Programming and Communications Assistant
The Ontario Historical Society
Historic John McKenzie House, 34 Parkview Ave., Willowdale, Ontario

Located two blocks north of the North York Centre TTC subway station
Wage: $23.15 per hour, 36.25 hours per week, 16-week position
Start Date (flexible): May 6, 2024
End Date (flexible): August 23, 2024

The Ontario Historical Society (OHS), founded in 1888, is a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity. The OHS is a non-government group bringing together people of all ages, all walks of life, and all cultural backgrounds interested in preserving and promoting some aspect of Ontario’s history.

The main objective for the Programming and Communications Assistant will be to support the OHS’s project on Storytelling and Communication in Heritage, assisting with planning, research, outreach, and content development. The project will identify and establish new ways to support and promote the work of grassroots heritage groups in Ontario using both traditional platforms and new media.

The candidate’s tasks during the employment period will include:

• Creation of a communications survey to gauge the interests and needs of OHS members and stakeholders
• Redevelopment and redesign of OHS publications and communications platforms
• Assist in the development of in-person programming and workshops
• Working with OHS member organizations to create content highlighting the work of grassroots heritage organizations across Ontario
• Assist in the development of educational content to support volunteer-run organizations
• Develop new relationships with peer organizations, members, authors, and heritage experts to expand the reach and audience of the OHS
• Develop new communication platforms for the OHS website, including a membership forum, posting board for volunteer board of director positions, and more
• Assisting with social media and outreach campaigns

The position will require the candidate to commit to time spent working in-person from the OHS headquarters each week, but can also incorporate some remote work on appropriate projects, as agreed upon between the candidate and their supervisor.

Eligibility requirements for the position include being currently enrolled in post-secondary education, be between 16 and 30 years of age, and be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident or have refugee status in Canada. The candidate will ideally be enrolled in either a history program or a communications & media program. Consideration will be given to students enrolled in other programs with sufficient skills and experience. The candidate should have strong oral and written communication skills, and good time management skills. They will have some experience working with digital media and/or journalism, as well as strong computer skills. Some employment or volunteer experience working with a public organization or educational institution would be an asset.

The Ontario Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits hate and discrimination in all forms. The OHS bases its hiring practices on merit, skill, and the organization’s needs at the time of hiring. The OHS works with people from all backgrounds, without regard to age, disability, ancestry, creed, ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other status protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Please apply by e-mailing your resume and cover letter to Heather Anderson at handerson@ontariohistoricalsociety.ca by 5:00 PM, on April 19, 2024