Communications Team Lead (The Ottawa Hospital Auxiliary Visibility Team) VOLUNTEER

The Operational Communications Lead runs the day to day work of making the Auxiliary visible. They lead a team of volunteers to produce a series of communications products that support our projects, retail operations, and fundraising, and they carry that work through to completion. Strategy and priorities are set at the Board level.

Time commitment

Roughly 10-12 hours a month, including regular team meetings and individual check-ins. Ongoing, with no fixed end date, though we’d ask for at least a one-year commitment so the team has continuity.

What you will own

• First point of contact for communications requests. Requests come in from administration (the executive director, and the operational and retail staff) and this person triages them, decides how each is handled, and assigns the work.
• Leading the volunteer team. Directing individual members, keeping the work cohesive, and providing the guidance and feedback that keeps output accurate and on brand.
• The growth and development of the team. Convening monthly team meetings and holding individual weekly check-ins, facilitating sessions that keep volunteers connected and engaged, and making room for the collaborative brainstorming that produces fresh, original content. People should feel supported and developing, not just completing tasks.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding of new communication team members (with the support of The Ottawa Hospital volunteer services)
• The look and feel of what we produce. They have real say over creative direction and are responsible for consistency across everything the team makes.
• Adherence to brand guidelines, so messaging stays consistent and representative of the organization, no matter which team member produced it.
• Liaison with TOH Communications staff on any approvals we need to move a product forward.
• Working closely with the Visibility Chair to confirm that active projects align with the organization’s priorities before they are published.
• Keeping the work documented. Maintaining simple records of how things are done and who does what, so the role can be handed to the next person without the knowledge leaving with them.

What we’re looking for

• Experience developing communications products end to end, not just planning them.
• Comfort leading a team of volunteers, with the judgment to step in and guide where a product needs it.
• A background in strategic communications and hands-on communications work.
• Someone who can lead creative direction and people management, and who is comfortable being the person things route through.

Support and backup

The person in this role won’t be on their own. The Visibility Chair will act as a sounding board on alignment and priorities, and we’ll set up onboarding so they’re feeling oriented. We’ll also connect them with the Administration team so they feel comfortable reaching out to them as needed.

How to Apply

***email_hidden*** (Note: Please ensure the correct email extension is used here!) Please do not use AI to write your application. This is a communications lead, and we will use your application to assess your communication skills.

How will this opportunity benefit the volunteer?

Spread your communications wings. Work with and lead dynamic, fun volunteers who want to give back to patient support in the eastern Ontario and western Quebec region. Expand your skill set, and your reach in the community. Be free to be creative, innovative, effective, and successful in helping the Auxiliary message and brand itself to support patients.

How will the organization benefit?

Every dollar raised by the Ottawa Hospital Auxiliary directly funds non-budgeted medical equipment and specialized rehabilitation requests, helping patients across eastern Ontario and western Quebec. Our volunteers are the backbone of our success. They work together to support patients through patient programs such as the toiletries program, the clothing cupboard, the gift and medical shops, and other fundraising initiatives that make the difference to patient care. The communications lead will support all of these efforts through branding and messaging and support to all of our endeavors.