Communication Chairperson, Osteoporosis Canada

Area of Involvement: Resource Development     
Accountability:  Chapter Executive    

Description of Job Placement
The Communication Chairperson is an Executive member who chairs the Communication Committee of a Chapter and who, in conjunction with the Executive, develops a strategy for enhancing the existing portfolio of communication development activities, capitalizing on new opportunities for growth, in the context of Osteoporosis Canada’s strategic plan.

Desired Qualifications (Qualities)

• Basic understanding of Osteoporosis Canada, with the ability to communicate this to others
• Good communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Imaginative/ enterprising
• Marketing and public relations experience
• Experience working with the media
• Good writing and editing skills
• Leadership skills
• Osteoporosis Canada member in good standing
• Bilingualism is an asset
• Able to work independently

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages communication plans, strategy and materials relating to the Osteoporosis Canada’s initiatives
• Responsible for media relations and prepares correspondence for the media
• Chairs meetings of the Chapter’s Communication Committee – develops communication plans, delegates tasks, assigns a minute taker and ensures accurate minutes
• Ensures that the Communication Committee reviews the status of the Chapter’s communication programs on an annual basis, and suggests areas for improvement and revision to Chapter executive
• Investigates communication possibilities within the community; develops partnerships/ relationships
• Keeps up-to-date on activities conducted by other local non-profit groups
• Recruits members to the Communication Committee
• Works closely with the Chapter’s Volunteer and Fundraising Coordinators, and will orient, train and supervise communication volunteers once they are recruited
• Works closely with appropriate Osteoporosis Canada’s staff around the implementation of communication development activities
• Provides an update at every Chapter Executive meeting on activities and progress

Outcomes or Goals (how will the volunteer know when he or she is successful?)

• Initially, reviewing of Chapter’s communication plans and strategy; then an increase in amount and effectiveness of communication activities.
• Solid, mutually beneficial relationships developed with community and media.
• Rise in the amount of Osteoporosis Canada’s awareness within the community.

Time Commitment

• Dependent on the maturity, number and scope of communication development activities in your area (approximately 2 –3 hours a week – although more time to be spent in the lead up to events).
• A two-year placement with the Chapter (renewable).
• Elected/ appointed from amongst Communication Committee members.
• Attendance at all Chapter Executive meetings.
• Call/attend regular Communication Committee meetings.

Training Required

• General orientation to Osteoporosis Canada.
• Become familiar with Osteoporosis Canada’s policies and procedures regarding communication and media relation.

Benefits

• Sharpen communication skills.
• Form/solidify relationships for the Chapter in the community.
• Chance to develop/sharpen skill sets (marketing and public relations).
• Develop managerial skills.
• Enhance planning and organizational skills.