Job Posting: Freelance Social Media Specialist
Summary:
Youth Without Shelter (YWS) is seeking a creative and motivated Freelance Social Media Specialist to support our online presence and help share our mission to end youth homelessness. This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about social impact, storytelling, and digital content creation and ideal for a recent graduate, early-career professional or someone looking to gain experience in the non-profit sector and build their portfolio.
A short-term freelance opportunity where the successful candidate will work 3-4 hours per week writing and posting engaging content in support of our events, programs, services, and successes.
Start Date: September 2025 or ASAP
Qualified applicants should email their resume and cover letter by August 12, 2025 to the attention of:
Lindsay Black: [email protected] at Youth Without Shelter or apply through this platform.
If you have a disability that needs to be accommodated in order to participate in the hiring process or employment, please let us know so we can work to make the appropriate accommodations.
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Title: Freelance Social Media Specialist
Reports To: Director of Philanthropy
Contract Length and Job Type: 8-month contract, hybrid/remote, 3-4 hours per week, flexible work hours. Etobicoke, ON
Compensation: $25 - 28/hr.
Company Description
Youth WithoutShelter (YWS) is an emergency residence and referral agency serving homeless youth age 16-24. We don’t just provide a warm bed for a night; we are dedicated to providing shelter and individualized support through our wraparound programs including case management, life skills, employment, housing and counselling. We are a safe, non-judgmental, comfortable home dedicated to diverse, client-focused services designed to move young people out of homelessness and reach their goal of independent, stable living. We have become known as a house where a youth’s culture and needs are understood, and where all operations are trauma-informed and designed to be youth-centric, build self-esteem and resiliency, and focus on personal strengths.
A larger percentage of our funding is generated by our philanthropy team.
For more information visit [www.yws.on.ca]
Position Description
As the Social Media Specialist and with the support of the Development Team, you will create, schedule and post engaging content for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn etc. to support the promotion of upcoming events and fundraisers and highlight shelter programming and success stories.
This role requires an enthusiastic and engaging personality who can grow our audience on social media platforms while aligning with our company values and respecting the youth that we serve.
The successful candidate will have creative copywriting, scheduling, social media strategy and self-motivation skills.
Key Responsibilities:
Content
- Create engaging and brand-aligned content tailored to each platform including graphics, videos, written posts to support events and fundraising campaigns and share stories on shelter programming, services and successes
- Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok (Bluesky experience a bonus)
- Collaborate with team to align social media efforts with overall campaigns and initiatives
- Liaise with shelter staff to ensure content is accurate and aligns with values and privacy policies
- Schedule and publish posts using our content calendar (Hootsuite)
- Brainstorm ideas for reels and stories
- Take photos to share experiences with online supporters (volunteer experiences, events, day to day happenings at the shelter, etc.)
- Upload content to our YouTube channel
Engagement
- Monitor social media for comments, feedback and engagement opportunities
- Respond promptly to comments and inquiries using YWS voice
- Identify opportunities to expand audience and grow community engagement
Administration and Reporting
- Maintain accurate schedules and records
- Report monthly on social media impact and effectiveness for the leadership team
- Responsible use of resources
- Ensure relevant consent forms are signed before posting content
- Adhere to strict confidentiality policy for staff and residents
Core Competencies
- Skilled at writing clear and compelling posts
- Sharp attention to detail
- Organized, self-motivated and independent worker
- Interest in social justice, youth services or non-profit work is an asset
- Work professionally & collaboratively with others
- Able to demonstrate creativity, flexibility & understanding when working with residents
- Initiative and Resourcefulness
- Accountability & dependability
- Experience using social media platforms
- Familiar with Canva or other basic graphic design tool
- Capable of making reels, stories and other video content
- Familiar with YouTube video sharing and basic channel management
- Proficiency using Microsoft Teams
- Photography skills an asset
- Flexible hours
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in or recently completed post-secondary program in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Media Studies or a related field
- Experience using social media platforms for organizational or professional purposes
- Familiar with tools such as Canva, Hootsuite, or similar platforms
- Able to work independently and meet weekly deadlines
- Knowledge of social media communication/engagement strategies
- Able to keep detailed and up-to-date statistics
- Deals with people sensitively, tactfully, diplomatically, and professionally at all times
- Experience working with people from diverse gender, sex, cultural, and racial backgrounds
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with basic data management
- Commitment to the mission and values of YWS
Work Conditions
- Hybrid – remote and on-site
- Shelter setting
- Work physically close to others when on-site
- Flexible hours (3-4 hours per week)
- Possible conflict and rude or challenging behavior from residents
- Facility has 3 floors - 2 sets of stairs
- Attendance at events
- IPAC policies and procedures in place
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
Job Types: Part-time, Freelance
Pay: $25.00-$28.00 per hour
Expected hours: 3 – 4 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Flexible schedule
- Work from home
Experience:
- Social Media platform: 1 year (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Etobicoke, ON M9V 1P9
Application deadline: 2025-08-12
