Position: Communications Manager

Closing: Posting will remain opened until filled

Term: Full Time (35 hours per week)

Salary Range: $66,100- $77,660

Our Vision is “to lead the design, development, and delivery of sustainable and culturally appropriate housing that promotes excellence in the Indigenous community and organizational infrastructures.”

We are currently seeking a Communications Manager for any of our offices located in Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins, Dryden, Peterborough, Hamilton, Toronto or Ottawa.

As the Communications Manager you will be a key leader within the Communications team responsible for, but not limited to, the development and execution of strategic communication plans that effectively promote the organization’s mission, vision, and initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations , you will oversee the organization's internal and external communications, brand management, media relations, and stakeholder engagement strategies. You will manage communication projects from conception to execution and work collaboratively with various departments to enhance OAHS’s visibility and engagement.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic and strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, exceptional storytelling abilities, and a deep appreciation for the impact of safe, affordable housing on Indigenous communities.

PLEASE APPLY ON OUR CAREERS PAGE:

https://careers.risepeople.com/ontario-aboriginal-housing-support-services-corporation/en

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services also welcomes and supports diversity including those who identify as 2SLGBTQQNBIA+.

In meeting the objectives and vision of the organization, preference will be given to qualified individuals of First Nation, Métis, or Inuit ancestry, and are asked to self-identify on their cover letter .

Please note that you are encouraged to apply early as interviews will be scheduled as applications are received.

We thank all candidates who choose to apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Compensation:

In return for your ongoing excellent performance, strong work ethic, and commitment to our vision, mission, values, strategic plan, and the people we serve, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services offers a comprehensive compensation package. This comprehensive compensation package includes:

• Challenging and fulfilling work; an inclusive and supportive team; and a work environment steeped in and guided by Indigenous culture;
• Comprehensive medical & dental benefits + company vehicles available for fieldwork;
• $2000 Health Spending Account + $2000 Wellness Spending Account per employee;
• Company RSP matching program;
• Additional paid holidays (in addition to statutory holidays) include Louis Riel Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Remembrance Day, Easter Monday and Family Day;
• Opportunity for cultural, educational, and other approved leaves;
• Supported training opportunities for personal and professional development while reciprocally enhancing organizational capacity;
• A competitive salary in the pay band 7, $61,000- $77,660.

Duties and responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Support OAHS’s Mission and Vision : Make significant contributions to the achievement of OAHS’ corporate strategic plan and goals;
• Provide Strategic Leadership : Lead and collaborate on the development and execution of the Communications Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with OAHS’s vision and long-term strategic goals;
• Integrate Indigenous Cultural Approaches: Champion the application of Indigenous values and traditional knowledge within OAHS’s communications and initiatives, integrating these principles with western practices to create innovative, culturally attuned solutions;
• Performance and Accountability: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across communications functions, ensuring accountability for delivering results that elevate OAHS’s standing as a leader in Indigenous housing.

Internal Communications

• Full Circle Meetings: Coordinate, schedule, and manage logistics for staff-wide meetings, ensuring effective information sharing across all departments. This includes inviting Knowledge Keepers, working with Senior Directors on any department updates, and inviting guests when applicable to educate staff on OAHS-related initiatives;
• Staff Newsletter : Develop and distribute a monthly newsletter featuring updates, news highlights, and engagement initiatives;
• Urgent Communications : Draft and disseminate time-sensitive messages regarding organizational changes, crises, or policy updates to staff and stakeholders;
• Media Relations : Support internal teams in understanding media strategies, ensuring they are aligned with external messaging and organizational goals;
• Brand Awareness : Educate internal teams on brand consistency, voice, and messaging to maintain alignment across all communications;
• Internal Communications Training and Support : Train staff on best practices for written and verbal communication, including email etiquette and engaging with media;
• In-person events : Assist in the coordination of in-person staff events and support all communications-related efforts required for these events;
• SEC and Board meetings : Prepare reports, presentations, and key talking points for executive leadership and board members.

External Communications

• Media relations : Build and maintain relationships with journalists, draft press releases, handle interview requests, and manage crisis communications;
• Social media : Develop and execute a digital content strategy across platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.), ensuring engagement and audience growth;
• Website : Oversee content updates (e.g. news stories, Request for Proposals, etc.) ensuring timely and accurate information about programs, initiatives, and services. Request and coordinate any website maintenance and design opportunities with third-party services;
• Video and Photography : Plan and produce multimedia content, including promotional photos videos, interviews, and maintain a library of media assets;
• Community Newsletter : Develop and distribute a monthly newsletter featuring updates, news highlights, and engagement initiatives;
• Event planning : Manage logistics for public-facing events, including government housing announcements, and coordinate with other OAHS departments and external partners for engagements;
• Advocacy and Thought Leadership : Draft opinion pieces, editorials, or speaking points for executives on key housing and Indigenous issues, as well as identify opportunities for OAHS to be represented in industry panels, conferences, and discussions. Use social media to advocate for Indigenous housing.

