Community Marketing Specialist - St. Catharines

About GrowBuildLearn · GrowBuildLearn (GBL) is a social impact enterprise combining smart hydroponic technology, AI-powered education support, and immersive STEM curriculum to address food security and educational engagement challenges. Our mission is to empower individuals and c ...

Job description

About GrowBuildLearn

GrowBuildLearn (GBL) is a social impact enterprise combining smart hydroponic technology, AI-powered education support, and immersive STEM curriculum to address food security and educational engagement challenges. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities to grow food, build sustainable systems, and learn together.

We're creating innovative solutions that make year-round food production accessible while delivering engaging hands-on STEM education to schools and communities across Ontario.

OJCP Funding & Eligibility

This position is funded through the Ontario Job Creation Partnerships (OJCP) program. To be eligible for this opportunity, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be an Ontario resident

• Currently unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week

• Actively seeking full-time employment

• Meet ONE of the following criteria:

  • Currently receiving EI benefits, OR

  • Received EI benefits within the previous 60 months, OR

  • Has paid EI premiums (deductions taken off your pay stub) in at least 3 of the last 10 years

Position Overview

Lead digital marketing and social media strategy leveraging AI tools to promote GrowBuildLearn's programs and engage diverse audiences. Create compelling content using AI-powered platforms, manage online communities, and use digital marketing tools to amplify the organization's reach across schools, families, community organizations, and potential partners while advancing the mission of food security education and environmental sustainability.

This role is perfect for digital-native marketers, social media managers, or content creators who are excited about using AI tools to maximize impact and reach, particularly those passionate about education and environmental causes.

Key Responsibilities

AI-Powered Content Creation & Digital Marketing (40%)

• Leverage AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney, DALL-E, etc.) to create compelling marketing content at scale

• Use AI writing assistants to develop blog posts, social media copy, email campaigns, and website content

• Generate AI-powered graphics, illustrations, and visual content for social media and marketing materials

• Experiment with AI video tools for creating educational and promotional video content

• Optimize content using AI-powered SEO and content analysis tools

• Create AI-assisted design templates and marketing collateral using Canva, Adobe Express, or similar

• Develop content calendars and coordinate campaigns across multiple digital channels

Social Media Management & Community Engagement (35%)

• Manage social media presence across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube)

• Create and schedule engaging social content that resonates with diverse audiences

• Build and moderate online communities for program participants, educators, and supporters

• Engage with followers, respond to inquiries, and foster meaningful conversations

• Coordinate user-generated content campaigns and participant testimonials

• Manage online monthly "Grow Challenges" and engagement initiatives

• Track social media metrics and analyze performance using platform analytics

Account Management & Digital Strategy (25%)

• Implement and optimize email marketing campaigns using AI-powered segmentation and personalization

• Manage website content updates and blog publishing

• Oversee digital advertising campaigns (Meta Ads, Google Ads) with AI optimization

• Use AI tools for audience research, persona development, and targeting

• Maintain brand consistency across all digital touchpoints

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in marketing, communications, digital media, or related field

• 2-3 years experience in digital marketing, social media management, or content creation

• Demonstrated experience using AI tools for content creation, design, or marketing

AI & Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with AI writing tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Jasper, , or similar)

• Familiarity with AI image generation tools (Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, or similar)

• Experience using AI-powered design tools (Canva AI, Adobe Firefly, or similar)

• Proficiency with social media platforms and scheduling tools (Hootsuite, Buffer, Later, Metricool)

• Experience with email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar)

• Knowledge of AI-powered analytics and optimization tools

• Understanding of prompt engineering and how to get best results from AI tools

• Comfortable learning and experimenting with new AI technologies

Core Marketing Skills

• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to brand voice

• Visual design sense and ability to create engaging graphics

• Understanding of SEO, social media algorithms, and digital marketing best practices

• Experience with Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and social media analytics

• Basic photography and video editing skills (or AI-enhanced capabilities)

• Project management and ability to handle multiple campaigns simultaneously

Core Competencies

• Creative storytelling ability with empathy for diverse audiences

• Data-driven mindset with ability to analyze metrics and optimize campaigns

• Highly organized with excellent time management skills

• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently

• Collaborative team player with entrepreneurial mindset

• Adaptable and excited about emerging technologies

• Passion for social impact, environmental sustainability, and educational equity

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have, But Not Required)

• Experience marketing educational programs or nonprofit/social enterprise initiatives

• Knowledge of accessibility best practices for digital content (WCAG standards)

• Experience with AI video tools (Synthesia, Runway ML, Descript, or similar)

• Familiarity with marketing automation and CRM platforms (HubSpot, Salesforce Marketing Cloud)

• Advanced video production and editing skills

• Experience with paid social advertising and campaign optimization

• Understanding of food security issues, environmental education, or STEM programming

• Experience with community organizing or grassroots marketing

• Knowledge of influencer marketing and partnership campaigns

• Bilingual (English/French) or other languages relevant to target communities

• Experience with WordPress or other content management systems

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience (minimum $18/hour at 40 hours per week)

• Flexible hybrid/remote work arrangement

• Professional development opportunities

• Equipment provided as needed

• Access to AI tool subscriptions and digital marketing platforms

• Meaningful work with direct social impact

Work Environment

This hybrid role offers significant flexibility for content creation and digital marketing work from home, with occasional presence at the GBL office in Niagara for team collaboration, content capture at events, and strategic planning. Schedule includes some evening and weekend work during events, program launches, and campaigns with flexibility during weekdays to balance. Occasional travel to schools and community sites in Niagara Region for content creation, photography, and program documentation. Work is primarily computer-based with creative flexibility for when and where you work best.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

GrowBuildLearn is committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), persons with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and individuals from underserved communities.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Empowering communities to grow food, build sustainable systems, and learn together.