Director of Communications (Volunteer)

The primary role of the Director of Communications is the execution of UNACTO’s communications plan and the achievement of UNACTO’s communications objectives. The Director of Communications reports to the Vice President with a dotted line to the President.

This is a generalist role. Prospective applicants wishing to gain comprehensive exposure to various aspects of a communications environment are highly encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants should attach a cover letter and résumé (PDFs).

Note: This position is intended to support the 2025–2026 season, with the option to renew each year.

Key Areas of Responsibility

The Director of Communications is responsible for the development of UNACTO’s communications strategy and for managing its team members. This includes:

• Working alongside and supporting the communications team (approximately 10-20 volunteers) to ensure their objectives are realized
• Overseeing and assisting in the development and execution of online events, social media campaigns, journals, email marketing and UNACTO’s seasonal e-newsletter
• Ensuring consistency of branding and formatting for all of UNACTO’s communications materials with attention to maintaining the UN global brand
• Contributing to UNACTO’s social media and journal strategy by supporting the creation and tracking of the social media and journal calendar
• Conceptualizing UNACTO’s digital and print media strategy and publishing content across UNACTO’s social media, website, e-newsletters and other areas
• Tracking communications-related KPIs and making recommendations
• Finding relevant outreach opportunities and developing and maintaining key partnerships
• Representing UNACTO as a point of contact in external communications to the public and stakeholders
• Encouraging team engagement, accountability and commitment to deadlines
• Hiring and on-boarding/off-boarding communications team members
• Evaluating the communications team’s success
• Publishing content on UNACTO’s website and social media platforms
• Other relevant duties as required

Desired Skills

• A genuine interest in the United Nations mission and SDGs
• A post-secondary diploma in journalism, communications, or a related field (in progress or completed) or an equivalent combination of academic and professional experience
• At least 3-5 years of communications work experience
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Ability to connect with and lead a team
• A proven ability to communicate professionally and interact effectively at all audience levels
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading and design skills
• Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital/social media to create fresh and engaging content for Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok
• Good visual communication skills in photography and art direction
• Experience with the Adobe Suite is desirable
• Attention to detail, ensuring branding across UNACTO’s communications channels
• Knowledge of email and web marketing tools like Mailchimp and Eventbrite
• Familiarity with the Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Trello, Slack and Zoom
• Excellent research skills and experience with synthesizing information into accessible forms
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills and a passion for storytelling and creating compelling content
• Strong interpersonal skills and a positive, flexible, team-oriented and responsive attitude toward open communication
• Time management skills—prioritizing, scheduling, adapting—and a commitment to deadlines

About UNACTO

The United Nations Association in Canada Toronto Region Branch (UNACTO) is a division of the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada), which is a historic national charitable organization established in 1946. UNA-Canada is a founding member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) and today holds its elected Vice-Chair representing global civil society.

UNACTO is dedicated to elevating the principles of the UN Charter and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by delivering innovative signature programs. Our work is guided by three core principles: Integrity, Inclusiveness and Compassion. We believe in building a better tomorrow by engaging the youth of the Greater Toronto Area and in growing global citizens through knowledge of the UN and its initiatives.

Our Team

All UNACTO roles are volunteer-based and offer a chance to make a real impact.

Time commitments vary by role, but every position offers opportunities to build skills, grow your network, and give back to the community.

Our Board provides strategic guidance while our Operational Team brings our programs to life.

All roles are virtual, with chances to join UNACTO events and connect with inspiring people along the way.