Branding and Design

• Graphic Design : Create visually appealing content, including reports, presentations, social media graphics, infographics, and promotional materials;
• Marketing and promotional materials : Develop brochures, flyers, and order merchandise to support awareness efforts and stakeholder engagement;
• Paid media : Coordinate advertising efforts, manage sponsorships, and oversee booth presentations at trade shows, conferences, and community events;
• Accessibility and inclusive communications : Ensure all OAHS communications meet accessibility standards (i.e. AODA compliance, alternative formats, plain language) and integrate cultural and linguistic inclusivity across all communications materials.

Stakeholder Relations

• Community newsletter : Develop and distribute online publications tailored to residents, partners, and supporters, sharing news, updates, and success stories;
• Scholarships and awards : Manage marketing and promotion of scholarship programs including the Don McBain Memorial Award and the Carolyn Harrington Award, coordinate application processes, and highlight recipients;
• Collaboration with other community partners : Work with Indigenous and partner organizations, housing groups, and advocacy organizations to strengthen community ties;
• Residents’ relations : Assist in communication with residents through informative campaigns, engagement initiatives, and response to concerns through social media messaging and Resident Feedback Surveys;
• Government relations : Work with all levels of government for OAHS-related announcements and promotional assets, assist in the coordination of government meetings when required, and participate in lobbying efforts to spread awareness of OAHS’s mission and vision, as well as advocate for Indigenous housing;
• Sponsorships : Identify and engage potential sponsors for events, initiatives, and community programs, ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships, and complete all necessary deliverables as well as coordinate payment;
• Annual Report : Create and disseminate OAHS’s Annual Report, featuring stories, statistics, and future growth for all stakeholders. Collaborate with Senior Directors for materials required for report, as well as a third-party vendor for either writing or graphic design assistance when required.

Leadership and Management

• Department management : Manage, support, and mentor OAHS’s Communications Coordinator, guiding day-to-day activities and ensuring effective execution of communication strategies and duties such as social media coordination and more. Create Standard Operating Procedures for the department;
• Leadership in the organization: Be a role model for OAHS’s organizational culture, live the teachings and principles of Indigenous culture(s), and represent the organization in a highly professional yet engaging and accessible manner;
• Strategic goals : Develop strategic goals and priorities in line with the organization’s Strategic Plan with specific measurable outcomes and deliverables;
• Media monitoring and reporting : Track media coverage related to OAHS, Indigenous housing, and key partners to stay ahead of emerging narratives, as well as provide regular media reports to senior leadership with analytics of public perception;
• Budgeting and vendor management : Manage the communications budget, including advertising, sponsorships, merchandise, software licenses, and event expenses. Oversee relationships with third-party vendors and agencies that relate to the Communications department (website maintenance company, merchandise vendors, and sponsorships).

Additional Responsibilities

• Surveys : Develop, distribute, and analyze internal and external surveys to gather insights on employee engagement, community needs, and program effectiveness;
• Translation services : Coordinate translation services to ensure materials are accessible in multiple languages, particularly for Indigenous and Francophone communities;
• Newspaper subscriptions for senior leaders : Manage and maintain subscriptions to key news publications to keep leadership informed on relevant industry trends, policy changes, and media coverage;
• Computer support for communications-related software : Provide basic troubleshooting and guidance on platforms like Zoom (for webinars and virtual meetings), SurveyMonkey (for gathering feedback), and other tools that support communication efforts.

To qualify for this role, the successful candidate will have the following qualifications and skills:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, or with equivalent industry experience;
• 5+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, preferably in a non-profit, government, or Indigenous-focused organization;
• Proven experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans that drive engagement and impact;
• Strong leadership and supervisory experience, with the ability to mentor and manage staff effectively;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a talent for storytelling and translating complex information into accessible content;
• Expertise in social media strategy and digital communications, with knowledge of website management platforms such as Wordpress and online marketing platforms such as MailChimp and Flodesk;
• Experience managing media relations and crisis communications;
• Graphic design experience (Adobe Suite, Canva, or equivalent) is an asset;
• A deep understanding of Indigenous culture and communities, with a values-driven approach to communication;
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently;
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple initiatives and prioritize effectively;
• Flexibility to travel for meetings, events, and conferences as needed.

Conditions of employment:

• Ability to travel when required;
• Ability to travel across Canada and internationally when required;
• • Ability to work varying hours/days, if required;
• Initial and ongoing valid CPIC clearance (Criminal Records Check, Vulnerable Sector Search);
• Positive references at the sole discretion of OAHS;
• Current, valid Ontario Driver’s License and safe driving record; and
• Bondable, if required.

We thank all candidates who choose to apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.