Director of External Relations (Permanent, Full-Time) - #2026075

jhsscareers; Regina; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks vacation

Monthly EDO

Pension with employer match (4%)

Non-profit sector wages and benefits

Job summary

John Howard Society of Saskatchewan seeks a Director of External Relations to provide strategic leadership across communications, program development, outreach, reporting, and fundraising activities statewide.

Reporting to the CEO, the role focuses on building strong community relationships, guiding program development, and ensuring high-quality communications across provincial and branch offices. A Bachelor’s degree and leadership experience are required, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Proven experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, program coordination, or community relations.
• Strong writing, editing, and public communication skills.
• Experience supervising staff or leading cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead external relations strategy aligned with JHSS’s mission, vision, and values.
• Grow and manage a team responsible for communications, program design, outreach, reporting, and fundraising.
• Support internal/external communications and manage media requests, website content, and public messaging.
• Oversee program design, development, documentation, workflows, and reporting to meet standards.
• Support outreach to strengthen relationships with communities, Indigenous groups, funders, and partners.
• Represent JHSS on external committees and at public events; assist with donor stewardship and campaigns.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Independent work

Deadline management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Public Relations/Human Services/Justice Studies

Tools

Websites

Social media

Databases

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position: Director of External Relations

Reporting To: CEO

Vacancies: 1

Union: Non-union, Out of Scope

Employment: Permanent, Full-time

Compensation: 4 weeks vacation, monthly EDO, 4% employer matched pension, a competitive non-profit sector wages and benefit package.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM

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About John Howard Society of Saskatchewan

We're a well-established non-profit provincial organization that provides effective, just, and humane services in response to the causes and consequences of crime, and assists individuals who are at risk or are involved in the criminal justice process.

Our Mission

The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan provides prevention, intervention, support services, and advocacy for individuals who are at risk or are involved in the criminal justice process.

Our Vision

Communities have effective, just, humane practices that support positive social outcomes.

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About the role

Position Summary

Under the direction of the CEO, the External Relations Director provides strategic leadership for JHSS’s communications, program design/development, community outreach, external reporting, and community events/fundraising functions across the organization. The role is accountable for consistent communications, high‑quality program development, and strong community relationship building across the province.

Primary Accountabilities

Leadership & Strategy

Strategic Planning:

• Lead external relations strategy aligned with JHSS’s mission, vision, and values.

• Lead and grow a team that is accountable for communications, program design/development, community outreach, external reporting, and community events/fundraising functions across the organization. Ensure consistent communication and collaboration across JHSS’s provincial and branch offices.

Communications & Media

• Support internal and external communications, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and alignment with organizational priorities.

• Support the communications efforts in managing media requests, website content, social media, and public messaging.

• Review and approve major communications, including but not limited to the Annual Report, public statements, and advocacy materials.

Program Design & Development

• Support program design and development efforts in implementing and improving existing and future program models.

• Ensure program documentation, workflows, and reporting meet provincial and organizational standards.

• Support the development of new initiatives, policies, and evaluation frameworks.

Outreach & Community Relations

• Support outreach efforts to strengthen relationships with individuals, organizations, and communities that JHSS serves..

• Support culturally informed program development and community engagement.

• Promote reconciliation‑aligned practices across JHSS programs and communications.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Help build and maintain relationships with funders, justice system partners, donors, and community agencies.

• Help represent JHSS on external committees and at public events.

• Support fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, and community awareness campaigns.

Organizational Culture & Collaboration

• Work with the Leadership Team to cultivate a healthy, kind, and productive workplace culture.

• Promote best‑practice sharing across programs and locations.

• Support continuous improvement in service delivery and organizational communication.

• Other duties as required.

Required Education, Knowledge & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Human Services, Justice Studies, Indigenous Studies, or related field; equivalent experience considered.

• Demonstrated experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, program coordination, or community relations.

• Strong writing, editing, and public communication skills.

• Experience supervising staff or leading cross‑functional teams.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.

Desired Education, Knowledge & Experience

• Experience working with Indigenous communities or Indigenous‑led organizations.

• Experience in media relations, event planning, or public advocacy.

• Experience in program design, evaluation, or project management.

• Proficiency with websites, social media, databases, and Microsoft Office tools.

• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

• Valid driver’s license an asset.

Additional Information

The above statements reflect general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work assignments that may be inherent to the position.

Criminal Record Check Requirements

Your past doesn’t need to define your future. JHSS requires a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check for all eligible employees, though the presence of a criminal record will not alone preclude employment and will be investigated to determine the circumstances and relevance of the convictions for the position being considered.