Communications Lead

The Communications Lead will develop and execute CAEH’s communications strategy to support its mission to end homelessness. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role involves managing a high-performing team, leading campaigns, creating content, and driving advocacy to influence public policy.

Description

Job Title: Communications Lead
Reports to: Senior Director, Public Affairs and Development
Employee type: Full Time, Permanent

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) leads a national movement of individuals, organizations and communities working together to end homelessness in Canada. The CAEH works toward a Canada without homelessness by helping communities and governments apply proven approaches to transform programs, policies, and systems toward this goal.

Diversity & Inclusion

CAEH strives for inclusivity and diversity by attracting extraordinary people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Candidates with lived experience of homelessness and/or who self-identify as being from a marginalized community, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized. We ask that these candidates indicate their relevant identities in their cover letters. We are committed to equitable and fair opportunity in recruitment, selection, training, compensation, promotion, and benefits of all employees.

THE ROLE

The Communications Lead is responsible for leading the development and implementation of CAEH’s communications and campaigns strategy in support of CAEH’s mission to end homelessness. This role will lead the Communications team’s strategic initiatives across all channels and platforms, including social media, web, email, earned media, and advertising. The role encompasses CAEH’s advocacy work, annual conference and events, and communications and knowledge mobilization work in support of our Community Impact Team.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build a high-performing team of communications professionals working to end homelessness. You are collaborative, driven, and actively seek solutions, with experience across communications outputs. You will be comfortable setting strategy, managing a diverse range of projects, and keeping an eye on the big picture while getting your hands dirty.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Build, lead, and grow a small, high-performing communications team that balances quality with efficiency.
• Develop and implement integrated communication strategies in collaboration with the Senior Director, CEO, and leaders across our numerous program offerings.
• Support advocacy campaigns to influence public policy and promote innovative solutions to homelessness.
• Align communications efforts with organizational priorities, including revenue generation and movement-building goals.

Campaign Management

• In collaboration with the Senior Director, lead the planning and implementation of several large multi-channel campaigns, blending political strategy with innovative marketing tactics.
• Lead digital organizing efforts, utilizing cutting-edge tools and techniques to mobilize supporters and drive action.
• Oversee the production of newsletters, social media content, and other external communications to engage public and sector audiences executed by your team.

Content Creation & Media Relations

• Oversee content creation for social media, web, email, and other channels, ensuring a consistent and engaging voice.
• Manage media relations, craft press releases, build relationships with journalists, and secure strategic coverage.
• Collaborate on communications strategies for events, including the annual conference, to enhance attendee experience.
• Support the creation of content in both official languages.

Process Development & Capacity Building

• Project manage deliverables and coordinate the work of the communications team.
• Provide training and coaching to community partners on communications strategy and execution.
• Identify opportunities for partnerships, coalitions, and advocacy campaigns to strengthen public engagement and influence policy.
• Design and implement systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness across the communications function.
• Recruit, onboard, and mentor team members, scaling the department to meet organizational growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and integration of communications strategies.

** In addition, other duties and special projects, as assigned, to advance the mission of reducing homelessness in Canada.

ABOUT YOU

You are a Communications and Marketing professional with a passion for ending homelessness, a belief in its possibility, and a sense of urgency to drive meaningful change. Before this opportunity, you may have led communication strategy within other non-profits, at a political party, union, or with an agency focused on political campaigns. This role is ideal for someone ready to lead a strategy towards results by utilizing innovative approaches to drive impact in the industry. You thrive in fast-paced, purpose-driven environments and are ready to manage processes and projects with your team while ensuring alignment with CAEH’s vision.

Core Qualifications and Competencies

• Advocacy Expertise: 5+ years in communications and advocacy, leading digital campaigns, paid media, email programs, digital fundraising, traditional media, and social media content.
• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to develop and implement political strategies, with strong risk assessment and mitigation skills.
• Digital Advocacy Tools: Expertise in platforms like NationBuilder and New/Mode.
• Public Narrative & Writing: Strong persuasive writing and content creation skills, with attention to detail and editing expertise.
• Leadership: Experience managing teams in outcome-focused environments, coaching for growth and performance.
• Political Aptitude: Understanding of government processes, significant political experience, public policy, and ideally housing and homelessness issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in advertising agencies or public affairs consultancies.
• Knowledge of video and ad production processes.
• Familiarity with creative processes and visual design.

Additional Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, or related fields, or equivalent experience.
• Willingness to travel domestically as needed.
• Alignment with the mission, culture, and values of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.

THE DETAILS

What We Offer

We’re committed to supporting our team so they can thrive and show up for the communities we serve. Here’s what we’re proud to provide:

• Hiring Salary Range: $98,100-110,325 annually, with performance-based merit increases.
• Time Off: 5 weeks of paid vacation, a paid winter break, and up to 12 sick days annually.
• Professional Development: Access to professional development opportunities.
• Pension: Flexible plan options.
• Benefits: Comprehensive coverage, including virtual wellness and healthcare.
• Work Environment: Flexible arrangements, a supportive online culture, and employee recognition programs.
• Wellness: Resources for mental and physical health.
• Community: Inclusive, employee-led networks and inspiring leaders to support your growth.

** Some of these offerings may only be available for full-time permanent team members.

Work Environment and Travel

• This position can be located anywhere in Canada with preference for a location that is easily accessible to an international airport.
• This position requires the ability to work from a virtual/home office location without the standard support available at a business office.
• Travel at least four times a year to communities and for meetings is required.
• We value work-life balance and offer flexibility in scheduling when possible.

Software Applications Used

• Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams
• NationBuilder
• Zoom

Application Process

If you wish to be considered for this role at CAEH, please submit your resume and letter of interest through the Apply Now link on our website at caeh.ca/careers. Applications will be accepted until January 13, 2025, and will be reviewed all at once following the application closing date. Applications will be held in strictest confidence, and we will try our best to follow up promptly to inform you if your candidacy moves forward.
At all points throughout our hiring process, disability-related accommodation is available on request. Please contact info@caeh.ca with your needs or any questions you may have.
Here’s what to expect during our interview process. At any stage, feel free to ask questions about our team, organization, or the role:

• Initial Call (30 minutes): A short conversation with a hiring team member to discuss your alignment with our mission and the key responsibilities of the role. We’ll also cover logistics, such as work location, hours, and compensation.
• Second Interview (60 minutes): A deeper discussion with the hiring manager and other team members focusing on your technical skills, experience, and work style.
• Final Interview (60 minutes): A conversation with additional team members to explore value alignment and how you’d contribute to our organizational culture.
• Optional Case Study (if applicable): For some roles, we may ask finalists to complete a brief case study (no more than 2 hours of preparation). A stipend will be provided, and the activity will involve presenting your work to the hiring committee.