Status
:
Permanent, Full-time
Salary Range: $85,659 to $135,448
Lead Coast Mental Health’s voice, influence, and public impact.
The Opportunity
This role reflects Coast Mental Health’s continued growth in scale, visibility, and complexity and provides dedicated senior leadership to ensure our external engagement, communications, and advocacy efforts remain strategic, integrated, and responsive to the communities we serve.
As Director, Public Affairs and Communications
, you will lead a broad and interconnected portfolio spanning external relations, public affairs, public policy and advocacy, strategic communications, community engagement, corporate planning, and performance reporting. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
, you will help shape the strategic and operational decisions that guide how Coast is positioned, understood, and trusted across the mental health and housing system.
This role requires a leader who can think strategically while staying grounded in execution. You will translate Coast’s mission and priorities into clear, credible narratives, lead without silos, and build the systems, teams, and relationships that enable consistent, high-impact engagement. The visibility is high. The influence is real. The work is meaningful.
What You’ll Do
Shape Coast’s Voice and Influence
Lead Coast Mental Health’s external relations, public affairs, public policy, advocacy, and strategic communications to strengthen reputation, credibility, and impactEnsure Coast speaks with a clear, consistent, and values-driven voice across media, government, funders, partners, and communities.Lead crisis communications and act as a senior organizational spokesperson when required.Lead and Empower Performing Team
Set the strategic direction for the Public Affairs and Communications department and lead a multidisciplinary team of managers, advisors, and specialists.Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, psychological safety, and professional growth.Champion equity, inclusion, belonging, and Reconciliation in leadership practices and organizational culture.Drive Strategic Alignment and Operational Excellence
Develop and implement departmental plans aligned with Coast’s Strategic and Operational Plans.Lead departmental financial stewardship, including budget development, monitoring, variance analysis, and corrective action.Ensure compliance with organizational policies, funder requirements, and legislative standards.Strengthen Relationships and Partnerships
Build and sustain strong relationships with government, sector partners, Indigenous organizations, funders, and community stakeholders.Work closely with Coast Mental Health Foundation and Coast Social Enterprises to ensure a unified brand and aligned narrative.Collaborate with sector organizations on shared advocacy and policy priorities.Advance Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
In partnership with the CEO and COO, strengthen relationships with First Nations and Indigenous organizations.Provide guidance to ensure strategies and practices advance Truth and Reconciliation.Monitor and respond to legislative and policy developments related to Indigenous relations.Enable Planning, Performance, and Growth
Coordinate development of Coast’s Strategic Plan and annual corporate plan.Oversee performance reporting and support data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.Lead cross-functional coordination of RFP responses and explore opportunities for new programs, partnerships, and initiatives.Who You Are
Experience That Counts
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (social sciences, humanities, business, or related).Minimum 10 years’ experience in communications, public affairs, advocacy, corporate affairs, or strategy, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.Significant experience in non-profit and/or public-sector environments, preferably in health, housing, or social services.Demonstrated experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, strategic planning, and community engagement.Deep commitment to equity, Reconciliation, and supporting mental health…
