Communication and Storytelling Coordinator at Hopewell… · Guelph

Are you a skilled and compassionate communication and storytelling coordinator ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities?

Hopewell Support Services is seeking a full-time Communication and storytelling coordinator to join our team, providing support across multiple sites in Guelph-Wellington, ON!

YOUR BENEFITS & PERKS

We invest in our people and support their growth. We reward hard work and cultivate an environment where you can thrive. Here are some of the benefits you can expect as part of our team:

• Competitive annual salary of $35.08 per hour with annual range of $72,965.98 and flexible full-time work schedule based on client & staff needs.

• Comprehensive group benefits coverage including life, AD & D, health, medical and dental benefits coverage.

• Contributory group registered retirement savings plan – Hopewell contributes up to 3%.

• Generous paid time off with up to 25 days per year of vacation and holiday pay depending on length of service with Hopewell.

• Opportunity to join a collaborative, tight-knit team with a supportive culture.

• Professional growth and development opportunities in applied behaviour analysis (ABA).

• The chance to make a meaningful impact every day in the lives of those we support.

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications and Storytelling Coordinator brings Hopewell's mission, people and impact to life through authentic, engaging and respectful communications. The role spends meaningful time in Hopewell's homes, programs and community activities, building relationships and identifying stories that help people understand and trust Hopewell.

This is a hands-on role for someone who is curious, personable and comfortable inserting themselves into the life of the organization. The coordinator interviews people, captures photography and video, develops stories and helps share content across Hopewell's communication channels. Technology and automation support planning, drafting, repurposing, scheduling and reporting; the coordinator provides the human presence, judgment and final review that cannot be automated.

All communications must reflect Hopewell's commitment to person-centred practice, Social Role Valorization, dignity, choice, informed consent and respectful representation. The coordinator works closely with leadership, operational teams and Hopewell's external communications partner, which provides strategic guidance, mentorship and specialized expertise.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Story Discovery and Relationship Building

• Build trusting relationships with people supported, families, employees, volunteers, community partners and leadership.
• Regularly spend time in Hopewell homes, programs and community activities to understand the work and recognize meaningful stories as they happen.
• Proactively seek story ideas from various programs, homes and people in alignment with our mission, vision and values and strategic plan.
• Interview people from a range of backgrounds and support people to share their own experiences in their own voice whenever possible.

Content Creation and Respectful Representation

• Capture high-quality photography, video, interviews and other source material in dynamic, real-world settings.
• Develop and edit stories, social content, short-form videos, website features, newsletter content and other multimedia materials.
• Apply Social Role Valorization and person-centred principles to language, imagery, setting and context so communications portray people with dignity and avoid stereotypes or an unnecessary focus on disability or dependence.
• Confirm informed consent before creating or publishing content and follow Hopewell's privacy, media-consent and approval requirements.
• Work with operational leaders when content involves people supported to ensure it is accurate, appropriate and respectful.

Content Coordination and Digital Channels

• Use Hopewell's communications systems and automated workflows to help maintain content calendars, organize story leads and repurpose approved source material across channels.
• Review, personalize and finalize technology-assisted drafts to protect Hopewell's voice, accuracy and authenticity.
• Coordinate approved content across Hopewell’s social media, website, newsletters and other digital channels, applying current social media practices and foundational SEO principles to strengthen reach, engagement and visibility.
• Coordinate approved content for Hopewell's social media, website, newsletters and other digital channels.
• Monitor audience engagement and maintain an organized library of approved stories and visual assets, including accurate consent information.

Community Visibility and Campaign Support

• Develop stories, photography, video and promotional content that support Hopewell's community visibility, fundraising, donor stewardship and recruitment efforts.
• Identify communications, media, award, speaking and community opportunities and bring them forward to the appropriate lead.
• Support Hopewell events and campaigns by creating content and materials while event planning and logistics remain with the accountable event or project lead.
• Build relationships with community partners, identify shared storytelling opportunities and prepare draft media or speaking materials for leadership review.

Employee Communications Support

• Create employee stories, recognition content and accessible updates that help frontline and office-based employees stay connected to Hopewell's work and priorities.
• Partner with the CEO, Human Resources and leadership on staff newsletters, employer-brand and employee-engagement content, including channels that reach employees who may not regularly use email.
• Support approved organizational updates while the CEO, Human Resources or senior leadership retains ownership of change communications, labour-relations messaging, policy communications and other sensitive employee matters.

Brand Stewardship and Measurement

• Apply Hopewell's brand, messaging, accessibility and visual standards across communications materials.
• Use approved templates and tools to create practical promotional materials such as digital graphics, posters, presentations and event resources.
• Review communications performance and audience feedback with the external communications partner and leadership, and recommend improvements aligned with Hopewell's strategy.

