Date: June 2024

Department: Marketing & Communications

Reports to: Interim Vice President of Marketing & Communication

Status: Contract Full-Time (12-month contract, with possibility of extension)

Salary: $100,000-$105,000 Per Annum Plus Benefits

Location: Etobicoke, ON

Time Required on-site: 20% (approximate)

Who We Are

Second Harvest is Canada's largest food rescue organization and is a global thought leader on perishable food redistribution. We work with thousands of food businesses from across the supply chain to redirect unsold surplus food to non-profit organizations that feed communities in every province and territory. Our mission is to keep food where it belongs: On plates and out of landfills.

The Role

The Director of Communications leads our organization's communications and public relations efforts to inspire engagement across stakeholders. This position will lead the communications strategy, build and maintain the communications and key messaging calendar, and manage media, partner, and sponsor relations. This role also serves as the primary contact for mission-based newsworthy events, oversees media strategy, contributes to content writing and development, supports the CEO's public positioning, seeks thought leadership opportunities, and oversees internal communications.

As the primary storyteller of the organization, this position actively seeks the ?story behind the story,? and inspires the public to learn more about Second Harvest's national impact.

Your Impact

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan in collaboration with leadership and the Interim Vice President of Marketing & Communications.
• Lead external communications, ensuring consistent, timely, and engaging content across multiple channels for supporters, our stakeholders, and the public.
• Provide strategic communications guidance to staff, partners, committees, and volunteers to achieve fundraising, food raising, brand awareness, and volunteer goals.
• Create and shape content that illustrates our impact. Oversee the identification, development, collection, and sharing of impact stories.
• Position the organization and the CEO effectively in the media, identifying opportunities to enhance brand presence.
• Write executive communications and speeches for CEO.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop content that aligns with our brand voice and style.
• Lead a national PR strategy, managing PR/advertising agency relationships, setting KPIs, and reporting on metrics.
• Build and maintain media contacts, proactively seeking media opportunities and managing responses.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media advisories, ensuring timely and relevant messaging.
• Enhance internal and external messaging, providing editorial oversight for organizational communications.
• Partner with the Development department to manage the Ambassador program, identifying spokespersons to represent Second Harvest and increase brand awareness.
• Lead and mentor team, fostering an inclusive environment where different perspectives are valued and contribute to success. Define expectations and set achievable goals. Support growth and wellbeing of team. Give regular feedback and recognition. Monitor performance and development goals.
• Conduct ongoing research on the hunger relief sector, food industry, and greenhouse gas emissions to identify communication opportunities.
• Identify and manage public relations risks, providing counsel and communication planning as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned to support the overall goals of the organization.

Who You Are

• Passionate: Inspired by the work of Second Harvest and eager to build on our vision of ?No Waste. No Hunger.?
• Industry Expertise: Significant demonstrated experience in senior public relations/media, with a background managing internal and external stakeholders, including media, public, corporate, and government entities.
• Strong Writer: You are able to write and edit copy in an engaging and concise way.
• Gifted Communicator and Storyteller: Advanced communication and editorial skills, with a talent for making complex ideas clear and simple. A wordsmith with hands-on knowledge of digital/social communications.
• Leader: Proven ability to motivate and lead a team in a fast-paced environment, with a commitment to accountability and a results-oriented culture.
• Strategic: Able to see the big picture and the broader vision while effectively managing current initiatives.
• Flexible: Adaptable to change, open to new technology, and able to think creatively to solve problems and meet deadlines.
• Highly organized with proven project and time management skills. We appreciate attention to detail and the ability to prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends for special events or during peak periods. Please note that we are dedicated to supporting our employees in achieving a balanced work-life schedule.

For more information about Second Harvest, please visit our Careers page.

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume using the online portal here. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only electronic applications will be accepted.

We strongly encourage applications from all candidates, especially those from equity-deserving groups, including but not limited to racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Second Harvest is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment and selection process. Please let us know if you require any accommodations.