AddressCovenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of services to hundreds of young people every day. More than a place to stay, we provide 24/7 crisis shelter and transitional housing on-site and in the community, along with comprehensive services including education, counselling, health care, employment assistance, job training and after-care. Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.
We are seeking an expert media relations manager with excellent written and verbal communications, who has advocacy skills, and an eye to detail. You will have great working relationships with the media and consider yourself a gifted storyteller. This position will report to our Director of Brand & Communications. You will be a part of a team of professionals responsible for elevating the Covenant House Brand and supporting development and other organizational teams.
Purpose of the position: This position is to provide consistent and excellent brand-focused media relations support to our agency and support the development and advancement of our leadership position and advocacy to lead change that supports and empowers youth to pursue a life of wellness and opportunity.
Responsibilities:
In this role you will:
- Lead proactive and reactive media relations and advocacy strategies to protect and enhance our brand and reputation and promote our leadership position role to support and empower youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk.
- Identify potential media issues and work with subject matter experts and the agency’s leadership team to develop responses to media inquiries and position statements.
- Provide advice and strategy execution, monitor and flag media issues in a time-sensitive manner.
- Work within the communications team and cross-divisionally to develop key messages and position statements to advance our business positions and brand awareness.
- Provide support and media relations coaching to key spokespeople based on a developed understanding and knowledge of the agency’s business, areas of focus and culture.
- Oversee the agency’s media relations and advocacy strategy and build and maintain relationships with key print, digital and broadcast media.
- Develop internal and external messaging, manage approvals, and manage distribution of key messages, press releases, Q&As, briefing documents, corporate backgrounders, etc., using a variety of methods, channels and consistent with current best practices.
- Proactively monitor, analyze and maintain thorough knowledge of relevant Covenant House topics including the current sector landscape, government priorities, key advocates and policy issues that could impact the agency, prepare summary briefing notes summarizing this information along with potential risks and opportunities.
- Monitor issues and work with key program staff to prepare responses, as required.
- Act as a strategic advisor providing recommendations on media issues and opportunities to the senior management and relevant cross-functional teams.
- Plan and lead media events to help promote our work to serve youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk.
- Help ensure all agency communications are consistent on message to cultivate and grow the brand voice and tell cohesive brand stories.
- Support the Director of Communications and team with ensuring all advocacy and media activities align with the agency’s strategic and operational plans.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5-7 years of related work experience in a senior communications role.
- Recent experience managing a team and completing annual performance plans.
- Outstanding writing and editing skills with the ability to distill complex information into clear, concise messaging and write for a broad spectrum of audiences and multi-media communications channels. Have exceptional attention to detail.
- A strong grasp on the evolving digital and traditional media landscape and established relationships with top-tier media and influencers covering politics and lifestyle.
- Innovative mindset and team player – always looking for ways to improve how the agency communicates and engages stakeholders.
- University degree or college diploma in journalism, communications, or public relations.
- Proficiency in MS Office, WordPress and professional use of social media channels (esp. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram) required.
- Knowledge of homelessness and sex trafficking an asset.
- Strategic communications certification through CPRS, or IABC an asset.
- Bilingualism (French/English) an asset.
Competencies:
- Extensive media relations experience
- Strong experience with media advocacy
- Extensive writing and editing skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Proactive team player who is highly organized
- Self-directed and analytical, ability to understand and identify key priorities
- Strong ability to multi-task and manage short and long-term projects concurrently
- Works well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Problem-solving and adaptability
As an employer, Covenant House is committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from qualified individuals who represent diverse communities. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policies on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of Covenant House recruitment process.
To ensure the safety of our staff, youth and volunteers, Covenant House Toronto has implemented a mandatory COVID 19 Vaccination Policy in compliance with the City of Toronto. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, exemptions will only be granted to individuals based on applicable medical/religious grounds
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