Communications Manager

Position: Communications Manager

Employer: Aga Khan Foundation Canada

Location: Ottawa

Deadline: January 1, 2024

Employment Type: Employment

Position Level: Senior

Salary Range: $78,000 and $83,000

Closing Date: January 1, 2024

Full Description

Brief Description:

Terms of Reference
Communications Manager
About AKFC
Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) is an international development
organization and registered charity. AKFC partners with communities, businesses,
and governments to find innovative, lasting solutions to promote inclusive
development. Working in Africa and Asia, the Foundation invests in local
institutions and systems that anchor progress over the long term. In Canada, AKFC
mobilizes funding and expertise, and promotes awareness of global issues. AKFC
is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the world’s most
comprehensive development organizations. Since 1980, AKFC has helped millions
unlock their own potential to build a better life.
Position Summary
As part of an ambitious suite of activities to engage Canadians in international
development, mobilize existing supporters, and reach new audiences, AKFC
deploys a robust communications and outreach strategy in Canada. The
Communications Manager plays a central role in the design and execution of
the portfolio of initiatives within this strategy – from social media campaigns to
travelling exhibitions to learning events – with a special focus on ensuring
communications are high-quality, accurate, compelling, and on brand.
Working closely with colleagues within the Public Engagement and Resource
Mobilization department, as well as staff and volunteers across the organization
globally, this role advances AKFC’s public engagement activities, brand identity,
relationships with media and other key interlocutors, and the quality and
effectiveness of the organization’s internal and external communications.
The position reports to the Deputy Director, Public Engagement and Resource
Mobilization, and supervises the Communications and Content Officer. The role is
based in Ottawa and some in-office work is required, determined in consultation
with supervisors and AKFC’s flexible work policy. Support is provided for
relocation to Ottawa if necessary. The anticipated salary range is between $78,000
and $83,000, alongside a competitive benefits package.
2
Responsibilities
Strategic communications
• Contribute to the development and implementation of communications and
branding strategies to advance AKFC’s engagement and mobilization of
audiences in Canada, including the integrated deployment of content across
digital and in-person channels.
• Support the effective use of editorial tools, including overseeing the editorial
calendar and contributing to AKFC’s editorial policies and guidelines.
• Anchor internal communications to ensure staff and volunteers are informed
about AKFC’s activities in Canada, and encourage them to participate and
amplify within their networks.
• Support the target-setting, tracking, and analysis of organizational
communications, and adjust approaches based on data and learning.
Content Development
• Develop and repurpose content in a range of formats, for both digital and inperson distribution, such as articles, videos, exhibitions, and hybrid events.
• Review content developed by colleagues, external communications
professionals, and volunteers, to ensure it is high-quality and in line with
AKFC’s editorial guidelines. Provide specific and actionable feedback, and
coach colleagues on compelling storytelling, crisp copywriting, and effective
visual communication.
• Recruit and manage external communications professionals when required for
content development, e.g. photographers, filmmakers, or graphic designers.
Organizational profile
• Contribute to the advancement of AKFC’s profile in Canada, including
measures to advance our brand integrity and targeted engagement with the
media and charitable sector stakeholders.
• Oversee media strategy, manage media inquiries and monitoring, flag
emerging issues with implications for AKFC or the AKDN, and make
recommendations to senior management on appropriate responses.
Other duties
• Supervise the Communications and Content Officer, with responsibility for
leveraging their capacities to contribute to the organization’s objectives, while
promoting their professional growth, learning, and well-being.
3
• Contribute to project and grant management, including workplanning,
budgeting, and reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications & Experience
• A post-secondary degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or a
related field and at least five years of relevant experience (or equivalent
combination of education and experience). Experience in the charitable or
global development sectors considered an asset.
• Demonstrated audience-driven approach to communications strategy.
Experience engaging youth and/or educator audiences in Canada considered
an asset.
• Experience using human-centric stories as a foundation for compelling
content, including upholding ethical principles related to storytelling on
complex subject matter.
• Track record of delivering clear, constructive, and actionable feedback to
colleagues. Experience leading a team or managing others considered an asset.
• Experience in media relations or journalism, brand and reputation
management, and/or developing content for live events (in-person or hybrid)
considered assets.
Skills & Attributes
• Excellent copyediting and proofreading skills, with high standards for the
accuracy and quality of communications and marketing materials.
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills in English. French
language skills considered a significant asset. Other language skills relevant to
our countries of work are also of interest.
• Organizational skills, including the ability to manage simultaneous projects
effectively and nimbly.
• A flair for visual communication. Graphic design, photography, and/or video
production skills considered assets.
• A drive to learn, problem-solve, and troubleshoot both independently and
collaboratively.
• Demonstrated capacity to respect and safeguard vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of inclusive, gender-sensitive, and anti-racist communications
approaches.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work during busy periods or
events.
4
• Ability to travel internationally.
Apply
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and up to three relevant
work samples in any medium (such as a marketing email, article, video, newsletter,
social media content, report, etc.), specifying the applicant’s role in producing the
work sample.
Applications should be submitted via email to akfc.hr@akdn.org indicating
“Communications Manager” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on
an ongoing basis. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview and asked
to complete a written assignment.
Deadline for submissions: 1 January, 2024
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed on
an ongoing basis. Please note that applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.
AKFC is committed to advancing gender equality and inclusion through our
programming and operations in Canada and overseas. AKFC requires all
employees to review and abide by the AKFC Gender Equality Policy.
AKFC recognizes the importance of safeguarding and is committed to ensuring it
manages a wide range of risks such that beneficiaries, staff, other associates and
the organization as a whole are kept safe from harm.
AKFC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all
aspects of the selection process.

Read More