Director, Communications and Engagement

Position Summary:
The Director, Communications and Engagement is a strategic leader, advancing the ErinoakKids mission through strategic communications, family, community and stakeholder engagement, and fundraising. The Director will lead high-performing teams in creating a positive overall experience for client families and all who visit, support or work with ErinoakKids. This includes leading teams responsible for strategic internal and external communications, donor engagement and fundraising campaigns, community partnerships, events, and family and community engagement.

The Director reports to the Vice President, Communications and Engagement, and leads the communications, development and family engagement streams, ensuring these functions work together to support strategic priorities.

As a member of the leadership team, the Director serves as a key advisor on organizational reputation, and contributes to planning, decision-making, and organizational change initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach and mentor a team of Communications professionals responsible for recommending, developing and implementing strategic internal and external communications plans with tactics and approaches tailored to meet the needs of diverse audiences, and achieve the objectives of ErinoakKids.
• Direct the development and implementation of integrated internal and external communications plans that support organizational priorities, and guide the creation of messaging, tactics and channels that effectively engage diverse audiences, including staff, families, donors, partners, and the public
• Establish measures of success, analyze results, and recommend improvements to strengthen communication outcomes and achieve organizational objectives.
• Provide strategic counsel to the Senior Leadership Team on communications approaches, issues management, reputational risks, and key messaging.
• Some weekend/after-hours work may be required.
• Lead, mentor, inspire and evaluate the Development team in achieving fundraising goals while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Provide strategic direction for donor and staff engagement, philanthropy, and revenue growth through both major gifts and individual contributions.
• Align fundraising initiatives to organizational goals and guide planning to maximize impact. 
• Grow support for ErinoakKids through senior-level connections with donors, volunteers, community champions, foundations and corporate partners. 
• Partner with teams across the organization to advance fundraising opportunities and priorities and enhance staff engagement in fundraising goals. 
• Provide strategic leadership for a multi-disciplinary team working to enhance the client and family experience, create a welcoming and inclusive environment and strengthen meaningful community connections.
• Develop and implement strategies to expand family and community engagement and ensure the needs and perspectives of client families are reflected in organizational planning and decision-making. 
• Lead, coach, and develop a high performing, multi-disciplinary team responsible for family engagement, reception, Family Resource Centres and café operations.
• Align operational plans to organizational objectives through the regular review of goals, metrics, feedback and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work with clinical and corporate leaders to achieve family and community engagement goals.
• Provide senior-level support for partnerships, stakeholder engagement and community outreach efforts.
• Align budgets and staffing to meet organizational goals and objectives.
• Monitor and report on departmental goals, key performance indicators and outcomes.
• Advise on workforce planning, recruitment, performance management and succession planning.
• Advise departmental planning processes, including annual objectives, operational plans and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Collaborate with Senior Leaders across the organization and contribute to planning, decision-making and organizational change initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in communications, development, engagement, leadership or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s degree in communications, development, engagement and/or leadership is preferred.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation or other fundraising credentials are considered an asset
• Accredited in Public Relations (APR) or equivalent professional communications designation is considered an asset. 
• Minimum 10 years of experience in communications, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, community relations or related functions in a leadership or management capacity.
• Experience in the child and family, community or health care sector is an asset.
• Experience in not for profit, government agency or any regulated environment is an asset.
• Experience leading cross functional, multi-disciplinary teams is an asset.
• Bilingualism in English and any secondary language is an asset..
• Valid driver’s license and access to vehicle is required, must be able to travel to multiple ErinoakKids sites.

Internal Deadline: November 4, 2026
Attn: Internal Staff 

Staff actively working in these roles may be prioritized based on your circumstances: 

• Expression of Interest (EOI): Employees currently in this position who wish to be considered for a transfer (including a change in stream, site, or employment status) should select “Paste Resume” and clearly outline your requested change in the text box provided. 

• Position Change: Employees applying for change in position or a promotion, please submit a cover letter and resume. 
   

We’re committed to creating an accessible and inclusive candidate experience. If you need an accommodation at any point in the hiring process, please reach out to our People & Culture team when someone contacts you and we’ll be happy to support you. 
 
Join us on our mission to make a difference and impact on the lives of children and youth with disabilities. Apply today to join the ErinoakKids team! 
 
    
@Erinoakkids  
The successful candidate will be required to complete a vulnerable sector search. 
Please note that all prospective ErinoakKids employees are subject to mandatory immunization requirements, as a condition of obtaining and maintaining employment.