Associate Director, Marketing and Communications Full Time

COSTI
Associate Director, Marketing and Communications

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND ROL

Founded in 1952, COSTI has spent the past 70 years enabling success for newcomers and diverse communities in need. Today, COSTI stands as a leading social impact non-profit organization, proudly serving diverse communities with nearly 450 dedicated staff and 600 volunteers, who collectively support tens of thousands of clients yearly.

With 18 locations across Toronto, York Region and Peel, COSTI offers services in over 60 languages, empowering a diverse community through its four core divisions: Employment, Education, Social Services and Refugee Services, by providing newcomers, youth and individuals with short-term skills training, job placement services, and enhancing career readiness with accessible online resources. COSTI’s language and skills training programs prepare newcomers for Canadian employment, with specialized training such as Women in Tech, while workplace language training and pre-arrival services provide for seamless integration. COSTI supports newcomers and refugees in the Greater Toronto Area with settlement, housing, mental health, and specialized support for seniors, youth, and women, promoting resilience and community integration through culturally sensitive programs. Through collaboration and dedication, COSTI continues to enhance community integration and empower individuals towards a successful future in Canada. For more information about COSTI, visit www.costi.org.

It is within this context, that COSTI invites applications and nominations for the role of Associate Director, Marketing and Communications. This is an opportunity for an experienced marketing and communications professional to join an innovative organization committed to generating positive impact. Reporting to the Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, the Associate Director, Marketing and Communications is responsible for promoting and strengthening COSTI’s brand, positioning it as a leader within the Canadian social impact ecology. The successful candidate will oversee strategic and operational leadership in corporate communications (both internally and externally), brand management, fundraising and donor relations, media and public relations, government relations, and advocacy. They will also bring deep expertise in digital communications and issues management.

The role requires a big-picture thinker with a reputation for being strategically aligned and operationally focused, while managing multiple demands and competing priorities. They will work closely with various departments and business units at COSTI, as well as external partners, to develop compelling communications, marketing materials, and campaigns. Relationship- and community-building are essential, and the Associate Director will excel in developing deep and meaningful relationships, be motivational in their communication style, and comfortable with public speaking.

The candidate must be a strong project manager, confident and fluent in their communications output, especially when responding to PR matters and issues on behalf of the organization. As an expert in their field, they will bring best practices and proven strategies to COSTI’s Marketing and Communications portfolio, ensuring deliverables are met in accordance with COSTI’s policies and procedures, while aligning with the organization’s operational goals and strategic objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

While all candidates are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the COSTI environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of the candidates most likely to realize success in the role:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Literature, or related discipline, with a degree at the Master’s level highly desired.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in public affairs, government partnership, grant writing, and/or related roles within the nonprofit sector, preferably in the settlement or social services field.
• Several years of progressively senior marketing and communications experience, with experience in the non-profit or public sector preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully securing government funding and grants, with a strong understanding of grant application processes and compliance requirements.
• Proven track record in both the development and implementation of an institutional communications strategy.
• Excellent communication skills, including persuasive writing, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional written and editing skills required to deliver a range of materials (annual reports, press releases, newsletters, speeches, etc.), as well as experience in production and creative execution.
• Experience working in various areas linked to a marketing and communications portfolio, including advocacy, brand development and management, media/public relations, and issues management.
• Experience in planning and implementing high-profile, large-scale events involving diverse external stakeholders, government, and senior officials.
• Experience working with a range of digital platforms and in an integrated communications environment, including social media.
• Experience in the development of policy positions, drafting submission letters, and direct exposure to government relations.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, with the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights and actionable recommendations.

HOW TO APPLY

COSTI encourages applications from individuals reflecting the diversity of our community. For more information on COSTI’s commitment to equity, visit the following link: http://costi.org/whoweare/equity.php.

COSTI is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search to ensure an applicant list that is diverse and is as intersectional as possible. All interested applicants can send their resume to Urmilla Mahabirsingh by e-mailing [email protected].

In accordance with the AODA Act, for applicants living with a disability, accommodation will be provided throughout the search process. Should accommodations be required, please make Urmilla Mahabirsingh aware by using the above address.

We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted.