DIRECTOR MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS

ROLE OVERVIEW
DIRECTOR MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
About us
The Volunteer Well is a Canadian non-profit dedicated to fostering a more inclusive, compassionate society by directly connecting volunteers ("givers") with individuals in need ("receivers"). Through an innovative direct-source volunteering model, we empower individuals, strengthen families, and unite communities, especially those facing systemic barriers such as women, seniors, new immigrants, low-income individuals, and marginalized groups. Our mission is carried out through an online digital portal (Generosity Hub), impactful inclusive programs and events, partnerships with businesses and philanthropists, and advocacy for generosity as a force for social change. By breaking down traditional barriers to support and promoting a culture of giving and receiving, we envision a world where kindness, justice, and human connection thrive.

Why join us?
By joining The Volunteer Well, you will:

• Be part of a passionate team committed to strengthening communities and fostering human connection.
• Build meaningful relationships and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Make a real impact while giving back to the community.
• Enjoy a sense of fulfillment by contributing to a cause that promotes inclusivity and support for those in need.

Role overview
The Director of Communications, Marketing & Public Relations is a strategic and governance role that offers oversight and advisory support for all aspects of the charity’s external communications, digital marketing, and public relations. In this role, the Director ensures that all communications and marketing initiatives are aligned with The Volunteer Well’s mission, vision, and values, and that they effectively promote the charity’s initiatives to a diverse range of audiences. While providing strategic leadership, the Director does not directly manage day-to-day execution but serves as an advisor and resource for both the Board and the Communications/Marketing team.

Key Responsibilities
Governance & Strategic Oversight

• Provide expert guidance in formulating and refining communications, marketing, and public relations strategies that align with nonprofit best practices and support the charity’s goals.
• Advise on the development and adjustment of communication policies, digital marketing practices, and media outreach protocols to ensure consistency, inclusivity, and legal compliance.
• Work closely with the Board, attending designated board meetings and offering strategic input on communications-related decisions.

Operational Communications & Marketing Support

• Collaborate with the CEO and the communications/marketing team to craft comprehensive strategies for enhancing visibility across digital platforms, traditional media, and community outreach.
• Oversee the planning and execution of media outreach, press releases, and event coordination, ensuring messaging consistency and timeliness.
• Support the formulation of crisis communications protocols and manage media inquiries to uphold the reputation and integrity of the organization.

Collaboration & Role Boundaries

• Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and the communications/marketing team, providing recommendations without assuming direct operational control.
• Ensure that strategies and initiatives are executed in close collaboration with internal stakeholders, external partners, and board members, while respecting established governance frameworks.
• Clearly delineate advisory responsibilities from day-to-day management, ensuring operational execution remains within the purview of the designated teams.

Policy & Process Development

• Lead efforts to review, develop, and refine policies governing public relations, digital marketing, and content dissemination.
• Advise on the creation and optimization of digital marketing strategies—including SEO, social media, and website management—to boost online presence.
• Ensure that all communications and marketing processes meet current nonprofit standards and legal requirements while supporting structural scalability and inclusivity.

Fundraising & Sustainability Commitment

• Contribute to the organization’s financial sustainability by actively supporting fundraising initiatives. This includes leveraging media relationships, personal networks, and communications channels to promote funding opportunities.
• Help ensure that the organization’s marketing expenditures and resource allocations are in line with overall board expectations and fiduciary responsibilities.

Time Commitment & Expectation

• Term: Director of Marketing, Communications & Public Relations is a minimum of a 3-year term, with the option for renewal for a further term upon expiry.
• Monthly and Annual Commitment: At least 8 hours per month devoted to board-level meetings, strategic consultations, and advisory support, committee consultations, as well as additional strategic sessions with CEO/ teams as necessary.
• Board Meeting Participation: Attend at least 4 out of 6 virtual board meetings per year, as well as additional strategic sessions as necessary.
• Active Engagement: Remain actively involved with both strategic planning and oversight of communications and marketing initiatives, without being involved in day-to-day operations.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: Senior-level expertise in communications, digital marketing, or public relations, ideally with a background in the nonprofit sector.
• Strategic Insight: A proven track record in developing and executing comprehensive communications and marketing strategies.
• Advisory Skills: Demonstrated ability to provide strategic guidance and collaborate effectively with leadership teams while maintaining clear role boundaries.
• Commitment to Inclusion: A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a personal alignment to The Volunteer Well’s mission and values.
• Fundraising Acumen: Experience in leveraging communications for fundraising efforts and supporting broader financial sustainability.

Lived experience and Diversity Statement
The Volunteer Well is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, women, newcomers, persons with disabilities, low-income families, and other equity-deserving groups. We recognize that lived experience is a valuable asset and will be considered where applicable to the role.