Women’s Shelters Canada is seeking to contract an experienced digital communications specialist to support our strategic initiatives. 

About the Project:

Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC) brings together 16 provincial and territorial shelter organizations and supports more than 620 shelters across the country for women, children, and gender-diverse people fleeing violence. WSC was created by the provincial and territorial shelter associations, who identified a need for a unified voice on the issue of violence against women at the national/federal level.  We are a national backbone organization, uniting and amplifying the voices of shelter associations, shelters, transition houses, and second stage housing providers across the country. We work from a deeply feminist, intersectional, and justice-driven lens, connecting organizations, co-creating knowledge, and advocating for systemic change to end gender-based violence (GBV). Shelters support women and children fleeing violence. We support the shelters. 

WSC launched a new strategic plan in 2026, which includes a focus on expanding our reach. WSC is interested in increasing our staff capacity to further WSC’s thought leadership, which seeks to inform members and the public, build awareness, influence policy decisions, and develop a shared understanding of GBV.

Strengthening our digital communications capacity is central to achieving these objectives. This role will play a key part in translating our thought leadership into accessible, engaging content that amplifies our voice and extends our impact across audiences.

The Digital Communications Specialist is expected to apply the principles of intersectional feminism, ensuring inclusive and equitable practices in carrying out the work of the organization and achieving its overall mission and strategic plan. The Specialist will report to the Director of Communications & Advocacy and will work closely with the Communications Manager. 

Expressions of interest are due June 9.

Scope of Work

This project will take place from June 2026 to March 2027 and has two main components. 

1. Supporting the flagship Refer Her campaign: develop resources and marketing materials, social media content, infographics, reports, etc., to increase exposure and participation in the Domestic Violence and Your Workplace training program and related webinar series.
2. Other support for the development and dissemination of WSC communications in line with needs (developing and implementing strategy, creating materials, tracking engagement).

The Digital Communications Specialist is responsible for the following:

Social Media Management

• Assess social media initiatives and adjust strategies to improve the performance of social media channels
• Develop and implement a strategy, including content creation, to grow the reach, engagement, and acquisition of WSC’s audiences on social media channels
• Prepare short internal reports of social media analytics 
• Engage in social and traditional media conversations related to gender-based violence in general and WSC specifically
• Monitor emerging trends and inform other WSC staff of relevant media articles and developments within the sector

Content Creation

• Develop social media assets and posts, with the guidance of a calendar of relevant key dates updated regularly
• Develop engaging, accessible content in multiple formats – e.g. text, video, infographics – for multiple audiences and uses.
• Design and produce communications tools such as e-newsletters and the Annual Report.
• Participate in the development of materials to strengthen outreach and communications with donors

Support of Communications Team

• Support advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns and the promotion of WSC’s work and publications
• Support the Director and Manager in proactively identifying and pursuing communication initiatives and opportunities with the goal of increasing the awareness of WSC’s activities/goals

Experience and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience managing social media platforms
• Experience working from an intersectional feminist approach
• Self-starter with an ability to think strategically and problem-solve
• Ability to communicate complex information to a diverse audience in a clear and accessible manner
• Experience with Google Ads and Analytics, Canva, Piktochart, Adobe Suite, Meltwater, and WordPress
• Familiarity with content management systems
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector is an asset
• Knowledge of the gender-based violence and/or shelter sector is an asset
• Basic understanding of accessible and inclusive design principles
• Ability to communicate effectively in French is highly desirable

Additional Information:

WSC is seeking a commitment of at least 21 hours per week and will consider an individual freelancer or a marketing/communications firm. The contractor can be based anywhere in Canada. The hourly rate range for this role is $90-$140/hour.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a brief (4-page maximum, CV included) expression of interest to Kaitlin Geiger-Bardswich, Director of Communications and Advocacy, via hr@endvaw.ca no later than June 9. The expression of interest should describe your approach to the work, include an overview of your relevant qualifications and experiences, and your preferred hourly or daily rate. WSC’s hiring process includes two interviews and reference checks. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.