Communications Specialist

Job Description

<h3>Job Description</h3><p>Job Description<p>Salary: <br /><p>Job Title: Communications Specialist</p><p>Organization: Tourism Kingston</p><p>Location: 177 Wellington Street, Suite 200, Kingston, ON</p><p>Reports To: Chief Marketing Officer</p><p>Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent, On-Site</p><p></p><p>POSITION SUMMARY</p><p>Tourism Kingston is seeking a strategic and creative Communications Specialist to shape and share the story of Kingston as a premier destination for leisure, business, and sector travel. This role is central to advancing the Kingston brand and supporting the organizations broader mission through compelling, audience-driven communications.</p><p><br /></p><p>Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer and working closely with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator and Manager, Trade and Media, the Communications Specialist will support the development and execution of integrated communications strategies, produce high-quality content across digital and print platforms, and support stakeholder engagement and public relations efforts. The role also includes identifying and securing funding opportunities through persuasive grant writing and proposal development.</p><p><br /></p><p>The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator with a passion for storytelling, a sharp editorial eye, a strategic mindset, and a team-oriented approach. They are comfortable navigating a dynamic environment, balancing proactive planning with responsive communications, and collaborating across teams to deliver impactful messaging that resonates with diverse audiences.</p><p></p><p>RESPONSIBILITIES</p><p>Strategic communications & content development</p><ul><li>Develop and implement quarterly and annual communications plans aligned with Tourism Kingstons strategic goals.</li><li>Support content planning and editorial direction for leisure and sector portfolios.</li><li>Write, copy-edit, and fact-check content for the Visit Kingston website, sector pages, newsletters, brochures, stories, and other brand-aligned collateral.</li><li>Develop and maintain strong relationships with community partners, ensuring regular communications to inform planning and execution.</li><li>Collaborate with freelance writers, photographers, and other vendors.</li></ul><p>Funding & business development</p><ul><li>Identify and pursue funding opportunities to support operations and special projects, including grants and sponsorships.</li><li>Research and develop compelling grant applications and proposals to support Tourism Kingston initiatives.</li><li>Provide copy-editing and fact-checking support for proposals and related documents.</li><li>Prepare reports and other documents for funders and supporters, including data analysis and synthesis.</li></ul><p>Stakeholder & media relations</p><ul><li>Prepare reports, plans, presentations, speeches, news releases, and other documents in support of stakeholder relations.</li><li>Strengthen local understanding of the impact of tourism through stories, news releases, and communication campaigns.</li><li>Support background research for advocacy efforts, crisis communications, and proactive earned media relations.</li><li>Proactively identify potential issues and provide community relations and issues management counsel to CMO, CEO, board, and community partners.</li></ul><p></p><p>QUALIFICATIONS</p><ul><li>Post-secondary education in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.</li><li>Minimum three years of professional experience in strategic communications, content development, or public/media relations.</li><li>Exceptional writing, copy-editing, fact-checking, and storytelling skills across digital and print platforms.</li><li>Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.</li><li>Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders. Team oriented and positive outlook.</li><li>Experience developing and executing integrated communications plans.</li><li>Proficiency with digital tools including web content management, email marketing, customer relations management, and social media management tools.</li><li>Understanding of audience segmentation and tailoring messaging accordingly.</li></ul><p></p><p>ASSET QUALIFICATIONS</p><ul><li>Experience with grant writing and funding proposal development.</li><li>Familiarity with tourism, destination marketing, or economic development.</li><li>Knowledge of media relations practices, including pitching, press release writing, and issues management.</li><li>Experience working with freelance creatives (writers, photographers, influencers).</li><li>Comfort with analytics and reporting tools to measure communications performance.</li><li>Bilingualism (English/French) or a strong understanding of French language structure to support translation and development of marketing materials.</li></ul><p></p><p>DISCLAIMER </p><p>The job description outlined above is meant to describe the general nature of work being performed. It is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.</p><p></p><p>Ready to Apply?</p><p>The deadline to apply is Thursday, November 6, 2025. Please apply directly through this BambooHR job advertisement with your resume and a brief cover letter.</p><p></p><p>Tourism Kingston is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We strive to meet the accessibility needs of all applicants. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please email <span >claire@tourismkingston.com.</span></p><p></p><p>Tourism Kingstons Recruitment Process</p><ol><li>Initial Phone Screen</li><li>In-Depth Interview</li><li>Reference Checks</li><li>Offer</li></ol><p></p><p>Land Acknowledgement</p><p>Welcome/Boozhoo /Tekwanonwera:tons</p><p>to <span >Kingston/Kataroh:kwi/Kentarkwen/Cataracoui</span></p><p>Kingston remains on the ancestral homelands of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee Confederacy.</p><p>Tourism Kingston acknowledges the everlasting presence of these Nations and other First Nations, Mtis, and Inuit who share this landscape today. We are grateful to reside in and remain visitors to this territory, while acknowledging our responsibility to honour the land, water and skies with gentle respect and purifying preservation.</p><p></p><p>Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement</p><p>Tourism Kingston aims to provide a supportive, inclusive, and positive work environment for its valued team. This is achieved through a variety of benefits and supports that balance work life with quality of life. Tourism Kingston is Rainbow Registered, a national accreditation for LGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations. When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure LGBTQI+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.</p></p></p>