Director, Communications
Job Summary
- Employer : CHEO Foundation, Ottawa, Ontario
- Type of position: full-time, permanent, hybrid
- Salary range: $122,000 to $135,000
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, 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.
The Director plays a key role in strengthening and evolving communications capabilities, including supporting the development of digital and social media approaches and ensuring alignment across teams to deliver high impact, coordinated communications.
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, social media 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 bring professionalism and sound judgement in complex or high-pressure situations and are trusted to guide communications with clarity and confidence. You are naturally collaborative, customer-focused and skilled in project management. You build relationships easily and have a passion for impactful communications.
You are comfortable supporting senior leaders in high-profile communications and contributing to a consistent and credible leadership voice.
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.
- Translate organizational and functional strategy into clear communications plans, priorities, and deliverables across teams.
- Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of creativity and professional growth, and building capability across all levels of the communications functions.
- 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, and innovative and creative digital storytelling.
- Support the evolution of the Foundation’s digital and social media presence, including strengthening approach, building internal capability, and supporting recruitment and development in this area.
- 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 for future initiatives including monitoring performance and identifying opportunities to strengthen impact.
- 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.
- Support senior leaders, including the CEO and VPs, in preparation for public-facing engagements, events, and key communications.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations or a related field.
- Fluent in English and French (spoken and written) (Preferred)
- 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 leadership experience with accountability for strategy execution, team leadership and outcomes, 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.
- Experience supporting or evolving digital and social media approaches and building capability in this area is an asset.
- Previous experience working with agencies and graphic designers.
- 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 supporting senior leaders with communications, messaging, or public engagement is an asset.
Application Process
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 accommodation during the
application process please notify Human Resources as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.