Director of Communications

Haida Child and Family Services Society

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Communications is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, and delivery of all internal and external communications for Haida Child & Family (HCF). As a member of the leadership team, the Director of Communications provides strategic advice to the Executive Director, leadership team, and Board of Directors on communications, public engagement, advocacy initiatives, organizational reputation, and stakeholder relations. The Director of Communications establishes and maintains the systems, tools, processes, and practices needed for a sustainable, organization-wide communications function. The Director leads the development and implementation of an organization-wide integrated communications and engagement strategy that advances HCF's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities. The role ensures that communications reflect Haida ways of being, strengthen relationships with children, youth, families, Haida Citizens, partners, and communities, and support awareness and understanding of HCF's services and initiatives. The Director of Communications provides leadership and oversight to the communications function, including brand management, media relations, digital communications, public engagement, organizational storytelling, advocacy campaigns, and communications related to strategic initiatives and organizational change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.
5-7 years of responsible communications experience, including leadership and supervisory responsibilities preferred.
Experience leading a team within a unionized environment, including workforce planning, performance management, labour relations, and the interpretation and application of collective agreements is an asset.
Experience developing and implementing organizational communications and engagement strategies.
Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership and working with Boards, government agencies, community partners and Indigenous organizations.
Experience leading public engagement, advocacy, media relations, and reputation management initiatives.
Strong project management and strategic planning skills.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficiency with communications technologies, digital platforms, website management systems, social media management, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Microsoft Office applications.
Demonstrated leadership, coaching, mentoring, and team development skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in politically, culturally, and emotionally sensitive situations.
An equivalent combination of education, lived experience, and relevant work experience will be considered.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check.
Must be willing and able to work remotely.
Must possess and maintain a valid BC Driver's License and a reliable personal vehicle suitable for regular travel throughout Haida Gwaii, including occasional transportation of clients as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading a team within a unionized environment, including workforce planning, performance management, labour relations, and the interpretation and application of collective agreements is an asset.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy aligned with HCF's mission, values, and strategic priorities.
Serve as HCF's senior communications advisor, providing strategic guidance to the Executive Director, leadership team, and Board of Directors.
Lead communications planning for organizational priorities, major initiatives, advocacy efforts, and community engagement activities.
Establish and maintain clear organization-wide communications processes and planning tools that strengthen alignment across offices and departments.
Identify opportunities to increase awareness, understanding, and support for HCF's services, programs, and impact.
Ensure communications contribute to positive relationships and trust with Haida Citizens, families, community partners, funders, and government agencies.
Develop and maintain respectful processes for consent, privacy, cultural protocol, storytelling, photography, video, and the use of Haida language and cultural knowledge in HCF communications.
Oversee all internal and external communications, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent, culturally relevant, and aligned with organizational priorities.
Lead the development of service information, key messaging, public statements, annual reports, newsletters, website content, social media content, presentations, and other organizational materials.
Direct media relations activities, including responding to media inquiries, preparing spokespersons, and managing public communications.
Develop and oversee culturally-grounded community engagement strategies that support meaningful participation, dialogue, reciprocal communication, and relationship building with families, Haida Citizens, Elders, knowledge holders, and community partners.
Ensure organizational communications reflect community priorities and Haida ways of being.
Build communications capacity across the organization through hiring, coaching, training, and creating templates, tools, and best practices.
Lead, mentor, and support communications staff and other communications contributors, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
Establish annual work plans, priorities, performance measures, and resource requirements for the communications function.
Collaborate with Directors and Managers to support organization-wide initiatives, organizational change efforts, and strategic projects.
Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
Coordinate and provide quality oversight for external communications service providers, including designers, web developers, photographers, videographers, printers, and other specialized contractors as required.
Oversee HCF's brand identity and ensure consistency across all communication channels and materials.
Lead reputation management, issues preparedness, and communications risk assessment, providing advice and recommendations on emerging issues and potential impacts on community trust.
Support advocacy and awareness initiatives that promote the well-being of Haida children, youth, and families.
Strengthen HCF's profile as a trusted, distinctly Haida community organization and leader in Indigenous child and family well-being.
Ensure communications support transparency, accountability, and community trust.
Provide strategic oversight of HCF's website, social media platforms, and digital communications.
Ensure digital content is current, accessible, culturally respectful, privacy-protective, consent-based and engaging.
Monitor and evaluate digital performance, trends, and audience engagement to inform communications strategies.
Identify opportunities to enhance HCF's digital presence and community outreach.
Develop and manage communications budgets, contracts, and external service providers as required.
Establish performance indicators and monitor communications outcomes, including internal alignment, community awareness, service access, participation, trust, and audience engagement
Prepare reports and presentations for the Executive Director, leadership team, Board of Directors, and funders on progress, emerging issues, community feedback, risks, opportunities, and resource needs
Ensure communications activities comply with organizational policies, privacy requirements, and professional standards.
Monitor emerging communications trends, issues, and opportunities relevant to HCF and Indigenous communities.
Hold knowledge of Haida culture, history and the implications of colonization for Indigenous children, youth, families and communities.
Demonstrate an ability to act in alignment with X aads X iináangaa | X aaydaGa X aaynang.ngaay Haida Ways of Being including working from a foundation and deep understanding of Yahgudáng | Yahguudang | Respect , Gin 'láa hl isdaa uu | ‘Laa guu ga k anhllns Responsibility and Gin ‘wáadluwaan gud .ahl kwáagiidang | Gina ‘waadlu x an gud ad kwaagid Everything depends on everything else .
Build and maintain trusting, positive, and respectful relationships with children, youth, families, community members, partners and colleagues.
Support the vision, mission, values and strategic priorities of Haida Child & Family.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement when handling sensitive information.
Contribute to a collaborative, culturally safe, and respectful workplace environment.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and cultural humility.