MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Manager, Communications is responsible for managing and supporting the planning, development, and implementation of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto’s (CAST) internal and external communications strategies and initiatives. The Manager, Communications oversees the coordination of key marketing, branding, media and digital communications and internal and external public relations activities. Working collaboratively with the Society’s leadership team, Board and staff, the Manager, Communications supports the promotion of CAST’s priorities and strategic objectives, strengthens employee engagement with the organization’s mission, and contributes to the growth and reputation of the CAST brand through effective communications, stakeholder engagement, and brand management.
- This position is a result of an existing vacancy
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications Strategy & Brand
- Supports the development and implementation of the Agency's communications strategy, aligned to the Agency’s strategic plan and annual operational priorities.
- Leads communication planning, development, execution and measurement of Agency initiatives, projects and campaigns (e.g. Child welfare related initiatives, Agency campaigns, etc.).
- Monitors emerging communications trends and recommends opportunities to improve stakeholder engagement.
- Maintains and promotes consistent application of the Agency's brand standards across all internal and external communication channels, including intranet, staff communications, website, LinkedIn, recruitment materials and ads, etc.
- Monitors, measures and assists with analyzing the effectiveness of communications activities and recommends improvements.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Builds and maintains productive working relationships with internal leaders, community partners and key stakeholders.
- Supports communication planning for CAST’s Board of Directors, Ministry and community engagement activities.
- Coordinates stakeholder communication plans for major organizational initiatives.
- Represents the Communications department on provincial and internal committees and project teams as required (e.g. Provincial Communications Network, Children and Youth in Care Day, Pride, Black History Month, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation).
Government and Sector Relations
- Supports communications related to Ministry, government and sector initiatives.
- Assists in preparing briefing materials, key messages and presentations for senior leadership.
- Monitors issues affecting the child welfare sector and provides communications guidance to leadership.
Media Relations
- Coordinates day-to-day media relations activities.
- Leads proactive media relations efforts, including drafting media releases, statements and key messages.
- Supports the COO and CEO in responding to media inquiries and emerging issues.
- Assists in developing responses to media inquiries, and internal communications for sensitive or high-profile issues.
- Oversees, reports on and analyzes media relations efforts for the Agency
Digital Communications and Design
- Manages the Agency's website, social media channels and digital communications.
- Develops an annual content calendar and campaign plans in line with the Agency’s content calendar framework and guidelines.
- Reviews analytics and prepares reports with recommendations to improve engagement.
- Oversees digital content, creative development and online community engagement.
Content Development
- Manages the development of communication materials for internal and external audiences. Ensures all applicable materials are translated and made available in a timely manner (e.g. website articles, print publications, etc.)
- Develops copy, content and creative materials in support of campaigns, events and initiatives that align with the agency’s content calendar and strategy
- Responsible for the production of the monthly all staff e-newsletter, including engaging with departments for submissions, compiling and finessing content, e-newsletter design, layout and measurement. Drafts speeches, presentations, reports, newsletters, website and intranet content and executive communications.
- Responsible for the development and production of the annual report, strategic plan and other marketing and communications materials, including the agency’s brochures and recruitment materials. Ensures all communications reflect the Agency's strategic priorities and brand standards.
- Responsible for the Agency’s design, photography and creative, which includes designing creative assets for social media, intranet and website, and working with external vendors for larger scale productions, including annual report, strategic plan, etc. Manages and coordinates graphic design, photography and video production collaborating with external vendors as needed.
Leadership
- Supervises members of the Communications team, and provides coaching, mentoring and performance management.
- Develops departmental work plans and establishes priorities.
- Encourages innovation and continuous improvement within the Communications function.
- Builds collaborative relationships across the Agency to support organizational goals.
Financial and Administrative Responsibilities
- Manages the departmental budget on an ongoing basis throughout the fiscal year, and provides updates and reports to Finance and the CEO on a regular basis.
- Oversees vendor relationships, communication-related contracts and ensuring payables are processed in a timely manner.
- Ensures departmental activities comply with Agency policies, financial procedures and procurement requirements.
Other Responsibilities
- Champions the Agency's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-oppressive practice.
- Promotes safe work practices and compliance with health and safety legislation.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Completed University Degree or Diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science or a related field.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible communications experience.
- Minimum two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
- Experience supporting executive leaders, Board communications and external stakeholder engagement.
- Experience in government, health care, social services, public sector or a similarly complex organization is considered an asset.
Knowledge and Skills
- Demonstrated understanding of strategic communications principles and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong writing, editing and presentation skills.
- Experience preparing communications for senior leaders and executives.
- Knowledge of media relations and issues management.
- Strong computer skills, graphic design skills and working knowledge of Canva
- Ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Experience using digital communications platforms and analytics, such as Google Analytics, Critical Mention or other media monitoring software, e-newsletter software, etc.
- Ability to balance operational priorities while contributing to longer-term organizational objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing demands and tight timelines, remaining calm under pressure
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-oppressive practice.
- Bilingual in English and French, an asset
OTHER INFORMATION
Accommodation at CAST
We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the interview or selection process known in advance by contacting the Human Resources Department at 416-924-4640 x2030. Human Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.
Equity Hiring Strategy and Application Process
The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAS of Toronto) is committed to employing a workforce that is reflective of the population of Toronto as well as the diverse communities we serve. Our Equity Hiring Strategy is deemed to be a Special Program under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
- All qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to apply to this job posting.
For management postings under our Equity Hiring Strategy, applicants will be considered as follows:
- Internal qualified applicants who self-identify as being part of one or more of the following under-represented groups: 2SLGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, racialized (visible minority) and/or women.
- All internal qualified applicants
- External qualified applicants who self-identify as being part of one or more of the following under-represented groups: 2SLGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, racialized (visible minority) and/or women
- All external qualified applicants
During the online application process, applicants will have the opportunity to complete the Employment Equity questionnaire, to indicate if they self-identify as being part of one or more of the above under-represented groups. Answering the questionnaire is voluntary and all responses will be kept confidential and used only for the purposes outlined in this program. If the questionnaire is not completed by an applicant, they will not be considered as being from an equity seeking group.
The information collected will help us identify qualified applicants from the listed under-represented groups as part of our Equity Hiring Strategy. In addition, information provided will be used to understand the diversity of candidates that apply to roles within CAS of Toronto. A summary of the responses to this questionnaire will be used to help assess application trends and inform the further development, accessibility and enrichment of our recruitment programs.
Qualified applicants who are interested in this opportunity can apply for position by submitting their application consisting of a cover letter and resume by clicking the Apply button below (at www.torontocas.ca/careers), by fax (416-324-2400), or mail (30 Isabella Street, 5th Floor) to the attention of Human Resources. Applications for this position must be received in the Human Resources Department, NO LATER THAN 11:59 PM on FRIDAY JULY 31, 2026.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the posting period. Early submission is recommended. We thank all applicants for their interest; please note that only those who are under consideration will be contacted.
**The Children's Aid Society uses AI in the evaluation of questionnaire answers only**
Pay: $104,648.00-$130,118.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON M4Y 1N1
