Manager, Communications

We are a values‑driven employer, with staff members who are proud to play a part in building a better region. We’re always looking for great people who want to combine their professional talents with a commitment to our mission.

Position: Manager, Communications (Contract)

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Job : 1089

# of Openings: 1

Hiring range: $75,000 - $85,000 annually.

United Way Greater Toronto is currently seeking a Manager, Communications to join our team in a 1-year contract role.

• Proactively identify opportunities benefiting the positioning and business goals of United Way Greater Toronto, including media interview and op‑ed opportunities, influencer engagement and speaker opportunities.
• Lead media relations across multiple channels; act as liaison to media, build a comprehensive media database, and develop strong relationships with editorial staff.
• Manage story development and content for media, including managing the editorial calendar for op‑eds and thought leadership, short‑ and long‑term pitching plans, sourcing and developing impact stories.
• Produce communications materials including media interview and op‑ed pitches, speaker pitches, news releases, key messages and backgrounders, and influencer engagement communications to support organizational priorities and emerging issues.
• Support the implementation of a proactive influencer/ambassador strategy that builds UW's narrative through earned and social media; build UWGT's influencer and ambassador list, build strong external relationships, and leverage partnership opportunities.
• Develop and manage strategic communication plans, in consultation with Director, for complex projects with external partners including UWGT’s ILEO initiative and other colleagues from across the organization.
• Express a strong, consistent brand voice through effective and authentic external communications; identify relevant channels and audiences, including through key message development and media framing on issues.
• Develop and deliver media training and briefing for internal spokespeople, including CEO and other SET members, as well as external spokespeople (impact stories, partners, and agency spokespeople).
• Deliver on communications functions of UWGT's Reconciliation and Equity Plan.
• Manage media monitoring: daily media clippings for internal distribution, identify potential issues, produce earned media coverage reports.
• Provide public relations and communications support for United Way events.
• Manage key initiatives and special projects as assigned.

• A self‑starter with a love of community, with a passion for creating positive change aligned to our mission.
• 3–5 years of professional communications and media relations experience, preferably in a non‑profit or social justice environment.
• Post‑secondary education in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field, or equivalent work‑related experience.
• Experience that demonstrates a commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti‑oppression.
• A strong understanding of issues affecting the community, social services sector, and how systemic racism and discrimination impact community; and the priorities related to United Way Greater Toronto’s mission.
• Proven ability to build communications strategies, make sense of complex issues and frame compelling stories or narratives for a diverse audience of stakeholders including government, community organizations, volunteers, media, staff and the general public.
• Superior writing skills, including the ability to produce articles for publication, prepare written reports, and draft correspondence for senior management.
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and relationship management skills, including the ability to work respectfully and inclusively with a diverse employee population and multiple stakeholders.
• Proven capacity for taking initiative, problem‑solving and strong project management skills, carrying out projects to completion and responding to demands for fast turn‑around.
• Ability to gather and analyse information for decision making while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to influence, negotiate and…