Director of Communications and Public Affairs

Good Shepherd; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 92,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Professional development

Employee assistance program

Extended benefits

Job summary

Good Shepherd is seeking a Director of Communications and Public Affairs to lead comprehensive communications strategies across Hamilton, Toronto and Niagara. Reporting to the COO, this leader will direct a small team, shape messaging, oversee media and government relations, and guide advocacy to support funding and organizational priorities.

The role requires senior leadership experience, strong writing and strategic planning, and the ability to travel across the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Journalism, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, and/or government relations
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience, including supervising and developing teams
• Demonstrated experience in government relations within Canada, with strong understanding of municipal, provincial, and federal systems
• Experience in the non-profit sector, preferably within healthcare or social services
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across diverse audiences
• Experience managing media relations and crisis communications
• Strong relationship-building skills with executives, government officials, media, and community partners
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Experience with grant writing and program evaluation reporting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and digital communication tools
• Experience with social media strategy, content management systems, and digital platforms
• Valid Ontario driver's license and ability to travel across Hamilton, Niagara, and Toronto
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and cultural competence

Responsibilities

• Lead all internal and external communications across Good Shepherd Centres and Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes
• Develop and implement integrated communications strategies to enhance organizational visibility and public perception
• Oversee media relations, media strategy, and issues management, including acting as spokesperson when appropriate
• Lead crisis communications planning and execution to mitigate reputational risk
• Advise the CEO and senior leadership on communications strategy and messaging
• Establish and maintain relationships with municipal, provincial, and federal government interest holders
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of advocacy strategies aligned with Good Shepherd's mission and broader health and human services priorities
• Monitor legislative and policy developments and provide strategic insights to leadership
• Support funding access through strategic government engagement and relationship-building
• Lead and mentor the communications team, including performance management and professional development
• Build and maintain relationships with media, community partners, funders, and internal interest holders
• Identify and lead grant opportunities, including proposal development, grant writing, and program evaluation reporting
• Develop and manage the communications budget and oversee vendor and consultant relationships
• Ensure all communications are culturally competent, respectful, and aligned with anti-racist and anti-oppression frameworks
• Represent Good Shepherd at external meetings, events, and community engagements
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and organizational standards
• Participate in Good Shepherd's Health and Safety programs and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Skills

Leadership

Government relations

Media relations

Crisis communications

Grant writing

Strategic communications

Team development

Budget management

Writing skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

CMS

Social media

Digital platforms

Job description

Hours of Work:

37.5 hours per week, flexibility in hours of work

Rate of Pay

47.25 - 57.42(Starting salary will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions)

Reason For Posting

This posting is for a new vacancy.

Who We Are

At Good Shepherd, we are committed to providing hope and enhancing dignity and self-determination for individuals and families. To learn more about Good Shepherd, visit our website at www.goodshepherdcentres.ca

This opportunity is with our Good Shepherd – Administration

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs plays a critical leadership role in enhancing Good Shepherd's profile and influence in Hamilton, Toronto and Niagara. This role leads the development and execution of comprehensive communications strategies, government relations, and media engagement, ensuring that all messaging reflects the organization's mission, vision, and values.

This is a dynamic leadership opportunity to help shape organizational voice, strengthen public partnerships, and support funding and advocacy efforts. The Director will lead a small communications team while working closely with senior leadership, community and government partners to advance Good Shepherd's strategic priorities.

How You Will Make an Impact

With a demonstrated commitment to the values of Responsibility, Availability, Adaptability, Quality, Hospitality, and Dignity, you will:

• Lead all internal and external communications across Good Shepherd Centres and Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes
• Develop and implement integrated communications strategies to enhance organizational visibility and public perception
• Oversee media relations, media strategy, and issues management, including acting as spokesperson when appropriate
• Lead crisis communications planning and execution to mitigate reputational risk
• Advise the CEO and senior leadership on communications strategy and messaging
• Establish and maintain relationships with municipal, provincial, and federal government interest holders
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of advocacy strategies aligned with Good Shepherd's mission and broader health and human services priorities
• Monitor legislative and policy developments and provide strategic insights to leadership
• Support funding access through strategic government engagement and relationship-building
• Lead and mentor the communications team, including performance management and professional development
• Build and maintain relationships with media, community partners, funders, and internal interest holders
• Identify and lead grant opportunities, including proposal development, grant writing, and program evaluation reporting
• Develop and manage the communications budget and oversee vendor and consultant relationships
• Ensure all communications are culturally competent, respectful, and aligned with anti-racist and anti-oppression frameworks
• Represent Good Shepherd at external meetings, events, and community engagements
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and organizational standards
• Participate in Good Shepherd's Health and Safety programs and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act

What You'll Bring to Our Team

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Journalism, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, and/or government relations
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience, including supervising and developing teams
• Demonstrated experience in government relations within Canada, with strong understanding of municipal, provincial, and federal systems
• Experience in the non-profit sector, preferably within healthcare or social services
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across diverse audiences
• Experience managing media relations and crisis communications
• Strong relationship-building skills with executives, government officials, media, and community partners
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Experience with grant writing and program evaluation reporting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and digital communication tools
• Experience with social media strategy, content management systems, and digital platforms
• Valid Ontario driver's license and ability to travel across Hamilton, Niagara, and Toronto
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and cultural competence

Assets:

• Bilingual (French/English)
• Familiarity with CARF accreditation standards
• Knowledge of homelessness, mental health, addiction, and social services sectors

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with hybrid flexibility
• Regular travel required across Good Shepherd locations in Hamilton, Niagara, and Toronto
• Occasional evening and weekend hours for events, meetings, and crisis response
• Fast-paced environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines
• May encounter service users experiencing mental health challenges, substance use, or crisis situations

What We Offer

• Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
• Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and EMPLOYEE FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
• A POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING workplace culture
• Opportunities to make a meaningful impact and provide HOPE
• Extended health benefits

Join our team and be part of a group that values hard work, dedication, and the importance of maintaining a positive environment for everyone

Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve.

Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from all people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you need accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905-528-5877.