Director, Brand, Communications & Influence

SAVE THE CHILDREN CANADA•Toronto, ON

8h•CA$98,595 - CA$116,450•Hybrid

About The Position

Save the Children Canada is seeking a Director, Brand, Communications & Influence for a 14-month contract to cover a maternity leave. This role reports to the Chief External Engagement Officer and leads the Marketing & Communications team. The Director will play a key role in shaping and executing SCC’s strategic communications and public relations efforts to enhance its mission, reputation, and impact. Responsibilities include overseeing brand strategies, media outreach, content creation, and PR campaigns to drive awareness, engagement, and support. The role involves leading a team to ensure consistent messaging, managing media relationships, and positioning the charity as a sector leader. The Director will align internal and external communications with SCC’s values and goals, working with key stakeholders to inspire greater involvement from donors and the community.

Requirements

Post secondary education in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
Minimum 5-7 years of management experience leading marketing and communications.
Exceptional ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling messages for diverse audiences and channels.
Experience in developing and maintaining brand voice, tone, and messaging consistency across all platforms.
Expertise in drafting internal and external communications, including newsletters, memos, and crisis responses.
Advanced communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills for diverse audiences to build strong working relationships across cultural and organizational settings, both internally and externally.
Demonstrated project management experience for task execution of assigned objectives supported by proficiency with MS Office tools and relevant technologies.
Ability to work under pressure within tight timelines to achieve SCC objectives.
Displays analytical and problem-solving skills to support initiatives with demonstrated adaptability to support change management for successful task implementation.
Applies judgment and make sound decisions that are accountable, justifiable, and in adherence to policies and procedures.
Considers organizational strategy and thinks creatively to support innovative initiatives and collaborations that deliver benefits for the children and families we serve.
Ability to occasionally travel locally, nationally and internationally (less than 10%) as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in International Development, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO/INGO), or other not-for-profit sectors is preferred.
People management experience in a unionized environment is preferred.
French/Spanish/Arabic language skills is an asset.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive brand strategies that align with SCC's vision and goals.
Conduct market research to understand consumer behavior and industry trends.
Monitor and analyze brand performance metrics to ensure strategies are effective and adjust as needed.
Plan and execute multi-channel brand campaigns to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
Lead team collaboration to develop compelling campaign content, including advertisements, social media posts, and promotional materials.
Track campaign performance and ROI, providing insights and recommendations for future campaigns.
Lead the development and management of influencer partnerships, ensuring mutual benefits and effective collaboration.
Identify, engage, and monitor activities with key influencers who align with the SCC's values and target audience.
Measure influencer activities and the impact on brand awareness and reputation.
Oversee the development and maintenance of the organization's website, ensuring it reflects the SCC's identity and values and is in compliance with relevant legislation e.g. Accessibility AODA.
Implement SEO strategies to improve website visibility and organic search rankings.
Analyze website traffic and user behavior to optimize content and improve user experience.
Lead the development and execution of media strategies to enhance SCC's public profile and reputation.
Build and maintain relationships with key media outlets and journalists.
Monitor media coverage and respond to inquiries, ensuring accurate and positive brand representation.
Collaborate and align with Save the Children International (SCI).
Oversee the creation of media products, including op-eds, press releases, and key messages.
Ensure all media products align with SCC's communication strategy and voice.
Review and approve media content before distribution.
Lead the development and implementation of public relation (PR) strategies to manage SCC's image and reputation.
Oversee PR activities, including events, press conferences, and media briefings.
Monitor public perception and address any issues or crises that arise.
Lead the planning and execution of various campaigns to engage the public and promote the SCC brand.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure campaign objectives are met.
Monitor campaign performance and share insights.
Create reports to leadership.
Lead the creation of integrated communication strategies that encompass all aspects of SCC's mission driven messaging in alignment with SCI.
Ensure consistency and coherence across all communication channels, including internal and external communications.
Review and approve all communication products, including newsletters, reports, and marketing materials to all interest holders.
Monitor content performance to ensure all products meet quality standards and align with SCC's communication strategy.
Provide guidance to staff, leaders, and vendors.
Lead the development and implementation of crisis communication plans to manage potential threats to SCC's reputation.
Lead crisis response efforts, including media relations and interest holder communication.
Monitor and evaluate crisis strategies.
Support the CEO’s office in developing and delivering strategic communications.
Ensure the CEO's messaging aligns with SCC's overall communication strategy.
Prepare and/or review CEO speeches, presentations, and other communication materials on request.
Lead the strategic planning process, setting goals and objectives for assigned portfolio.
Coordinate strategies with other teams and with SCI to ensure alignment and execution.
Develop and manage budgets for brand, communications, and PR activities.
Provide financial reports and insights to support decision-making.
Prepare and present reports on brand, communications, and PR activities to leadership.
Analyze performance metrics and provide recommendations for improvement.
Ensure transparency and accountability in all reporting processes.
Lead assigned team/department providing strategic direction, coaching, and performance management while ensuring alignment with organizational values and policies.
Set clear team and individual performance expectations for productivity, quality, and success; providing direction and support as needed.
Oversee budget management, recruitment, change management and career development while ensuring compliance, fostering a respectful, values-driven culture, and maintaining a safe and inclusive workplace.
Ensure regular and transparent communication on strategy and policies, uphold SCC’s Code of Conduct, Policies, Leadership Charter, Reconciliation, Equity, Anti-Racism, Diversity, Inclusion (READI), Health and Safety standards, integrates Child Safeguarding practices, models competencies, and professional and ethical behavior.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package for you and your dependents available three months after employment start date.
Coordinated benefits for your partner paid by Save the Children Canada.
Hybrid workplace including opportunities to work remotely and flexible work hours to support employee wellbeing and work life balance.
4 weeks of annual paid vacation.
End of year office closure December 25 - January 1 (SAVE Days).
5 paid personal days.
3 paid float days.
10 paid sick leave days.
Parental leave top-up.
Employer contributions to group pension plan.
Access to help save for a first home through the pension provider.
Learning and development opportunities and specialized training including professional development time.
Confidential Employee Assistance Program services available to you and your dependents from your first day of employment.
Organization-wide membership access to Headspace.