Director, Communications and Community Engagement

Director, Communications and Community Engagement

Reports To: Executive Director

Direct Reports: Communications Specialist (1)

Location: Greater Toronto Area | Remote First | Local travel for events and meetings

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary Range: $80,000 – $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience

About the Organization

We are a growing children's literacy charity on a mission to help every child become a confident, lifelong reader. Through evidence-based programming, community partnerships, and dedicated volunteers, we serve families across the Greater Toronto Area and are preparing to expand our reach significantly over the coming years.

Our culture is collaborative, supportive, and mission-driven. We are a small but mighty team that punches above our weight, and we're looking for a communications leader who shares our passion for literacy and wants to help us tell our story to a wider audience.

The Opportunity

As Director, Communications, you will lead our brand, messaging, and external and internal communications strategy at a pivotal moment in our growth. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will shape how we present ourselves to funders, partners, government, and the broader community.

This is a strategic leadership role with hands-on execution. You will manage one direct report

(Communications Specialist) and work closely with our Director, Development to ensure communications and fundraising efforts are tightly integrated. You will also provide backup support to the Development function as needed, contributing to our collaborative team culture.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Leadership (70%)

• Develop and execute an annual communications strategy aligned with organizational goals, brand identity, and expansion priorities
• Lead brand management, ensuring consistent voice, tone, and visual identity across all channels and materials
• Oversee digital presence, including website, social media, email marketing, and content creation
• Drive media relations, public relations, and thought leadership initiatives to raise organizational profile
• Support government relations efforts with strategic messaging, briefing materials, and stakeholder communications
• Lead communications for signature events, including our annual literacy festival
• Develop and manage internal communications to support team engagement and alignment
• Manage, mentor, and develop the Communications Specialist, building a high-performing communications team
• Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks to measure communications effectiveness and impact
• Manage communications budget and vendor relationships (designers, photographers, videographers, etc.)

Community Engagement (20%)

• Lead planning and act as project lead for signature literacy festival, The Next Chapter Festival – engaging full team capacity to ensure strong strategy and execution of this complex, high-impact event
• Develop community engagement framework that considers program alumni, volunteers, event participants and other stakeholders
• Collaborate with Director, Strategic Operations to identify and execute opportunities for targeted engagement events that reach new communities

Development Support (10%)

• Partner closely with the Director, Development to create compelling donor communications, impact stories, and stewardship materials
• Lead production of the annual report and other key fundraising collateral
• Support fundraising campaigns with creative direction, messaging, and content
• Provide backup support for Development activities during peak periods or as needed
• Contribute to grant applications and funder reports where communications expertise is required

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of progressive communications experience, with at least 2 years in a nonprofit, charity, or mission-driven organization
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications strategies
• Strong understanding of nonprofit fundraising and donor communications
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with ability to adapt tone for different audiences
• Experience managing and developing staff
• Proficiency with digital marketing tools, social media platforms, and content management systems
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Post-secondary education in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Based in the Greater Toronto Area with ability to travel locally for events and meetings

Assets

• Experience in children's services, education, or literacy organizations
• Media relations experience and established media contacts in the GTA and Ottawa
• Experience with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and email marketing platforms
• Government relations or advocacy communications experience
• Graphic design skills or experience directing creative work
• French language skills

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of $80,000 – $90,000 based on experience
• Flexible, remote-first work environment
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative, supportive team culture
• Opportunity to shape communications strategy during an exciting growth phase
• Meaningful work that makes a real difference in children's lives

Working Conditions

• Primarily remote work with reliable internet connection required
• Local travel within the GTA for events, meetings, and our annual literacy festival
• Occasional evening or weekend work for events (with flexibility provided)
• Standard office hours with flexibility to support work-life balance

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organization that transforms lives through literacy.
• Work in a collaborative and supportive team that values innovation and creativity.
• The opportunity to lead impactful initiatives that raise awareness and drive engagement.
• Enjoy a remote-first work environment.
• Professional Development Program that enhances your skills and advances your career.
• Receive a competitive salary with annual increases.
• Access a comprehensive benefits package funded by the organization.
• Participate in a Group Retirement Savings Plan program.
• Start with three weeks of paid vacation per year, plus paid sick days.
• Join a culture that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume that includes a link to your visual portfolio via our Indeed posting. Click here for the link to the posting.

We appreciate the interest of all candidates; however, only those selected will be contacted for an interview.

The Reading Partnership is dedicated to creating an environment that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We are also committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible selection process as well as a barrier-free work environment. If you require any accommodations to participate fairly in the selection process, please let us know.

Deadline to Apply: Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2026 and will continue until we select the right candidate and the position is filled.