Director, Strategic Communications

JOB POSTING

Director, Strategic Communications

Full-Time | Job #26-07

ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY

Any qualified candidates are invited to apply for this vacancy.

VACANCY STATUS

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

ABOUT THE 519

The 519 creates space for change, advancing 2SLGBTQ+ equity, justice, and community wellbeing in Toronto and beyond. Through our integrated model of service, space, and leadership, we work alongside communities to respond to immediate needs while driving long-term social transformation.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director, Strategic Communications leads The 519’s external communications, brand, storytelling, and donor-facing content strategy. Reporting to the Head of Strategy, this role is responsible for shaping how The 519 shows up internally and externally to communities, supporters, media, and partners.

This position blends hands-on writing and editorial leadership with strategic oversight of brand, voice, and engagement, ensuring that communications and fundraising materials are compelling, values-aligned, and grounded in community realities.

The Director works closely with program, advocacy, and fundraising colleagues to translate impact into narratives that build trust, deepen relationships, and sustain long-term support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Strategy & Brand Stewardship

• Lead The 519’s external communications strategy across digital, social, media, and print channels
• Design public education and influence campaigns to advance legislative, systems, and community priorities
• Act as a steward of organizational voice, tone, and visual identity, ensuring consistency across all public-facing and donor-facing materials
• Develop and maintain messaging frameworks, editorial standards, and brand guidelines
• Ensure communications reflect The 519’s anti-racist, intersectional, and community-centered values

Writing, Editing & Content Leadership

• Serve as a senior writer and editor, producing and refining high-quality content including web copy, reports, speeches, statements, donor communications, appeals, and campaign materials
• Oversee storytelling that clearly communicates impact, urgency, and community leadership
• Support staff across the organization with content development, editing, and narrative framing
• Identify and guide content capture opportunities across programs, events, and initiatives

Development & Fundraising Communications

• Partner closely with Philanthropy staff to support fundraising objectives through compelling, values-aligned storytelling
• Support the creation of donor-facing content, including fundraising appeals, stewardship communications, newsletters, and integrated campaigns
• Support the articulation and evolution of strong case-for-support narratives aligned with organizational priorities
• Ensure donor communications are respectful, transparent, community-informed, and consistent with The 519’s brand and values
• Collaborate on integrated campaigns that align communications, development, and advocacy goals

Digital & Social Media

• Oversee The 519’s digital presence, including website content and social media platforms
• Guide content strategy for social media that balances engagement, education, advocacy, and fundraising objectives
• Ensure digital communications are timely, accessible, and responsive to emerging issues
• Establish communications performance frameworks, leveraging qualitative and quantitative metrics to evaluate brand reach, audience engagement, fundraising effectiveness, and narrative impact, and adapt content strategies to strengthen reach and impact

Media & Public Relations

• Lead media relations, including press outreach, pitching, interview preparation, and issue response
• Support organizational issues management and crisis communications, including risk monitoring, scenario planning, rapid response messaging, and executive briefing support to protect and advance the 519’s reputation
• Develop press materials such as releases, backgrounders, and media kits
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets
• Support organizational leaders and subject matter experts in media engagement

Collaboration & Team Leadership

• Manage and support communications staff, contractors, and consultants
• Foster a collaborative, values-based team culture grounded in learning, care, and accountability
• Work cross-functionally with programs, advocacy, and development teams to align communications with organizational priorities
• Oversee communications budget, including campaign investments, agency partnerships, digital platforms, and production resources, ensuring strategic and cost-effective allocation

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

1. 7+ years of experience in communications, journalism, or related fields, with leadership or management experience
2. Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a strong portfolio across formats and audiences
3. Demonstrated experience overseeing brand, voice, and content strategy
4. Hands-on experience with social media, digital content, and media relations
5. Strong editorial judgment and the ability to translate complex or sensitive issues into clear, compelling narratives
6. Experience working in nonprofit, advocacy, public sector, community-based, or mission-driven organizations preferred
7. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, values-driven environment
8. Deep understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ communities and issues, with a demonstrated commitment to inclusive and equitable practice

POSITION DETAILS

Position Status

Full-Time, Permanent

Union Status

Non-Union - Management

Salary Range

$86,716 – $112,233/ year (wage grade 6)

Benefits

Enrolled in health, dental, life and disability benefits from day one; Mandatory OMERS pension enrollment from day one.

Hours of Work

35 hours per week, with regular evening and weekend work

Vacation

3 weeks per year, pro-rated, to be used after first year of employment

Location

Due to the nature of the work, this job will be performed onsite with occasional hybrid options.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Email your cover letter and resume as one document to Careers@the519.org no later than Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 11:59pm. Please quote Job #26-07 and your name in the cover letter and in the subject line of the email. For example, in the subject line write “Job 26-07 First Name Last Name”. Please also share which pronouns you would like us to use when corresponding with you (directly and within The 519) in your email or your cover letter.