Communications and Public Relations Manager
Top Benefits
About the role
Job Posting #
2025-09
Title:
Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Classification:
Professional
Employment Duration:
Permanent, Full-time
Salary Range:
$96,533 - $120,626
Location:
Toronto, ON
The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) has represented Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario since 1912, providing service in the areas of government relations, communications, information management, education, and training to advocate for the protection and well-being of children.
The Manager, Public Relations and Communications plays a critical role in advancing the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) mission through compelling storytelling, coordinated engagement strategies, and strategic communications. This role will support the development and lead the execution of integrated communication and media plans that amplify the voices of children, youth, families, and front-line workers in child welfare, build public understanding, and support sector-wide transformation.
The Manager is responsible for shaping and managing OACAS’s public narrative, developing executive communications, leading media and issues management, and supporting the execution of key platforms such as “Faces of Care” and “Stories of Care.” This role provides strategic guidance to OACAS staff and member agencies across our province, helping to amplify the collective voices of the child welfare sector in Ontario.
Duties and Responsibilities**:**
Strategic Communications and Brand Integrity
- Serve as lead editor for key communication and content-writing to ensure clarity, tone, and alignment with the Association’s public positioning.
- Research, write, and edit high-impact communications for the Association including speaking notes, op-eds, media briefs, statements, and reports.
- Ensure all communications reflect OACAS’s values, strategic priorities, and voice.
- Provide strategic guidance on sensitive topics, including advocacy, child welfare reform, and equity-related issues.
- Support the development and implementation of strategic communications plans aligned with OACAS’s advocacy priorities, values, and sector transformation goals
- Guide brand voice, tone, and narrative consistency across all channels, including web, email, social media, reports, and public campaigns.
- Oversee messaging frameworks and visual storytelling elements to ensure alignment with OACAS’s values and equity commitments.
- Collaborate across departments to embed communication strategies in major initiatives, including policy, education, and reconciliation work.
Storytelling and Engagement Platform
- Lead the development, execution, and continuous evolution of OACAS’s storytelling and engagement platforms (e.g., Faces of Care, Stories of Care).
- Collaborate with youth, caregivers, member agency staff, community partners, and OACAS staff to co-create narrative content across video, social, and digital channels.
- Develop narrative frameworks that highlight lived experience, frontline perspectives, and success stories while honoring cultural safety and trauma-informed approaches.
- Promote cross-sector uptake and integration of OACAS storytelling content among government, educators, healthcare professionals, and social service providers.
Media Relations and Public Affairs
- Lead proactive and reactive media relations efforts, including drafting press releases, coordinating interviews, preparing spokespeople, and building media lists.
- Cultivate strong, trusted relationships with journalists and outlets reporting on child welfare, equity, and public policy.
- Monitor media coverage and social sentiment to identify risks, opportunities, and emerging narratives.
- Prepare media kits and ensure consistent messaging across all public-facing engagements.
Issues and Crisis Communications
- Develop strategic response plans for emerging issues, supporting rapid, clear, and trauma-informed communication.
- Collaborate with internal OACAS staff to prepare crisis messaging, public statements, and stakeholder updates.
- Advise Director, GSR and Public Affairs and senior leadership on potential reputational risks and mitigation strategies.
Internal and Member Engagement Communications
- Develop and distribute sector-wide updates, newsletters, and campaign toolkits to support member engagement and alignment.
- Ensure clear, accessible communication that supports knowledge-sharing and cross-agency collaboration.
- Foster a consistent feedback loop with member agencies to assess communication effectiveness and evolve strategies accordingly.
Team Leadership and Project Management
- Lead a team of communication professionals, setting priorities, managing workflows, and upholding editorial excellence.
- Build a positive, high-performing team culture centered on collaboration, learning, and impact.
- Support professional development, performance feedback, and capacity building for communications team members.
- Oversee project timelines, content production schedules, and resourcing needs.
Other
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications**:**
Education and Experience
- Degree in Communications, Journalist, Public Relations or a related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience in strategic communications, public relations or media engagement roles.
- Experience working in child welfare, social services or equity-focused organizations preferred OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Knowledge and Skills**:**
- Proven ability to craft compelling content across a variety of formats (e.g., long-form stories, executive briefs, social media posts, public statements).
- Excellent writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex or sensitive issues and crisis communications.
- Strong negotiation skills and ability to foster cooperation, build consensus, gain support and influence decision making and outcomes.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize data and translate findings into actionable strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed storytelling, cultural safety, and ethical media practices.
- Knowledge of Ontario’s public policy environment, Ontario child welfare legislation, policies, standards, programs, tools and processes.
- Proficiency in full suite of Microsoft Office products.
Assets**:**
- Working knowledge of WordPress
- Bilingualism in English and French
Working Conditions
Work involves minimal physical or psychological risk, which could result from unavoidable exposure to dangerous situations or hazardous, disagreeable or uncomfortable working conditions.
APPLY ONLINE at
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=5504a194-52e8-4f07-ae3b-2acc61f702f0&ccId=19000101\_000001&lang=en\_CA by 5:00 p.m. on Friday September 5th, 2025. Please attach a cover letter and resume in one file.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. OACAS is committed to building a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve. We encourage and are pleased to consider applications from all qualified candidates, without regard to race, colour, citizenship, religion, sex, marital / family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, indigenous status, age or disability.
Accommodation at OACAS
We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Applicants are required to make any accommodation requests for the application, interview or selection process known in advance by contacting the Human Resources Department at 416 987-3677 orhr@oacas.org.
Human Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the interview or selection process which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.
