Senior Director, Communications (HYBRID)
North York, ON
Canada
Category
Communications
Experience Required
Yes
Employment Type
Employee
Work Schedule
Full-Time
Job Description

About UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

At UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, our vision is to lead the most vibrant Jewish community in North America - a community characterized by its diversity, unity, compassion, generosity and commitment to Jewish values. Together with our philanthropic, volunteer and professional leadership, we’re changing lives.

 

As one of North America’s leading Jewish non-profits, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto works to preserve and strengthen the quality of Jewish life in Greater Toronto, Canada, Israel and around the world. UJA advances this mission through fundraising, programs, and research focused on our strategic pillars: fighting poverty and improving well-being, growing Jewish education and identity, countering antisemitism and hate, and strengthening connections with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

 

About the Opportunity

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto is at a pivotal moment, and we invite you to join us on a transformative journey that will shape the future of the Toronto Jewish Community. In the wake of the events of October 7th, the need for effective communication has never been more crucial. As our community faces uncertainty, UJA must lead with clarity and purpose, articulating our mission, the impact of our work, and how community members can engage meaningfully.

 

As Senior Director, Communications, you will play a key role in developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that unites and strengthens our community’s voice. Your responsibilities will encompass issues management and crisis communications, stewardship reporting, impactful content creation, speech writing, and marketing communications for both digital and direct mail campaigns focused on fundraising and program recruitment. Your expertise will be vital in identifying key stakeholders and crafting tailored strategies to effectively address their needs and concerns.

 

Situated within the Integrated Development Department, you will report directly to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications and work collaboratively with colleagues across all teams at UJA Federation.

 

This is a unique opportunity to lead impactful communications efforts during a critical time for our community.

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for communications and a commitment to the Jewish community, we encourage you to consider joining the UJA team and making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

 

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

  • Lead Communications Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for UJA Federation, encompassing fundraising communications, stakeholder communications, internal communications, partner communications, issues management, and crisis communications.
  • Team Management: Oversee a diverse team of writers, ensuring each member effectively contributes their expertise to various communication portfolios while fostering a collaborative and creative environment.
  • Organizational Voice: Own and maintain the overall “voice” of UJA Federation, ensuring that all communications reflect the organization’s values, mission, and brand identity.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with teams across UJA Federation to ensure consistency and alignment in all communications, reinforcing a unified brand message.
  • Media Strategy: Lead a proactive media strategy, building relationships with media outlets and ensuring UJA Federation is effectively represented in public discourse.
  • Data-Driven Communication: Utilize data analytics to assess the effectiveness of communications, tailoring strategies to ensure messaging is clear, engaging, and easily understood by community members.
  • Brand Narrative Development: Collaborate with the VP of Marketing and Communications to craft and articulate the overarching story of UJA Federation, highlighting our initiatives and impact in the community.
  • Content Production: Ensure a steady stream of high-quality content for the fundraising team and donors, effectively communicating the impact of their contributions and the importance of their ongoing support.
  • Crisis Communication: Develop and implement crisis communication plans, ensuring timely and effective responses to any issues that may arise, while protecting the reputation of UJA Federation.
 
Job Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.
Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in communications, with a strong background in fundraising communications, media relations, and issues management, preferably within a nonprofit or community-focused organization.
Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and manage a diverse team of writers and communications professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Strategic Thinker: Demonstrated experience in developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies that align with organizational goals and brand messaging.
Excellent Communication Skills: Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to various audiences.
Media Relations Expertise: Strong background in media strategy and relations, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets.
Data-Driven: Proficient in using analytics and data to assess communication effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.
Creative Storyteller: Experience in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders, enhancing engagement and support for the organization.
Crisis Management: Knowledge of crisis communication principles and experience in managing communications during sensitive situations.
Passion for Community: A strong commitment to the mission and values of UJA Federation and the Jewish community, with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the community today. Must possess strong knowledge of current events and Israeli politics.
Organizational Skills: Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.




This is a full-time permanent position. At UJA we support a flexible work schedule and all of our employees engage in hybrid work. Engagement and connection are key to supporting the best employee experience and we want to ensure that this puts balance and well-being at the forefront of our approach to ways of working. In addition to a rich time off policy, UJA’s offices are closed on all Jewish holy days (yom tov) and we support early office closures to observe the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat).

We look forward to connecting with you to understanding what you can bring to the UJA team and how we can support your career goals. Qualified applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to Faye Thorek (FThorek@thorekscott.com) at Thorek Scott and Partners. Only those applicants invited for interview will be contacted.



Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility:

UJA Federation supports a diverse candidate and employment experience. We are proud of our dynamic professional team, which reflects the diversity of the Jewish community and general community alike in Greater Toronto. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all communities. We encourage you to follow us to get regular updates on open roles. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace and believe this is essential to ensure that every member of our team can thrive.

We adhere to barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.