Director of Communications & Safety Strategy - Bilingual (French/ English)

Toronto, ON
On-site
Posted Oct 10, 2026
1 position

$120,000–$155,000 / year

Opens LinkedIn

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Lead · 10+ years
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Seniority: Director
Application method: Direct apply is available

Job summary

Lead integrated English- and French-language communications, media relations, internal messaging, content, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen the organization’s public influence and reputation. Champion battery safety nationally by building partnerships, advancing policy and public education, and developing scalable safety training, while leading the communications team and external vendors.

Job details

A bilingual, high‑octane changemaker shaping national safety, public trust, and organizational influence. The Director of Communications & Safety Strategy is a national‑level communicator and strategist who thrives where complexity, public safety, and public influence intersect. This leader brings strategic clarity, creative firepower, and policy‑savvy judgment to an organization that must speak with authority, earn trust, and mobilize Canadians toward safer behaviour. They are the architect of a cohesive, bilingual national voice— one that cuts through confusion, elevates battery safety as a public priority, and positions the organization as the undisputed authority Canadians, governments, regulators, fire services, and industry rely on. What you should expect: Strategic Communications Leadership The Director is the architect of bold, integrated communication strategies that energize audiences and amplify the organization’s mission across English and French markets. They ensure every message — from digital campaigns to executive announcements — hits with clarity, consistency, and purpose. Media Relations & Public Influence They are a media force — building powerful relationships, shaping narratives, and ensuring the organization is front and centre in national conversations. Whether managing interviews or stepping in as spokesperson, the Director brings confidence, credibility, and charisma. Internal Communications & Culture Building The Director creates internal communication systems that spark engagement, strengthen alignment, and keep employees informed, inspired, and connected. They partner with senior leadership to deliver messaging that drives momentum and fuels organizational pride. High‑Impact Content & Thought Leadership They oversee bilingual content that educates, motivates, and captivates — from program materials and sector updates to Board communications and national safety campaigns. Their storytelling elevates the organization’s leadership and shapes public understanding. Crisis & Reputation Management The Director is the steady hand in high‑stakes moments. They design crisis communication plans, lead rapid‑response efforts, and protect the organization’s reputation with precision, speed, and strategic clarity. Stakeholder & Community Engagement They build meaningful relationships with community groups, industry partners, and external stakeholders. As a confident and compelling representative at events and speaking engagements, the Director strengthens advocacy and expands influence. Safety Leadership & Strategic Partnerships This is where the role becomes truly unique — and truly exciting. The Director is a national champion for battery safety, partnering with governments, regulators, fire services, and global safety organizations to advance policy, awareness, and public education. They lead collaborations with UL FSRI, NFPA, provincial fire associations, EUCOBAT, Bebat, and others, driving initiatives that increase safety and collection rates across Canada. They also work with internal teams to build scalable safety training — including a CRM‑integrated e‑learning platform — ensuring collection partners nationwide have the tools they need to operate safely. They identify emerging risks and opportunities and turn them into forward‑thinking strategies that reinforce the organization’s leadership. Team Leadership & Vendor Management The Director inspires a high‑performing communications team, fostering creativity, excellence, and accountability. They manage external agencies and consultants to maximize reach, impact, and innovation. What you will bring: Full bilingual fluency in English and French. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; Master’s preferred. 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications or public relations. Proven success leading bilingual communication strategies and launching new programs. Experience in regulated environments. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills in both languages. Strong experience in media relations, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and vendors. Ability to excel in fast‑paced, high‑visibility environments. Core Competencies Exceptional relationship‑building and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. High cultural sensitivity across English and French markets. Proactive, results‑driven, detail‑oriented, and highly organized. Inspiring leadership with a collaborative, energizing presence. Please send resumes to terpstra@summitsearchgroup.com

What you’ll do

Requirements

Requires full fluency in English and French, a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field, and 10 or more years of progressive corporate communications or public relations experience; a master’s degree is preferred. Candidates should bring experience in regulated environments, bilingual communications and program launches, media relations, crisis management, stakeholder engagement, team and vendor leadership, and exceptional writing, analytical, organizational, and relationship-building skills.