Head of Communications

Special Olympics Ontario; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

RRSP contribution (after 1 year)

Extended health and dental benefits

Wellness programs & company events

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Special Olympics Ontario is seeking a strategic Head of Communications to lead our storytelling, strengthen our brand, and elevate athlete voices across Ontario. Reporting to the President & CEO, you will guide the organization’s communications direction, build media relationships, and ensure a clear, compelling voice across all channels.

This hands-on senior role requires balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution, mentoring the Marketing & Communications team, and collaborating with

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, media relations, marketing communications or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Shape how Special Olympics Ontario tells its story, write key messages and develop communications content.
• Guide marketing and communications strategy and bring it to life.
• Build relationships across departments and with communities to uncover stories and strengthen the organization’s impact.
• Pitch stories, respond to media inquiries, coordinate interviews and develop media materials.
• Draft speeches, key messages and announcements with the CEO and leadership team.
• Lead the Marketing & Communications team and collaborate on campaigns, events and priorities.

Skills

Strategic communications

Storytelling

Media relations

Executive communication

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) is a non‑profit organization that provides year‑round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Our mission is to create an inclusive community by offering athletes the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and build lasting relationships.

With over 23,000 athletes and 7,500 volunteers across the province, we are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities that celebrate the abilities of every individual.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Special Olympics Ontario is seeking a strategic, creative and highly collaborative Head of Communications to lead how we tell our story, strengthen our brand and elevate the voices of Special Olympics athletes across Ontario.

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this role will serve as the organization’s senior communications lead and a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who can think strategically while also executing. The successful candidate will help shape the organization’s communications direction, build greater public awareness, strengthen media relationships and ensure Special Olympics Ontario communicates with a clear, compelling and consistent voice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications & Storytelling

• Shape how Special Olympics Ontario tells its story, while actively writing and developing key messages, stories, communications and content.
• Guide our overall marketing and communications strategy and work alongside the team to bring it to life.
• Build strong relationships across departments and with our communities and key stakeholders to uncover great stories, create opportunities and strengthen how we share our impact.
• Help connect internal and external communications, ensuring our people, our stories and our brand reflect a consistent and authentic Special Olympics Ontario voice.

Executive Communication, Public Relations & Media

• Build and maintain strong relationships with media and actively seek opportunities to increase the profile of Special Olympics Ontario, our athletes and our work.
• Take a hands‑on role in pitching stories, responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews, preparing spokespeople and developing media materials.
• Work closely with the President & CEO, the Board of Directors and Senior Leaderships to draft and develop speeches, key messages, announcements, media opportunities and other high‑profile communications.
• Provide thoughtful communications and PR leadership during emerging issues, major events and sensitive situations.

Marketing, Brand & Digital

• Help grow the Special Olympics Ontario brand through both strategic direction and day‑to‑day execution.
• Develop and contribute directly to priority campaigns, social and digital content, website content and other communications materials.
• Use audience insights, analytics, emerging trends and new ideas to strengthen awareness, reach and engagement.
• Lead and develop the Marketing & Communications team while remaining an active contributor to the work.
• Work alongside colleagues across the organization to uncover stories, solve communications challenges and move projects forward.
• Collaborate closely with Fundraising & Partnerships, Programs and other teams on campaigns, events and organizational priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

We're looking for someone who combines excellent communications instincts with strong execution and seamlessly fits into our volunteer driven culture.

• 5+ years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, media relations, marketing communications or a related field.

Key Skills:

• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated experience working with media and developing proactive PR opportunities.
• Strong understanding of social media, digital communications and contemporary communications practices.
• Experience advising senior leaders or executives.
• Excellent judgement and the ability to manage sensitive or high‑profile communications.
• The ability to move comfortably between strategy and hands‑on execution.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A collaborative style and the ability to build relationships across an organization.
• Experience in the charitable, sport, public or purpose‑driven sectors is an asset but not required.

Most importantly, you believe in the power of sport and inclusion and want to use communications to help create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across Ontario.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel within Ontario is required
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle is required
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check is required by start date
• Ability to work a flexible working schedule, including evenings and weekends is required.

WHY JOIN SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO?

How We Work

Special Olympics Ontario offers a hybrid work environment, combining flexibility with purposeful in‑person collaboration at our Head Office.

As a member of the team who works closely with the President & CEO and colleagues across the organization, the Head of Communications will have a regular presence at Head Office while also having flexibility to work remotely.

The Experience We Offer

This is an opportunity to take ownership of communications for one of Ontario's most recognized sport and inclusion organizations.

You’ll have direct access to the President & CEO and a meaningful opportunity to influence organizational strategy, while still staying close to the work and the people who bring our mission to life. You’ll be hands‑on, connecting with athletes, families, volunteers and communities across Ontario, uncovering extraordinary stories and seeing firsthand how your work can help create impact through sport and inclusion.

You’ll join an organization that believes strongly in its mission while providing employees with the flexibility, trust and opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

We Offer:

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact
• A diverse, inclusive, and supportive work culture
• Casual dress code
• Generous paid time off
• RRSP contribution (after 1 year)
• Extended health and dental benefits
• Wellness programs & company events

Compensation for this role is $60,000-75,000.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Special Olympics Ontario is committed to equity and fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace culture that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique perspectives brought by individuals of all backgrounds and encourage applications from qualified candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.

Accessibility Accommodation Available

Reasonable accommodations are available on request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please let us know in advance, and we will work with you to meet your needs. Requests may be made by email to [e-mail]