The Communications Manager is a key member of the Communications & Marketing (C&M) team. Under the direction of the Director – Communications & Marketing, this role provides communications expertise in support of the strategic priorities of all CLWR departments, including the C&M team’s own targets.
The Communications Manager will be responsible for developing tactics, overseeing implementation, monitoring progress and providing reporting on various aspects of the organization’s communications strategy, as assigned by the Director – Communications & Marketing. This will include providing as-needed communications services, developing and fulfilling content plans (including asset generation, content production and distribution), production of key communications pieces, and responsibility for digital and print channels as assigned, including CLWR’s website, email and print newsletters, social media, and donor impact reports.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Minimum knowledge (formal education/general knowledge) required:
- Degree or diploma in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Creative Communications, Marketing, or a combined equivalent experience will be considered
- Knowledge of international development and humanitarian aid. Experience communicating about global issues a significant asset.
- Understanding of CLWR’s Lutheran constituency in Canada and their ecumenical partners considered an asset
- Knowledge of fundraising, donor relations or marketing considered an asset
Minimum experience required:
- 5 years of professional communication experience with responsibility for creating content, managing projects, and coordinating print and digital channels
Technical skills required:
- Excellent written and spoken communications skills in English
- Fluency in French and/or Spanish would be considered a significant asset
- Ability to write compelling, concise stories and copy for digital and print audiences on tight deadlines
- Ability to adapt writing and communications style/tone for different audiences/goals
- Proven skill at all aspects of storytelling for communication, including identifying strong story concepts, interviewing, creating, and publishing
- Experience with storytelling and communication via multimedia and understanding of visual storytelling
- Demonstrated skill at managing print projects (such as newsletters, brochures, etc.) including overseeing design, content planning and production
- Demonstrated understanding of digital communications including website, email, and social channels
- Significant experience in media relations considered an asset
- Knowledge of photography, videography, or online advertising considered an asset
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office programs, email marketing tools, website content management systems, etc.)
Other skills or requirements:
- Exceptional initiative and follow-through with limited supervision
- Clear skill with juggling priorities and keeping deadlines amid competing demands and interruptions
- Excellence at building strong collegial relationships and developing mutual understanding with staff outside the department
- Quick ability to change gears and take on unexpected assignments (eg, after a major disaster)
- Ability to switch between team projects and independent work regularly
- Must be eligible to work in Canada
- Must be able to
- convey a high degree of commitment and passion for the mission, vision, and values of CLWR
- maintain a high level of confidentiality
- support and work within this diverse church denomination
Working Conditions:
- Hybrid/remote work option
- Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends as required by special events/circumstances
- Potential travel nationally and internationally on a limited basis
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop or laptop computer
- Lifting or moving up to 15lbs may be required
KEY RESPONSIBILITES:
Description – Communications and Marketing
Content production
- Manage an assigned file of CLWR projects, departments and external partners
- Manage production of stories and other content for CLWR’s website, social media, donor communications, promotional materials, and print publications
- For all assigned CLWR projects, develop key relationships with program staff, partner staff and content creators to ensure steady stream of assets for storytelling, including on program impact, donor engagement, refugee resettlement, and more
- Lead communication about all assigned CLWR projects and departments, including consistent ongoing written and visual storytelling, planned deeper long-form storytelling, and providing communications services for assigned projects
- Manage fulfilment of partner visibility requirements related to assigned project portfolio (may include GAC, CFGB, HC, LWF, ACT Alliance and national church partners)
- Support CLWR communications efforts through building relationships with key external networks, partners, and coalitions
- As directed, travel within Canada and internationally to generate content about CLWR’s work
Communications Services
- Provide communications expertise and guidance across CLWR
- Manage an assigned file of internal client relationships with other CLWR departments (may include Donor Relations, Refugee Resettlement, Programs, Advocacy, Operations, and more)
- Proactively ensure assigned departments have everything they need to make a compelling impression on their target audiences with relevant communications resources, messaging, branding, assets and training
- Ensure excellent relationships and mutual understanding with internal clients, including by committing to proactively learning the detail of client departments’ work
- With the Director – Communications & Marketing, make sure communications efforts in/from each department fit and promote the larger strategy of the C&M team, and the mission, vision and values of the organization
- Plan, develop and execute internal communications with employees consistent with organizational policies and procedures
Digital and print channel management
- As assigned, lead management of various CLWR channels, which may include:
- Managing the front-end user experience of CLWR’s website including updating and creating content and identifying opportunities for improving user experience and web conversions
- Managing CLWR’s social media presence, including content, branding, campaigns, and advertising, planning content schedules, recommending strategies, monitoring engagement, responding to inquiries and providing reporting
- Maintaining and developing CLWR’s multimedia database
- Writing, designing, and distributing emails through CLWR’s email marketing system
- Managing print production relationships and processes
- With the Director – Communications & Marketing, grow CLWR’s traditional media relationships and reach, including through research, producing and distributing press releases, managing contacts, and detecting emerging public relations issues
Other Organizational Tasks
- Provide occasional surge support for CLWR’s Community and Donor Relations team
- Assist with occasional special events
- Participate in related training courses, seminars, and webinars as available
- Develop working relationships with Communications Departments in similar agencies
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director – Communications & Marketing or Director of Community & Donor Relations
How to apply
Please submit your application, including cover letter and resume, in one pdf document, to hr@clwr.org by 5 pm, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, and state COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER in the subject line. Only those invited for an interview will be contacted.