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Job Posting – Communications Manager

Organizational Profile

The North York Harvest Food Bank is the second-largest food bank in Toronto, distributing more than 1.4 million pounds of food last year through 60 neighbourhood programs. An independent, charitable organization, it envisions a community where all members are able to meet their food needs. In 2009, more than 160,000 food hampers were provided to people living in northern Toronto, an area bounded by Hwy. 27, Steeles Avenue, Victoria Park Avenue, and St. Clair Avenue/Eglinton Avenue.
 

Position Summary:

You will be responsible for increasing the profile of North York Harvest in the community by creating and executing a broad, strategic communications plan and related initiatives, establishing an integrated brand platform, writing promotional materials and thus supporting major fund and food raising initiatives, and educating the general public on the issues of hunger and its causes.

The incumbent will employ his or her seasoned communications skills as well as passion for food security in a medium-sized charity.

This position will be especially busy during the large-scale food drives, including during major holiday seasons.

Reporting Relationship: The Communications Manager reports to the Executive Director

Hours: 21 hours per week including some weekend or evening hours.

To start: as soon as possible
 

Key Accountabilities:

1. Leadership. Provides leadership and direction to this position, including by:

  • Assisting in strategic planning as it pertains to communications.
  • Spearheading an increased profile of North York Harvest in order to meet set targets for food and funds

2. Strategic Communications and Public Relations. Developing the overall communications activities and ensuring they are aligned with the strategic direction of NYH, including by:

  • Developing and implementing multi-year strategic communications and media plans to support North York Harvest initiatives, including large-scale food drives, community food drives and signature events.
  • Coordinating and delivering media and promotional events to support the organization’s strategic plan and vision and to highlight NYH’s work; Identifying opportunities and acting on them.
  • Planning and developing story angles and ideas aimed at promoting awareness of the issue of hunger and poverty in northern Toronto to broad, specific and diverse audiences
  • Building and maintaining the organization’s visibility through social media
  • Assisting the Executive Director with public policy and government relations, representing NYH at relevant meetings, consultations and other event.
  • Monitoring media for key news and actions
  • Providing media and public communications support and guidance to NYH staff

3. Marketing and Branding. Leads NYH’s strategic, integrated marketing and branding, ensuring messages, materials and visuals are aligned and cohesive, including by:

  • Creatively developing, writing, editing, designing and coordinating production of all communications materials, including press releases, newsletters, annual report, brochures and website as well as in-store food drive branding, that articulate messages, engage stakeholders and integrate with and support initiatives for donor engagement, relationship building and revenue generation
  • Collaborating to ensure consistency of messaging and promotion of education and public informational material
  • Developing a policy on corporate image standards to ensure appropriate and consistent expression in all communications materials and activities

4. Record Keeping. Produces complete and accurate records of media coverage and media contacts, including by:

  • Monitoring the results and effectiveness of various media activities and campaigns
  • Maintaining accurate and timely records of media coverage

5. Stakeholder Relations and Team Work. Maintains active, professional and cordial relationships with stakeholders and actively contributes to a supportive and inclusive team, including by:

  • Developing and maintaining effective relations with the media, including city-wide, local and ethnic media outlets.
  • Staying up to date with NYH’s work and programs in order to provide knowledgable comments when required.
  • Actively contributing to a well-functioning Administration Department
  • Working closely with all departments, especially the Development and Community Engagement Departments with respect to messaging and approach
  • Acting as a resource to facilitate optimal internal communication between team members
  • Working inclusively with volunteers as needed

6. Events and Activities. Supports other NYH events and activities as required.

7. Other duties as assigned.
 

Qualifications

  • A degree or diploma in communications, public relations or related discipline
  • 3-5 years progressive experience, including direct experience with the media
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with an ability to deliver a sharp message
  • Experience with and affinity for working in a medium-sized non-profit, charitable environment
  • Interest in and knowledge of food security, hunger issues or social services in the GTA an advantage
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Acrobat with some knowledge of layout and design applications and principles
  • Experience in creatively using new and traditional media to reach various audiences
  • Adept at time management, planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking and follow-through
  • Outstanding written and oral communications
  • Superior accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently but also as part of a team, across departments, and with volunteers
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as required

North York Harvest Food Bank is committed to employment equity and encourages applicants from equity seeking groups.

Please forward cover letter and resume to jobs [at] northyorkharvest [dot] com, attention Anette Chawla, Executive Director, no later than Sunday, August 8, 2010. Please attach these documents to your email and insert them in the body of the email. No phone calls please.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those to be invited for an interview will be contacted.