VAWCC Community Engagement & Advocacy Coordinator in Peterborough

Office Location: Stevenson Hall, (216 Simcoe Street) Peterborough, ON

Start Date: ASAP

Wage Range: $31.93 per hour (includes pay equity adjustments to March 2025)

About Us:

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton provides safe shelter, resources and support to help women escape gender-based violence, build upon their existing strength, and move forward in their lives. With the help of our community, we’re interrupting the cycle of gender-based violence and creating a safer, more equitable future for all. As a member of YWCA Canada, we are part of a global movement dedicated to ending gender-based violence in all its forms.

Position Purpose:

The Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee (PDAN), Community Engagement & Advocacy Coordinator leads community coordination, public engagement, and strategic communications to strengthen local responses to violence against women, gender-based violence, and intimate partner violence. Grounded in an intersectional feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive, and trauma and violence informed framework, this role supports survivor-centred systems coordination, prevention, and advocacy.

Major Responsibilities:

• VAW Systems Coordination & Community Engagement
• Coordinate and facilitate PDAN meetings, working groups, and collaborative initiatives.
• Strengthen coordinated community responses through partnership development, outreach, and system navigation.
• Enhance strategic communications, information sharing and collaboration among service providers.
• Actively participate in Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee (VAWCC) provincial network.
• Prevention, Education and Capacity Building
• Plan and deliver training, workshops and public education initiatives.
• Promote primary prevention and early intervention strategies.
• Support knowledge exchange across community partners.
• Strategic Communications and Media Relations
• Lead the development and implementation of strategic communications and public relations plans.
• Develop and implement media strategies.
• Draft and disseminate press releases, statements, key messages and media responses.
• Act as a media liaison, building relationship with local media and partners.
• Develop and implement public awareness campaigns.
• Design and produce internal and external communications materials.
• Maintain and update YWCA website and digital platforms including social media.
• Advocacy Public Policy & Systems Change
• Participate in and represent PDAN/VAWCC/YWCA at various committees and initiatives.
• Support alignment with OAITH and YWCA national advocacy priorities.
• Project Management, Evaluation & Administration
• Work with the Executive Director to develop annual and project-specific plans.
• Coordinate special projects and initiatives.
• Prepare reports, proposals, and evaluations.
• Maintain records and ensure adherence to organizational policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree in Communications, Social Services, Gender Studies, Public Policy, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2 – 3 years’ experience in progressively responsible communications / public relations positions.
• Strong knowledge of violence against women, gender-based violence, and feminist frameworks.
• Strong understanding of trauma- and violence-informed practice, intersectionality, and anti-oppressive approaches.
• Experience in strategic communications, media relations, and public education.
• Experience supporting or contributing to advocacy and public policy initiatives.
• Knowledge of the local community and VAW sector.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign) or Canva, WordPress website management, social media platforms and scheduling tools (e.g., Constant Contact), MS Office Suite.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion and feminist practice.
• Experience working in the VAW sector would be an asset.
• Experience in advocacy or systems change initiatives would be an asset.
• A satisfactory Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required.
• The YWCA Vaccination Policy requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton actively encourages applicants from all women-identified individuals from all equity deserving groups. YWCA Peterborough Haliburton embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace.

In accordance with Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process.