To coordinate the community’s public relations efforts by ensuring that the public, the media and all interested persons are aware of Special Olympics programs in the community. This person also ensures that all stakeholders in the community are kept aware of SOO’s activities.
Qualifications/Skills Required
- Interest or knowledge of specific Public Relations skills, including: writing press releases,
interacting with the media, and spreading a positive message
- Ability to approach and communicate with various stakeholders in the community
- Comfortable taking the initiative in projects and speaking in front of people
- Some desktop publishing skills an asset
- Familiarity with Social Media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
- Access to computer and e-mail strongly recommended
Duties and Responsibilities
- Internal communication: ensure that all parties are aware of what is going on in the community
- External communication: ensure the rest of the community can be a part of Special Olympics
- In conjunction with the Community Council, prepare a PR strategy for the community
- Manage the community’s social media accounts and respond to messages from the public
- Create media releases and public service announcements for the community to promote upcoming events, competitions and fundraisers
- If required by community, coordinate the creation of a periodic newsletter to ensure all stakeholders in the community are made aware of events
- Assist Head Coaches in preparing flyers to advertise start of the sports season or special events
- Act as a resource in all areas of public relations to the community as a whole
- Attend all community meetings and report on behalf of your position and/or committee
- Upon vacating the position, all files etc. must be passed on to the appropriate parties
- Review and be familiar with all information and policies contained in the Resource Library
- Maintain Special Olympics e-mail address that is provided to you (if applicable)
Time Requirements
- This position requires attendance at community meetings throughout the year
- Time requirement is estimated to be 2-5 hours per week
Duration of Position
- This position is a two-year duration or as per Community by-laws
Orientation and Training
- Ontario Special Olympics orientation is available through your Community Council. The previous Public Relations Coordinator will provide orientation specific to the functions of this position. Additional Public Relations information can be obtained from your Provincial Staff Representative.