Manager, Communications

**Job Opportunity - Manager of Communications**

First Work is Ontario’s workforce development network and association group for Employment Service Providers, advocating for this sector’s practitioners and the jobseekers they serve, especially youth and newcomers. Our 100+ member network convenes to share best practices in the space, advance evidence-based policy recommendations, and identify training needs to best serve jobseekers. Our Province-wide lens into local economies enables dual-customer (jobseeker and employer), community solutions to labour challenges. Our direct engagement with jobseekers, employers, and policy-makers enables robust collaboration opportunities for stakeholders unified in a commitment to transforming Ontario’s workforce.

**The Opportunity**:
First Work is looking for an individual to take on the role of the Manager of Communications. This role reports to the Executive Director. The primary responsibility is to lead internal and external communication efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The Manager of Communications will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s communication strategies across planning, content creation, strategic and crisis communication planning, and stakeholder engagement, including media relations. The Manager of Communications will lead the Communications team and drive performance while maintaining consistency in messaging and reinforcing the organization’s brand and reputation.

The successful applicant will demonstrate sound judgment, be flexible and willing to learn and adapt to different work assignments in a team setting.

**Tasks and Responsibilities**

**1. Communication Management, including content creation**
- Oversee the development, distribution, and management of internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Foster a positive workplace culture by keeping employees well-informed about company news, policies, and initiatives.
- Create, edit, and manage high-quality content across multiple platforms and print materials, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the company’s brand.
- Monitor and analyze communication strategies and stakeholder engagement efforts, providing regular reports on metrics and feedback.
- Support the development and execution of internal and external communications strategies, including content creation for programs and projects.
- Develop, write, and edit communications materials and presentations, ensuring adherence to corporate communications policies and branding standards.
- Coordinate distribution and creation of content through various channels, including webinars, Member Eblasts, website communications, and other relevant materials.
- Ad hoc tasks as assigned.

**2. Strategic and Crisis Communication Planning**
- Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives.
- Craft messaging for various audiences, maintaining consistency and clarity across all communication channels.
- Monitor issues relevant to a specified theme on an ongoing basis, including industry and government developments both in Canada and globally.
- Manage communication on engagement platforms, ensuring consistent and effective communication with stakeholders.
- Devise and implement crisis communication plans to address potential issues that may affect the company’s reputation.
- Serve as a key member of the crisis management team, providing strategic communication guidance during critical situations.

**3. Stakeholder Engagement, including media relations and events.**
- Cultivate relationships with various stakeholders, including community groups, business partners, government agencies, and media outlets.
- Serve as the primary liaison for stakeholder inquiries and engagement activities.
- Foster and sustain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media representatives.
- Coordinate and manage media outreach of initiatives, activities, and events, including press releases, media kits, and press conferences.
- Ensure seamless execution of initiatives, activities, and events, positively reinforcing the on the company's brand and reputation.
- Plan and manage communications for organization events, including stakeholder meetings, conferences, and community outreach programs.

**4. Team Building and Leadership**
- Ensuring the organization has the necessary skills and structure to effectively achieve goals.
- Setting clear and achievable deliverables for team members.
- Overseeing the divisional employee performance management process to ensure accountability and alignment with organizational and personal goals.
- Providing continuous feedback and developmental guidance to support employee growth and success.
- Cultivating a vibrant company culture and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork and innovation.

**Who you are**:

- Detail Oriented & Organized - Strong attention to de