Summary

The Director of Communications & Public Relations is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication initiatives that enhance public awareness, stakeholder engagement, and support for Salus’ mission.

Description

Position: Director, Communications & Public Relations
Position Type:    Full Time Excluded Position
Reports to: President & CEO
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Purpose:
The Director of Communications & Public Relations is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication initiatives that enhance public awareness, stakeholder engagement, and support for Salus’ mission. This role involves crafting key messaging, managing media relations, and leading thought leadership efforts to advance organizational priorities. Reporting to the President & CEO, the ideal candidate is a strategic and results-driven communicator with expertise in internal and external communications, media relations, digital content creation, and stakeholder engagement. Experience in the nonprofit, supportive housing, or healthcare sector, along with bilingual proficiency in English and French, is required. 

Responsibilities:
Areas of responsibility of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy, using data-driven insights to optimize impact and alignment with organizational objectives. 
  • Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on internal and external public relations and communications matters. 
  • Support the President & CEO and the Board of Directors with speaking notes, briefing materials, and event preparation 
  • Lead internal communications efforts to foster a strong and cohesive organizational culture. 
  • Drive initiatives that enhance public understanding of supportive housing issues. 
  • Oversee crisis communication strategies and provide guidance on reputational risk management. 
  • Ensure consistency in messaging and branding across all platforms. 
  • Collaborate with external agencies and consultants to enhance communication initiatives. 
  • Manage external communications, including media relations, op-eds, press releases, and digital content. 
  • Craft compelling messaging, reports, and other communication materials. 
  • Oversee content creation for newsletters, the website, social media, and annual reports. 
  • Prepare media materials such as backgrounders, Q&As, and advisories. 
  • Monitor media coverage and assess its impact to refine communication strategies. 
  • Serve as a spokesperson for the organization as directed. 
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the President & CEO.

Qualifications:

  • Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. 
  • 10+ years of experience in communications or public relations, including at least four years in a leadership role. 
  • Proven success in developing and executing strategic communication plans. 
  • Ability to translate complex information into accessible messaging for diverse audiences. 
  • Expertise in social media, digital marketing, and content creation. 
  • High level of diplomacy, discretion, and leadership capabilities. 
  • Experience in the nonprofit or healthcare sector is an asset. 
  • Bilingualism (English/French) is required.

Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of best practices as it relates to internal and external communications.
  • Knowledge of Ottawa’s and Canada’s media landscape.  
  • Knowledge of office software applications including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), virtual meeting platforms (MS Teams, Zoom), and collaboration platforms (SharePoint).

Skills:

  • Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. 
  • Exceptional writing, editing, verbal communication, and presentation skills. Ability to communicate with broad audiences.
  • Ability to manage projects, multitask and to persevere in adverse circumstances
  • Ability to manage time and resources effectively.
  • Ability to represent the agency effectively in the community.

Suitability:

  • Displays values and attitudes in keeping with the helping professions and with Salus vision, mission and values.
  • Demonstrates professionalism.
  • Utilizes sound judgement, common sense and considers the big picture in decision making.
  • Demonstrates initiative, independent thinking, versatility and flexibility.
  • Shows a commitment to work and lifelong learning.
  • Ability to handle pressure and changing work demands.

Hours of Work:
Working hours shall be established by Ottawa Salus in accordance with its operational requirements. This may include but is not limited to: regular business hours, after hours, on-call or such other hours as may be necessary to fulfill the role.

Language Requirement:

  • A high degree of fluency in English and French is required.

Key Relationships:

  • All Managers and Directors
  • Board of Directors
  • Media
  • General Public