for Canadian job openings should be authorized to work in Canada. As a condition of employment, HIEC requires individuals to be "fully vaccinated" (as defined by the Government of Ontario) against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment. Notwithstanding, HIEC will provide reasonable accommodation to any individual who is unable to comply with this vaccination requirement due to a disability or another ground protected by the Ontario 'Human Rights Code'. If you require such accommodation, please contact HR as soon as possible (905) 634-2575 ext. 107 or [email protected]