Communications Officer - Foundation

Ocean State Job Lot; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to mental health as a Communications Officer. In this full-time, 12-month contract role, you'll amplify the Foundation's message and drive media coverage. Collaborate with a passionate team to create compelling content and enhance brand awareness. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an impactful cause while working in a hybrid environment. If you're a creative thinker with strong media relations skills, this is the perfect chance to make a difference in the community.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in communications or media relations.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills across various formats.

Responsibilities

• Enhance CAMH Foundation’s visibility and reputation.
• Develop high-quality, multi-channel content for external audiences.

Skills

Media Relations

Content Creation

Project Management

Storytelling

Communication Skills

Creative Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Public Relations

Journalism

Job description

CAMH has a number of current career opportunities for you to consider.Select a job title to view the description and apply online

This role involves remote/work from home with a requirement for a minimum of two (2) days per week working onsite and may be subject to change as the organization works through its hybrid workforce plan and/or changing needs of the Foundation. We care about our team and community and are aligned with CAMH’s health and safety practices.

ABOUT CAMH FOUNDATION

Hi! I’m Karen Cleveland, Director of Strategic Initiatives – Marketing & Communications. I’ve spent the last nine years with CAMH Foundation watching the organization and the cause grow significantly. I am driven by working for a meaningful cause, with an exceptional team, and doing the job I love.

I believe the key to an excellent Communications Officer is not just the technical skills but the knowledge of the organization’s business, asking the right questions, listening to the answers and believing in the organization’s mission.

I invite you to join me for a conversation about your interest in CAMH, have the chance to meet members of our incredible team, and tell me more about how your career aspirations align with our bold journey to create a world where mental health is health.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres in its field. With a dedicated staff of more than 3,000 physicians, clinicians, researchers, educators and support staff, CAMH offers outstanding clinical care to more than 34,000 patients each year. The organization conducts ground-breaking research, provides expert training to health care professionals and scientists, develops innovative health promotion and prevention strategies, and advocates on public policy issues at all levels of government.

CAMH Foundation is charged with raising and stewarding funds in support of CAMH. Its role is to help transform the way we understand and address mental illness by raising awareness and increasing engagement across the country. Generous and dedicated supporters help CAMH advance discovery and innovation, build spaces that promote recovery, and break down the stigma of mental illness.

The Marketing and Donor Experience team is responsible for telling CAMH Foundation’s story, and bringing new people to the cause. As members of the team, we are committed to a positive and safe work environment where we support, listen and learn from each other and be accountable to our many key stakeholders.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Communications Officer will play a key role in amplifying CAMH Foundation’s message, increasing brand awareness and driving media coverage. The ideal candidate will bring creativity and energy to both strategic and hands-on communications efforts, with a primary focus on external audiences and occasional support for internal communications.

This is a full-time, contract (12 months) position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Brand Awareness: Proactively identify and seize opportunities to enhance CAMH Foundation’s visibility and reputation.
• Media Relations: Craft and secure impactful media coverage, including pitching and facilitating interviews, donor recognition pieces, and bylines.
• Content Creation: Develop high-quality, multi-channel content (written, visual, and audio) to share the Foundation’s impact, including press releases and audio news releases.
• Collaborative Execution: Work closely with the Marketing and Donor Experience team, as well as communications professionals in CAMH Public Affairs, to connect the dots across earned, paid, and owned media channels.
• Interviews and Photography: Interview stakeholders and capture high-quality images to support storytelling needs.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Proactively identify and mitigate risk wherever it may arise.
• Perform and supervise managers’ work in accordance with applicable provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, Foundation HR policies and applicable CAMH Policies.
• Provide a work environment that embraces diversity and is free of harassment and discrimination.
• Ensure that CAMH Foundation resources are used as efficiently as possible.
• Models the Guiding Principles.
• Performs cross functional and other duties as assigned and/or requested.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in communications, media relations, or marketing, preferably within a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of media relations, with strong media relationships.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proven knowledge of integrated marketing communications, journalism, media, and social media.
• Demonstrated ability to craft compelling stories across various formats, including long-form content, video, and social media.
• Existing media relationships with a desire to cultivate more.
• Strong writing, storytelling, and visual content creation skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize effectively and adapt to shifting deadlines.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously and collaborating across teams to ensure timely delivery.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.
• A polished, professional demeanor with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Open-minded, curious, and committed to fostering strong partnerships with staff, donors, volunteers, and partners.
• A creative thinker with the ability to address emerging issues through innovative communication strategies.
• Methodical, resourceful, and calm under pressure.
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the mission and values of CAMH and CAMHF.

Don’t sweat it if you don’t have everything listed above. We believe in growth and curiosity. If you have some of these qualities and believe this is the position that will make you excited to come into work every day, then we want to hear from you!

Salary Range: $75,398.16 to $84,413.17 annually

CAMH Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and will work with you to meet your needs. If you are a person with a disability and require assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out at [e-mail]. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.

Our north star is creating hope and improving outcomes for people facing mental illness. We work in respectful partnerships with each other and our hospital partners to inspire philanthropy and raise awareness in support of mental health.

CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting teaching, research, and clinical care across the hospital.

CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to foster a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.

CAMH strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Thank you to all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require accommodations during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.

CAMH is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace that is free from any form of discrimination and harassment. We actively encourage individuals from equity-deserving communities, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit, racialized communities, LGBTQ2S+ communities, women, and people with disabilities (including those who have experienced mental health and substance use challenges) to apply for our available positions.We appreciate the interest of all applicants and wish to ensure that all candidates have an equitable opportunity. If you require any accommodations during the interview process, please inform us.If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or to apply for a position, please contact us by emailing [e-mail] or calling 416 535 8501 x 32400. Please note that we will not respond to any calls or emails related to employment inquiries.

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