Senior Communications Manager
About The Position
KidsAbility Foundation inspires generosity to ensure children and youth with special needs and their families have access to exceptional care and support. Through philanthropy, we help create opportunities for life-changing impact across our communities. We are seeking a Senior Communications Manager to lead the strategy and execution of integrated communications that advance KidsAbility Foundation’s fundraising, stewardship, and brand priorities. This role provides leadership across content development, campaign planning and execution, storytelling, public relations, and digital engagement, ensuring all communications are cohesive, audience-focused, and aligned with organizational goals. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Communications Manager is responsible for driving clear, compelling storytelling that strengthens the Foundation’s visibility, deepens donor and community engagement, and supports fundraising success. Through strong project management and cross-functional collaboration, the role oversees the delivery of key communications initiatives, ensuring consistency in messaging, effective use of channels, and measurable impact across all activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field
- Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in communications, preferably within a non-profit or fundraising environment
- Proven experience in fundraising communications, storytelling, campaign execution, and media relations
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats and audiences
- Strong strategic thinking and project management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Experience leading integrated marketing, communications, and PR strategies
- Proven experience in media relations and managing external communications partners
- Proficiency with digital tools, social media platforms, and email marketing systems
- Collaborative, proactive, and detail-oriented with a strong results focus
- Passion for KidsAbility’s vision and purpose and ability to communicate impact effectively
- Creative, strategic, and data-informed approach to communications
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams
- Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of fundraising best practices and donor engagement strategies is an asset
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute integrated communications strategies to support donor acquisition, engagement, and retention
- Oversee creation of fundraising appeals across multiple channels
- Develop clear, compelling, donor-focused content
- Prepare presentations and internal materials to support leadership and stakeholder engagement
- Manage direct mail strategy, including focused outreach, messaging, and performance tracking
- Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver integrated campaigns
- Source and bring to life impactful stories that highlight organizational impact
- Lead ambassador-style programs, fostering strong relationships with participants
- Coordinate and support volunteer and storyteller engagement
- Guide public relations efforts to strengthen visibility and community awareness
- Manage media relations, including outreach, pitching, and inquiries
- Oversee relationships with external partners and ensure alignment on messaging and deliverables
- Equip and guide spokespeople for media and public-facing opportunities
- Lead social media strategy, including content direction and performance goals
- Develop integrated marketing and communications plans that support brand and fundraising objectives
- Provide communications support for events and on-site initiatives as needed
Benefits
- Hybrid work model based in Waterloo with regular local travel for donor meetings and flexibility to attend occasional evening and weekend events
- Competitive benefits including an optional matching RRSP program, generous vacation package and paid personal leave days
- Collaborative, supportive, and mission-focused workplace
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
