Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs Full Time

United Way Greater Toronto
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs

United Way Greater Toronto humbly acknowledges that it operates on the traditional territory of many Indigenous nations, such as the Wendat, Anishnaabeg and Haudenosaunee. We recognize and uphold the rights of Indigenous communities, acknowledging the ancestral and unceded territories of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples throughout Turtle Island. Tkaronto is home to a growing community of urban Indigenous Peoples, including those who are First Nations, Inuit and Métis. We recognize that the Greater Toronto Area is covered by several treaties, such as Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Williams Treaties with seven First Nations, including the Chippewas of Georgina Island. We respect Indigenous teachings and commit to fulfilling our obligations to the land and one another. Our commitment is grounded in the principles of Truth and Reconciliation and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) has been a trusted leader in community building for over 70 years, driving investment in people and strengthening neighbourhoods across Peel, Toronto, and York Region. Guided by the belief that poverty should not define anyone’s future, UWGT brings together the collective power of community—government, public and private sector, and a network of more than 300 social service agencies—to build a GTA that is everything it can be for everyone who calls it home. Every day, UWGT rolls up its sleeves to expand vital services, from newcomer programs and housing supports to food access, employment, and health services—creating lasting impact that truly changes lives.

United Way Greater Toronto invites nominations and applications for the role of Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs—a position that will play a defining role in further shaping the organization’s people, culture, and future.

The Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs will be responsible for shaping UWGT’s external strategy and presence. Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Executive Team, the Vice President will oversee an integrated portfolio of public affairs, advocacy, communications, research, and stakeholder engagement. The role is central to advancing UWGT’s mission by building strong relationships with government, community, labour, and sector partners; leading a robust research and evaluation agenda; ensuring UWGT’s communications amplify its brand and impact; and, serving as a trusted spokesperson for the organization. The Vice President will lead a high-performing team, cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, and will ensure that UWGT is consistently recognized as a thought leader and mobilizer of change across the GTA, the province, and the country.

Qualifications

Among the qualifications being sought in candidates, the incoming leader must have a deep and abiding commitment to advancing reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all its forms and must believe, intrinsically, in the importance of leading with curiosity and welcoming ideas that can later be synthesized and turned into possibility. While all candidates are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the UWGT environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of the candidates most likely to realize success in the role: A) several years of progressive management experience, including experience at a senior leadership level with responsibility for communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and strategy execution; B) demonstrated expertise in public affairs, government relations, policy influence, and advocacy, with a track record of building and maintaining relationships across government, media, labour, business, and community partners; C) outstanding communication skills, including media presence, public speaking, and written clarity, combined with the ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments with integrity and pragmatism; and D) a proven ability to lead and mentor high-performing teams across communications, research, and public affairs functions, supported by strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and a collaborative leadership style.

How to Apply

United Way is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects its diverse community to ensure it is best equipped to serve it. The organization encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and those who may need accommodation to apply to join its team. By incorporating a variety of experiences and perspectives, the organization creates opportunities for innovative solutions and maximizes the impact of its work.

United Way Greater Toronto is partnering with BES Executive Search, a firm committed to ensuring that every search mandate engages a range of candidates. Applicants are guided through what BES calls ‘The BES Experience’—a thoughtful, candidate-centred process that meets candidates with support and care throughout the search process. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking HERE.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), applicants living with a disability will be provided with accommodation throughout the search process. Should accommodations be required, please make Melissa Sumnauth aware by emailing [email protected].

BES is deeply grateful to all who express interest in this opportunity and recognize the time and effort that goes into submitting an expression of interest. While only those most closely aligned with the position requirements will be contacted for an interview, all applications are reviewed with thoughtfulness and will receive correspondence from the firm as part of our commitment to delivering a respectful and inclusive candidate experience.