Director of Communications
Job Summary
- Employer : CHEO Foundation, Ottawa, Ontario
- Type of position: full-time, permanent
- Salary range: $115,000 to $125,000
About the CHEO Foundation
CHEO Foundation is the philanthropic arm of CHEO, CHEO Research Institute and Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice. For 50 years, the CHEO Foundation has been the link between these respected institutions and the generous community that financially sustains them. CHEO Foundation staff are inspired by donors, and the community, who support pediatric healthcare, cutting-edge research and essential services to ensure children and youth can live their best lives. We are proud to put the interests of kids at the forefront of our decisions and we are intentional in everything we do. We improve by learning from experiences and by being accountable for our outcomes. We take care of ourselves and each other, embrace equity, diversity, inclusivity and indigeneity, and celebrate success as a team.
What We Offer
• Extended Healthcare Benefits
• Defined Benefit Pension (HOOPP)
• Making a Difference in the Lives of Children/Youth
• Competitive Wages
• Flexible Schedules
• Onsite Fitness Centre
• Learning Opportunities
• Inclusive Culture
• Wellness Programs
CHEO's Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The CHEO Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to practices that support Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity.
About the Role
The Director of Communications supports the Foundation’s strategy by leading communications initiatives under the leadership of the VP, Communications and Strategy. Accountable for developing and implementing communications strategies that align with CHEO Foundation’s strategic plan, the Director ensures a consistent and compelling story and brand to support CHEO Foundation’s impact. A leader and expert, the Director is a trusted partner to the marketing, fundraising and events teams, and develops, manages and implements successful strategies for internal and external communications, media and social media, public relations, event management, and marketing.
About You
You are enthusiastic to lead a team of communications professionals with extensive knowledge in various areas of communications (storytelling and content creation, media relations, donor stewardship, event management, marketing, public relations and more).
You are creative and not afraid of thinking outside the box. You are highly organized and skilled at juggling multiple competing priorities while managing a team. You are an effective leader, known to be inspiring to your teammates and colleagues. You are comfortable with change and focused on continuous improvement. You are naturally collaborative, customer focused and skilled in project management. You build relationships easily and have a passion for impactful communications.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and execute CHEO Foundation’s communications initiatives in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.
- Lead communications strategies using the latest and best practices to ensure the foundation’s messaging is innovative, relevant, and impactful.
- Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of creativity and professional growth.
- Work closely with senior leadership to ensure consistent messaging and branding on all activities of the Foundation.
- Responsible for the development and execution of a highly impactful media and social media approach, including proactive media relations, innovative and creative digital storytelling.
- Ensure consistency in messaging and branding on all CHEO Foundation’s platforms, including website, social media, newsletters, annual reports, donor communications, and other materials as appropriate.
- Analyze the effectiveness of communications efforts to learn and apply in future initiatives.
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure alignment and integration of communications activities with broader business goals.
- Provide direction, delegating according to priority, and removing obstacles to get work done.
- Promote and carry out best practices in communications, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success in complex project management; experience working with project management systems to manage internal customer relationships in an environment of competing priorities and deadlines.
- Progressive experience in communications, including experience in a leadership role, preferably in a not-for-profit or charitable foundation setting.
- Proven track record of media relations, content creation, successful digital and social media strategies and website content management.
- Fluent in English and French (spoken and written) (Preferred)
- Creative, strategic, and analytical skills in communications and marketing.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team.
- Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Knowledge of fundraising and donor communication strategies.
- Collaborative and relationship-focused, with strong interpersonal skills.
- Experience with issue management. (Preferred)
Application Process
While there is no set closing date, we recommend applying at your earliest convenience to be considered in the early stages of the selection process. Our focus is on finding the best candidate, and we will keep the position open until we identify the ideal match.
Please send your resume with a cover letter to apply@cheofoundation.com with the position title in the subject line. Although we appreciate the interest of all candidates, only candidates invited for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls please.
The CHEO Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Should you require any accommodations during the application process please notify Human Resources as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.