Communications and Outreach Specialist

Job description

The Ottawa Hebrew Free Loan Association (OHFLA) provides interest-free loans to members of Ottawa's Jewish community. Since 1933, OHFLA has helped individuals and families by offering financial support with flexible repayment terms. OHFLA is looking for a part-time communications and outreach specialist (individual or firm) to help increase awareness of its services and reach new clients in the community. Contract Details • Part-time contract (up to half time) • Initial term: 12 months • First 4 months considered probationary • Opportunity for 12-month extension based on results and performance ________________________________________ Request for Proposals Interested individuals or firms should submit: • A summary of relevant experience and education • Examples of communications, outreach, or marketing work • Proposed hourly, daily or monthly rates (at what might be considered an intermediate level ) • Estimated hours per month • Any additional costs or fees • References Proposals should be emailed to [email protected] . ________________________________________ What We Are Looking For The successful candidate or firm should have: • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Experience with social media, websites, email outreach, and community engagement • Ability to identify outreach opportunities and solve communication challenges • Experience with nonprofit/community organizations • Familiarity with Ottawa's Jewish community is definitely an asset Selection will consider: • Relevant experience and education • Quality of proposal • References • Cost, and estimated time commitment. ________________________________________ Scope of Work The communications/outreach specialist will help OHFLA: • Increase community awareness of its services • Reach potential new loan clients • Improve communications with the Ottawa Jewish community • Expand outreach through partnerships with community organizations Key responsibilities may include: • Preparing a communications and outreach work plan • Meeting with community leaders and organizations • Developing outreach through newsletters, email lists, websites, and social media • Recommending improvements to OHFLA's website and online presence • Managing or supporting ongoing social media activity • Helping create partnerships with other Jewish organizations • Conducting follow-up research or surveys if needed • Reporting regularly to the OHFLA Board ________________________________________ Initial Work Plan Within the first 2–3 weeks, the successful candidate should prepare a detailed 6-month work plan that includes: • Outreach goals • Recommended activities • Communications strategy • Social media approach • Community engagement ideas (that will keep the OHFLA in the "ears, eyes, and minds" of members of Ottawa's Jewish Community) • Measurable success indicators The plan should be updated every 6 months. ________________________________________ Background and Context A previous community review (available on request) found that: • Many people in Ottawa's Jewish community are unaware of OHFLA and its services • OHFLA needs stronger online and social media presence • Community organizations are willing to help share information about OHFLA • Better outreach and communication could help attract new clients and strengthen community awareness. OHFLA is seeking a communications professional who can help modernize and expand its outreach efforts in a practical and community-focused way.