ROLE BOUNDARIES

• Crisis communications are directed by the CEO and senior leadership. The coordinator may gather information or prepare materials but does not independently speak for Hopewell during a crisis.
• Automated tools may assist with calendars, drafting, repurposing, scheduling, website staging, asset organization and analytics. No content involving people supported is published without human review and confirmed consent.
• Specialized strategy, complex media relations, major brand development and advanced design work remain with leadership, Hopewell's external communications partner or other specialists.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES

• Post-secondary education in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, digital media or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2 years’ related work experience
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust, ask thoughtful questions and interview people with sensitivity and respect.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity and comfort finding or creating opportunities without waiting for detailed direction.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and channels.
• Confidence capturing and editing photography and short-form video using cameras, smartphones and common editing tools.
• Demonstrated ability to use social media effectively for organizational communications, including creating engaging content, understanding audience behaviour and adapting to evolving platforms, tools, best practices and strategic approaches.
• Working knowledge of foundational search engine optimization practices, including writing accessible, audience-focused website content that supports search visibility. Advanced or technical SEO expertise is considered an asset.
• Sound judgment regarding privacy, informed consent, accuracy and the respectful representation of people.
• Strong organization and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple stories, approvals and deadlines.
• Comfort learning and using AI, automation and digital communications tools responsibly, with consistent human review.
• Knowledge of Social Role Valorization, person-centred practice, accessibility or inclusive communications is an asset; a demonstrated willingness to learn and apply these principles is required.

The Successful Candidate

The successful candidate will bring energy, curiosity and warmth to the role. They will be comfortable introducing themselves, joining activities, asking questions and becoming a familiar presence across Hopewell. They will understand that the best stories come from relationships and attention, not simply from a content request.

They will be equally comfortable speaking with a person supported, learning from a frontline employee, working with a community partner or meeting with leadership to understand an organizational priority. Most importantly, they will recognize that communications at Hopewell are about more than visibility: they help people know, understand and trust Hopewell while portraying people supported with dignity, authenticity and valued roles in community life.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Reports to supervisor any contravention of the legislation, standards, or policies and procedures, e.g. defective equipment or hazards in the work environment.
• Each staff member is required to keep up to date all training as required, and to request additional support and guidance if unsure of how to manage a situation.
• Practices within professional, legal, and ethical standards and is always accountable for his or her own actions and decisions.
• Actively participates in developing and evaluating professional goals and performance at regular intervals (e.g. performance management process).
• Role models the principles of continuous quality improvement by critical reflection of own practice, seeking meaningful feedback from peers, supported individuals and family/guardians, and Managers.
• Accountable for reporting professional practice issues according to legislation and standards of practice to the appropriate person, agency, or professional body.

CORE COMPETENCIES

At Hopewell, we recognize that core organization-specific employee behaviours are fundamental to the success of our organization. Through actions, all employees support the Mission, Vision, Values, and Principles of Hopewell. Thus, the following responsibilities are core to all jobs at Hopewell, including this one. All employees in all jobs are expected to:

Be reliable, this includes:

• Being prepared to start your shift as scheduled.
• Completing required tasks at appropriate times (during shift).
• Following through on the directions given by the Senior Behaviour Therapist.

Adhere to the guidelines and regulations established in the workplace, this includes:

• Adhering to Hopewell’s Policy and Procedures (e.g. Health and Safety Guidelines, Confidentiality etc.).
• Recognizing, identifying, and reporting problems, contentious issues, and serious incidents, including recommending solutions to the Senior Behaviour Therapist where appropriate.
• Always behaving in a professional, legally and ethically compliant manner.
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to continuously improving the Quality of Life of individuals so that they may live with dignity and respect.

Complete documentation and training, this includes:

• Completing necessary paperwork on shift, with high levels of data accuracy and attention to detail.
• Participating in ongoing training and development and ensuring all mandatory training requirements are met and maintained.

Maintain healthy internal relationships, this includes:

• Recognizing and responding to vocalized and implied needs of residents in a timely, nurturing, and professional manner, as well as working well with workplace peers/colleagues.
• Maintaining a positive attitude about the workplace, which is critical to maintaining a pleasant relationship with residents and peers.
• Directly reporting potential/actual areas of concern about residents/peers to their team leader or Manager.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

• Regular presence at Hopewell programs, homes and community activities is required.
• Some evening or weekend work is required to support events, programs and time-sensitive communications.
• A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation are required for travel between Hopewell locations and community activities.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties that may be required by the agency.

ABOUT HOPEWELL

Hopewell’s story began in 1983, when John and Joanne Oosterhuis opened their farmhouse in Ariss, Ontario to children with disabilities, creating a home built on compassion, inclusion, and belonging. What started as one family’s vision has grown into a trusted organization supporting children, youth, and adults with developmental and physical disabilities across Guelph-Wellington. Today, Hopewell provides supported living, respite, and community programs that uphold the Oosterhuis family’s legacy — creating spaces where choice, belonging, and joy are at the heart of each day, and ensuring every person we serve can live a full and meaningful life.

If you’re ready to bring your leadership, compassion, and clinical expertise to a team making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today with your resume and cover letter — to learn more about the impact you’ll make, visit us by clicking Careers .