Job Posting: Manager of Communications
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent (New Position)
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (40 hours per week)
Wage: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 Annually
Location: Kitchener (Onsite with some hybrid)
Reports To: CEO
Anishnabeg Outreach (AO) is an Indigenous-led non-profit and registered charity that drives tangible and positive transformation within First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities. Our mission is to provide a sustainable and comprehensive suite of centralized, wrap-around services, acting as an innovative hub for reconciliation, economic development, and wellness. Currently, we serve the Waterloo Region, and we are now expanding our support to Indigenous communities across Canada.
The work we do starts at our Centres for Reconciliation in Kitchener and Guelph, Ontario. We define reconciliation as healing and economic independence for Indigenous individuals. Presently, Indigenous communities face almost insurmountable barriers to reconciliation, stemming from unresolved intergenerational trauma and resulting in food insecurity, homelessness, incarceration, and suicide.Many Indigenous people are struggling to obtain employment which means they cannot gain economic independence. Through partnerships with lead agencies and reserves, we will use our system and supports to help heal all currently underemployed Indigenous by helping them address their mental health concerns, build their spirit, rebuild family and community, recover language, culture, traditions, and ceremony, gain essential life skills, and become job-ready.

To that end, AO developed a software system called AONest, which offers self-guided mental health management and outcomes. AONest provides accessible, 24/7 digital resources grounded in Indigenous teachings, such as the Medicine Wheel and Grandfather Teachings, combined with clinical mental health practices. The content is delivered through thousands of hours of videos, and users can complete accompanying worksheets. The courses are organized into four portals: Mental Health, Spirit Building, Foundational Relationship Skills, and Essential Life Skills.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and culturally grounded Manager of Communications to lead and strengthen all internal and external communications for our Indigenous organization. This is a newly created leadership role designed to elevate our voice, promote community engagement, and ensure clear, consistent, and culturally respectful messaging aligned with our mission, values, and community priorities.Manager of Communications will oversee communications strategy, media relations, digital presence, branding, storytelling, and community outreach initiatives while ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and organizational policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage internal and external communications strategy.
• Develop and distribute news releases, public statements, and media communications. The
• Serve as media liaison and support public relations initiatives.
• Provide communications support for partnership development and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee and manage organizational brand, messaging, and outreach initiatives.
• Manage website, social media platforms, newsletters, and publications.
• Support leadership with strategic messaging and communications planning.
• Strengthen internal staff communications and organizational transparency.
• Ensure accessibility and compliance with privacy and legislative standards.

Qualifications

• Masters in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 3 - 5 years of progressive communications experience.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or organizations strongly preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
• Experience managing digital platforms and communications tools.
• Strong understanding of culturally respectful communications practices.

How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three (3) writing samples (e.g., news release, media statement, newsletter article, strategic communications piece)
• Three professional references

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Experience working with Indigenous communities or organizations is an asset. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please submit applications to hr@aocan.org.