Manager, Media Relations, Paid Media & Thought Leadership (2026-317-CS)

WoodGreen Community Services•Toronto, ON

12d•CA$80,000 - CA$85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Media Relations, Paid Media & Thought Leadership is responsible for developing and implementing integrated media, communications, and public profile strategies that advance WoodGreen's mission, strategic priorities, and organizational reputation. The position leads WoodGreen's earned media, paid media, thought leadership, executive profiling, reputation management, and public engagement activities. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, subject matter experts, and external stakeholders, the Manager identifies opportunities to increase awareness of WoodGreen's impact, influence public discourse on priority social issues, and position organizational leaders as trusted voices within the social services sector. The role collaborates extensively with Marketing, Communications, Fund Development, Program Leadership, Research, Community Impact, and Executive Leadership to ensure alignment of messaging and organizational positioning.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Affairs, Political Science, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum three (3) years' progressive experience in media relations, communications, journalism, public affairs, marketing, stakeholder engagement, or related fields.
Experience developing and implementing proactive media relations strategies.
Experience supporting senior leaders and executive communications.
Experience managing paid media campaigns, media budgets, and agency relationships.
Experience developing communications for public-facing campaigns, organizational initiatives, and reputation management activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within nonprofit, social service, health, public sector, government, or community-based environments is considered an asset.
Exceptional written, editing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
Strong media relations and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
Demonstrated ability to develop compelling organizational narratives and thought leadership content.
Strong strategic thinking, judgment, political acuity, and problem-solving skills.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Knowledge of media planning, media buying, audience targeting, campaign optimization, and performance measurement.
Ability to analyze and communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
Proficiency with media monitoring, analytics, digital advertising, content management, and reporting tools.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement WoodGreen's media relations strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and annual business objectives.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with journalists, editors, producers, podcasters, influencers, and sector publications.
Identify, pitch, secure, and coordinate earned media opportunities that enhance awareness of WoodGreen's services, expertise, innovation, and community impact.
Manage incoming media inquiries and coordinate timely, accurate, and strategic responses.
Develop media materials including news releases, advisories, statements, backgrounders, key messages, spokesperson notes, FAQs, and briefing documents.
Prepare and coach organizational spokespersons for interviews, media appearances, and public engagements.
Monitor media coverage, sector issues, and emerging trends to identify opportunities and risks to WoodGreen's reputation.
Develop and oversee WoodGreen's paid media strategy in support of awareness, fundraising, recruitment, advocacy, and engagement objectives.
Lead annual media planning, budgeting, forecasting, and investment recommendations.
Manage paid media initiatives across digital, search, social media, display advertising, video, audio, print, transit, broadcast, and other appropriate channels.
Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to develop integrated media campaigns.
Monitor and optimize campaign performance through audience targeting, creative testing, channel selection, and budget allocation.
Ensure media investments support organizational objectives and maximize effectiveness, reach, and return on investment.
Manage relationships with media buying agencies, advertising partners, publishers, and platform representatives.
Develop performance reports and recommendations related to paid media effectiveness and future investment opportunities.
Develop and implement strategies that position WoodGreen leaders as trusted experts on issues affecting the communities WoodGreen serves.
Identify opportunities for speaking engagements, conferences, media commentary, sector events, publications, podcasts, and public forums.
Develop executive communications including speeches, articles, opinion editorials, presentations, briefing materials, and public-facing content.
Translate program expertise, research findings, evaluation outcomes, and organizational insights into compelling thought leadership content.
Support leadership participation in strategic public engagement opportunities that advance WoodGreen's influence and visibility.
Identify and develop stories that highlight client outcomes, innovation, partnerships, research, and organizational impact.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to create compelling external content that supports communications, advocacy, fundraising, and marketing objectives.
Ensure all content aligns with organizational branding, accessibility standards, and inclusive communication practices.
Support integrated communications planning and campaign development across multiple channels and audiences.
Support development and implementation of crisis communications, issues management, and reputation protection strategies.
Monitor social, political, media, and sector environments for issues that could impact WoodGreen.
Develop holding statements, key messages, response strategies, and communications materials for emerging issues.
Provide communications counsel to leaders regarding reputational considerations and stakeholder response approaches.
Support coordinated organizational responses to sensitive or high-profile situations.
Build and maintain relationships with sector organizations, community partners, researchers, advocacy groups, government stakeholders, and strategic collaborators.
Identify opportunities to advance WoodGreen's visibility through partnerships, joint initiatives, research dissemination, and public education efforts.
Support organizational advocacy priorities through strategic communications and public engagement activities.
Establish and monitor performance indicators across earned, paid, owned, and shared media channels.
Analyze media coverage, audience engagement, share of voice, advertising performance, sentiment, website traffic, and campaign effectiveness.
Prepare regular reports and recommendations for leadership regarding performance, risks, opportunities, and emerging trends.
Utilize research, analytics, and audience insights to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.
Provide strategic communications expertise and guidance to leaders and departments across the organization.
Support media relations and communications capacity building for organizational spokespersons and subject matter experts.
Manage external consultants, vendors, and agency partners as required.
Contribute to departmental planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform other related duties as assigned.