Bilingual Communications Director

Second Harvest • Etobicoke, ON

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Second Harvest is Canada’s largest food rescue organization and the expert in perishable food recovery. We rescue surplus, unsold food from across the supply chain and redistribute it to non-profits across the country to feed communities. Demonstrating our values of Innovation, Impact and Integrity, we strive for No Waste. No Hunger.

If you are ready to bring your expertise and innovation to a mission-driven organization, this is your moment.

Think we're just about redirecting food surplus? Think bigger.

Here's why Second Harvest is your next career leap:
Pioneers in food rescue, we are a renowned leader in perishable food redistribution across Canada.
With a mission fueled by a no-waste, no-hunger ethos, we're not just changing the game—we're rewriting the rules.
Our strategic approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making every day a step towards global change.

Requirements

• Fully bilingual in English and French with exceptional written, editing and verbal communication skills in both official languages.
• Ability to motivate and lead a team in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot, think creatively and solve problems; demonstrate accountability and a results-oriented mindset.
• Advanced writing, editorial and media relations skills.
• Strong judgement, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience managing relationships with media, executives, partners, agencies and stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a changing environment, adapt quickly and manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Keeps pace with communications, digital media and public relations trends; understands Canada’s bilingual media landscape and evolving communications best practices.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, journalism or media relations, including leadership experience managing teams and national communications strategies.
• Interested in and curious about food recovery, the environment, sustainability and hunger relief.
• Able to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, weekends and travel as required.

Nice To Haves

• Make complex ideas feel clear, engaging and accessible to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications planning activities, working closely with leadership and the Vice President, Marketing & Communications, to develop communications strategies that support organizational priorities and national campaigns.
• Be responsible for Second Harvest’s bilingual external communications strategy, ensuring multi-channel, consistent, timely and meaningful content is shared with supporters, stakeholders and the public in both official languages.
• Provide communications leadership and strategic counsel to staff, partners, committees and spokespeople across the organization.
• Lead French-language communications and support the growth of brand awareness and engagement in Quebec through culturally relevant messaging, partnerships and media opportunities.
• Create and shape compelling content that illustrates impact; oversee the identification, development, collection and sharing of stories across earned, owned and digital channels.
• Oversee organizational positioning as well as positioning of executives and key spokespeople; identify opportunities to enhance brand visibility through national, regional and French-language media.
• Lead executive communications, speechwriting, key messaging and briefing materials for senior leadership.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across digital, development and partnerships teams to develop integrated communications campaigns and storytelling initiatives, including video content.
• Build and execute a national bilingual communications strategy to promote the Second Harvest brand; secure and manage relationships with media, agencies, ambassadors and external partners as needed.
• Build on and maintain strong media relationships across English- and French-language outlets; respond to and proactively seek out media opportunities.
• Draft and oversee press releases, media advisories, opinion pieces, key messaging and public statements in both English and French.
• Enhance internal and external messaging across the organization; provide editorial oversight for organization-wide communications and ensure consistency in tone, messaging and brand voice.
• Support and oversee ambassador and spokesperson initiatives in partnership with internal teams to increase awareness and engagement nationally.
• Lead communications-related issues management and reputational risk planning; provide strategic counsel and communications support during sensitive or high-profile situations.
• Lead and mentor the communications team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture; assign accountabilities, establish priorities, monitor performance and support professional development.
• Establish communications KPIs and evaluate communications performance, media reach and audience engagement against organizational goals.
• Lead ongoing research into food recovery, food waste, sustainability and public awareness trends to identify strategic communications opportunities and strengthen organizational thought leadership.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned to support the overall goals of the organization.

Benefits

• Comprehensive group insurance (health, dental, life, AD&D and Long-Term disability)
• Employer match contributions (3%) to a Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
• Access to parental leave top-up.
• 4 weeks of annual vacation & 1 additional day per year of service (max 30).
• 10 paid sick days & 3 personal days.
• Summer Half-Days to further extend long weekends & Winter holiday closure.
• Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Professional growth in a role that makes a real difference.
• Flexible work hours and a commitment to work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed