Communication Lead

Award Canada is a Canadian non-profit organization based in Ontario that offers services nationwide in both English and French. Although English is the primary language of the workplace, fluency in both English and French is strongly valued. To be considered for this position, you must have the legal right to work in Canada.

This is a new position.

Salary range: $73,913 to $77,932

AI is not used in the selection process.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director, Business Development & Communication, the Communications Lead will prioritize the development and execution of the communications function that advances Award Canada’s strategic plan. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on delivery across public relations, media relations, digital platforms, content, social media, campaigns, and internal coordination—ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging that strengthens engagement with educators, partners, funders, volunteers, and young people.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy, planning, and leadership

• Develop and execute annual communications, public relations, and media relations strategies aligned to organizational priorities, partnerships, and the strategic plan.
• Advise senior leadership on communications strategy, messaging, stakeholder engagement, and issues/crisis communications.
• Translate complex programs and initiatives into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Lead integrated campaign planning (recruitment, awareness, seasonal initiatives), including measurement and optimization.

Content, storytelling, and quality control

• Oversee and produce high-quality written, digital, and visual content across the website, announcements, reports (including annual reports), and other institutional communications.
• Maintain editorial control and approve marketing and public relations materials published on behalf of Award Canada, ensuring brand, tone, and accuracy.
• Lead storytelling initiatives (concepting, scripting, coordination, editing, socials, Youtube) for digital channels; video production/editing is an asset.

Digital presence, social media, and engagement

• Review and optimize Award Canada’s website and digital presence to strengthen visibility, consistency, and user experience.
• Oversee social media strategy, content calendars, execution, and performance measurement to drive engagement and awareness.
• Coordinate and manage third-party vendors and partners (e.g., website development, social media support, production materials) to deliver agreed outcomes.

Partnerships, revenue enablement, and stakeholder relations

• Develop and maintain media relations strategies and relationships to promote Award Canada’s mission, programs, and impact.
• In collaboration with Revenue Development, support alternative business development strategies that leverage media and marketing streams to grow revenue.
• Liaise with Account Management, Partnerships, and the Virtual Award Centre on sponsorship and partnership agreement development.
• Coordinate with staff and volunteers in regional offices to support local PR activities and consistent messaging.

People leadership and internal coordination

• Manage, plan, coordinate, and support the work of the communications function, setting priorities and enabling strong day-to-day execution.
• Own and manage the internal communications calendar, aligning updates and milestones across teams.
• Provide project management for major initiatives and events (e.g., anniversary campaigns and key organizational projects).
• Oversee the Award (youth and volunteer) ambassador program and support Local Council communications efforts.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, or a related discipline (public relations specialization is an asset) or equivalent working experience.
• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, corporate communications, or integrated marketing and communications.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies and implementation plans.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills; ability to translate complex topics into clear messages.
• Hands-on experience with web content management and digital content production.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms, digital engagement, and performance measurement.
• Proven media relations skills and established media contacts; experience with reputation and issues management.
• Experience in crisis communic