Director of Communications, Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement

About TEAO Canada

The Trauma and Embodiment Association of Ontario (TEAO Canada) is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization advancing trauma-responsive, culturally responsive, and community-rooted approaches to mental health, leadership, and systems change. We work alongside communities, organizations, and professionals to create spaces grounded in dignity, safety, equity, and collective care.

As TEAO continues to grow across Ontario, we are seeking a passionate and collaborative leader to join our Board of Directors as our Director of Communications, Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement.

Position Summary

This Board leadership role is ideal for someone who enjoys building meaningful relationships, strengthening organizational visibility, and helping mission-driven organizations grow through collaboration and community connection.

Working closely with the CEO & Chair, Director of Digital Accessibility & Inclusion, Board of Directors, and volunteer teams, you will help shape TEAO's external engagement strategy while fostering partnerships that strengthen our impact across communities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships

• Build and cultivate relationships with community organizations, institutions, businesses, funders, and potential collaborators.
• Support the development of strategic partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
• Identify opportunities for collaborative initiatives aligned with TEAO's mission.

Communications & Organizational Visibility

• Provide strategic guidance on communications and public engagement.
• Support organizational messaging that reflects TEAO's values and trauma-responsive framework.
• Collaborate with our communications and digital teams to strengthen public awareness and community reach.

Community Engagement

• Foster meaningful relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
• Represent TEAO at community events, networking opportunities, and partnership meetings as available.
• Support volunteer engagement and initiatives that strengthen community connection.

Fund Development Support

• Assist in identifying sponsorship, partnership, and collaborative funding opportunities.
• Support relationship-building with donors, sponsors, and organizational partners.
• Contribute strategic ideas that support TEAO's long-term sustainability.

Board Governance

• Attend monthly Board meetings.
• Participate in strategic planning and governance discussions.
• Serve as an ambassador for TEAO Canada within your professional and community networks.

Ideal Qualifications

We welcome applicants from diverse professional backgrounds, including:

• Communications
• Public Relations
• Community Development
• Non-Profit Leadership
• Business Development
• Marketing
• Government or Public Affairs
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Fund Development
• Partnership Development

We especially value individuals who demonstrate:

• Excellent relationship-building and networking skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Strategic thinking and collaborative leadership
• Passion for equity, mental health, and community impact
• Commitment to trauma-responsive and culturally humble leadership

Previous Board experience is welcomed but not required.

What You'll Gain

• Executive-level governance and Board leadership experience.
• Opportunities to shape the strategic direction of a growing provincial organization.
• Meaningful community impact through systems change and trauma-responsive leadership.
• Professional networking with multidisciplinary leaders across mental health, education, healthcare, community services, and social innovation.
• A supportive, collaborative, and values-driven Board culture.

Our Commitment

At TEAO Canada, we believe representation strengthens leadership. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled, newcomer, and equity-deserving communities, as well as individuals with lived experience that informs trauma-responsive practice.

We believe that lived experience, professional expertise, and relational leadership together create stronger organizations and healthier communities.

Join us in helping transform how communities understand, respond to, and heal from trauma—one relationship, one partnership, and one meaningful action at a time.