Communications and Public Relations Manager
Top Benefits
About the role
Job Posting #
2025-09
Title:
Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Classification:
Professional
Employment Duration:
Permanent, Full-time
Salary Range:
$96,533 - $120,626
Location:
Toronto, ON
The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) has represented Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario since 1912, providing service in the areas of government relations, communications, information management, education, and training to advocate for the protection and well-being of children.
The Manager, Public Relations and Communications plays a critical role in advancing the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) mission through compelling storytelling, coordinated engagement strategies, and strategic communications. This role will support the development and lead the execution of integrated communication and media plans that amplify the voices of children, youth, families, and front-line workers in child welfare, build public understanding, and support sector-wide transformation.
The Manager is responsible for shaping and managing OACAS’s public narrative, developing executive communications, leading media and issues management, and supporting the execution of key platforms such as “Faces of Care” and “Stories of Care.” This role provides strategic guidance to OACAS staff and member agencies across our province, helping to amplify the collective voices of the child welfare sector in Ontario.
Duties and Responsibilities**:**
Strategic Communications and Brand Integrity
- Serve as lead editor for key communication and content-writing to ensure clarity, tone, and alignment with the Association’s public positioning.
- Research, write, and edit high-impact communications for the Association including speaking notes, op-eds, media briefs, statements, and reports.
- Ensure all communications reflect OACAS’s values, strategic priorities, and voice.
- Provide strategic guidance on sensitive topics, including advocacy, child welfare reform, and equity-related issues.
- Support the development and implementation of strategic communications plans aligned with OACAS’s advocacy priorities, values, and sector transformation goals
- Guide brand voice, tone, and narrative consistency across all channels, including web, email, social media, reports, and public campaigns.
- Oversee messaging frameworks and visual storytelling elements to ensure alignment with OACAS’s values and equity commitments.
- Collaborate across departments to embed communication strategies in major initiatives, including policy, education, and reconciliation work.
Storytelling and Engagement Platform
- Lead the development, execution, and continuous evolution of OACAS’s storytelling and engagement platforms (e.g., Faces of Care, Stories of Care).
- Collaborate with youth, caregivers, member agency staff, community partners, and OACAS staff to co-create narrative content across video, social, and digital channels.
- Develop narrative frameworks that highlight lived experience, frontline perspectives, and success stories while honoring cultural safety and trauma-informed approaches.
- Promote cross-sector uptake and integration of OACAS storytelling content among government, educators, healthcare professionals, and social service providers.
Media Relations and Public Affairs
- Lead proactive and reactive media relations efforts, including drafting press releases, coordinating interviews, preparing spokespeople, and building media lists.
- Cultivate strong, trusted relationships with journalists and outlets reporting on child welfare, equity, and public policy.
- Monitor media coverage and social sentiment to identify risks, opportunities, and emerging narratives.
- Prepare media kits and ensure consistent messaging across all public-facing engagements.
Issues and Crisis Communications
- Develop strategic response plans for emerging issues, supporting rapid, clear, and trauma-informed communication.
- Collaborate with internal OACAS staff to prepare crisis messaging, public statements, and stakeholder updates.
- Advise Director, GSR and Public Affairs and senior leadership on potential reputational risks and mitigation strategies.
Internal and Member Engagement Communications
- Develop and distribute sector-wide updates, newsletters, and campaign toolkits to support member engagement and alignment.
- Ensure clear, accessible communication that supports knowledge-sharing and cross-agency collaboration.
- Foster a consistent feedback loop with member agencies to assess communication effectiveness and evolve strategies accordingly.
Team Leadership and Project Management
- Lead a team of communication professionals, setting priorities, managing workflows, and upholding editorial excellence.
- Build a positive, high-performing team culture centered on collaboration, learning, and impact.
- Support professional development, performance feedback, and capacity building for communications team members.
- Oversee project timelines, content production schedules, and resourcing needs.
Other
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications**:**
Education and Experience
- Degree in Communications, Journalist, Public Relations or a related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience in strategic communications, public relations or media engagement roles.
- Experience working in child welfare, social services or equity-focused organizations preferred OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Knowledge and Skills**:**
- Proven ability to craft compelling content across a variety of formats (e.g., long-form stories, executive briefs, social media posts, public statements).
- Excellent writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex or sensitive issues and crisis communications.
- Strong negotiation skills and ability to foster cooperation, build consensus, gain support and influence decision making and outcomes.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize data and translate findings into actionable strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed storytelling, cultural safety, and ethical media practices.
- Knowledge of Ontario’s public policy environment, Ontario child welfare legislation, policies, standards, programs, tools and processes.
- Proficiency in full suite of Microsoft Office products.
Assets**:**
- Working knowledge of WordPress
- Bilingualism in English and French
Working Conditions
Work involves minimal physical or psychological risk, which could result from unavoidable exposure to dangerous situations or hazardous, disagreeable or uncomfortable working conditions.
APPLY ONLINE at
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=5504a194-52e8-4f07-ae3b-2acc61f702f0&ccId=19000101\_000001&lang=en\_CA by 5:00 p.m. on Friday September 5th, 2025. Please attach a cover letter and resume in one file.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. OACAS is committed to building a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve. We encourage and are pleased to consider applications from all qualified candidates, without regard to race, colour, citizenship, religion, sex, marital / family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, indigenous status, age or disability.
Accommodation at OACAS
We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Applicants are required to make any accommodation requests for the application, interview or selection process known in advance by contacting the Human Resources Department at 416 987-3677 orhr@oacas.org.
Human Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the interview or selection process which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.