Director, Communications, Public Affairs

Position details: Full time

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a Director, Communications, Public Affairs & Communications to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

NCC is the nation's leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, we have brought people together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

NCC recognizes that we work on lands that have long been cared for by Indigenous Peoples under their own laws and knowledge systems. We are committed to transforming how we do our work, advancing Reconciliation through conservation, and working with Indigenous Peoples in meaningful, respectful, and supportive ways.

Position Summary

The Director, Communications, Public Affairs & Communications provides leadership for NCC's organizational communications strategy and delivery. This role ensures that NCC's communications are aligned, consistent, and impactful across all channels, connecting our mission to audiences across Canada and strengthening our reputation as the country's leading conservation organization.

The Director leads the integrated planning framework that unites Marketing, Development, and Communications teams in shared content planning and delivery. This position also oversees internal communications, publications, and NCC's photo and video asset library, ensuring strong governance, creative quality, and efficient operations.

The role combines strategic planning, content leadership, and team management, supporting both national and regional objectives and ensuring clear, cohesive communications across the organization.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership for NCC's organizational communications, ensuring clear priorities, consistent narrative, and seamless coordination across teams and channels.

• Develop and oversee NCC's organizational communications strategy, narrative frameworks, and annual communications plan.
• Lead NCC's integrated planning framework, ensuring collaboration and alignment across Marketing, Development, and Communications for content strategy, calendar management, and campaign execution.
• Lead multi-channel storytelling initiatives that advance NCC's reputation, thought leadership, and supporter engagement goals.
• Direct the planning, editorial, and production of NCC's flagship publications (e.g., Nature Conservancy of Canada Magazine, annual report, and special reports).
• Oversee internal communications to enhance staff alignment, culture, and engagement.
• Provide communications advice and support to internal operating units, helping define objectives, align messaging with corporate priorities, and develop effective communications strategies.
• Manage NCC's visual asset library (photo and video), ensuring quality control, accessibility, and alignment with organizational standards.
• Partner with the Director, External Affairs to ensure message consistency across media relations, government relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate with Translation Services and Digital teams to ensure bilingual, accessible, and effective content delivery.
• Support the President's Office and senior leadership with executive communications materials (speeches, key messages, and thought leadership content).
• Lead and mentor a central team of communications professionals, fostering collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Contribute to integrated planning, budgeting, and performance measurement to ensure communications initiatives are efficient, data-informed, and outcome-oriented.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates strong strategic, operational, and leadership capabilities to deliver effective and integrated communications across the organization.

• Strategic Thinking: Connects communications strategy to NCC's mission, goals, and long-term priorities.
• Integration and Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships across Marketing, Development, Operations, and Regional teams.
• Narrative Leadership: Crafts cohesive, compelling narratives that advance NCC's reputation and engagement.
• Operational Excellence: Establishes efficient governance and planning systems for content, campaigns, and creative assets.
• Leadership and People Development: Inspires, coaches, and develops a high-performing communications team.
• Judgment and Influence: Provides trusted, evidence-based advice to senior leaders; manages sensitive issues with discretion.
• Innovation and Adaptability: Continuously improves tools, processes, and practices for modern, data-informed communications.

Skills and Attributes

• Proven experience leading integrated communications and content planning in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Problem solver and connector
• Strong understanding of internal communications, change communication, and employee engagement.
• Knowledge of asset management systems, visual standards, and creative production processes.
• Skilled collaborator with the ability to navigate multiple priorities and perspectives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to quality and timelines.
• Sound judgment, political acuity, and discretion.
• Commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Position Requirements

• University degree in communications, public relations, or related discipline recommended.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in communications or public affairs, including at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Experience developing and executing organizational communications strategies and managing publications or content programs.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional planning processes and internal communications initiatives.
• Experience in the environmental, non-profit, or public policy sector an asset.
• Bilingualism (English/French) an asset.

Application Deadline

November 28, 2025 | 11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

At NCC, we're committed to providing a healthy, safe, barrier free and inclusive, workplace, where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We strive for bold conservation achievements in which equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are the norm. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. NCC implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, contact us by email at to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us