HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS AND BRAND

Summary

The Head of Communications and Brand will oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of WaterAid’s communications and brand portfolio, as well as coordinate on advocacy activities.

Description

Head of Communications and Brand (one year contract beginning September 2021)

Reports to: Director, Philanthropy and Communications

Location: Remote, within Canada

Job summary:

Clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene are basic human rights. They should be a normal part of daily life for everyone, everywhere – but they aren’t. That’s why we’re here.

WaterAid Canada is a member of WaterAid, an international not-for-profit, determined to make clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere within a generation. Only by tackling these three essentials in ways that last can people change their lives for good.

Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy and Communications, the Head of Communications and Brand will oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of WaterAid’s communications and brand portfolio, as well as coordinate on advocacy activities. The incumbent will focus on external communications, media relations, editorial and brand management, digital content development, and advocacy engagement. This position calls for a high level of collaboration within WaterAid Canada and across the WaterAid Federation.

The Head of Communications and Brand will:

• Develop an integrated communications plan to advance WaterAid Canada’s brand identity, leverage key activation opportunities, and increase the visibility of the organization across key stakeholder audiences.
• Plan, execute and manage WaterAid Canada’s national integrated media relations strategy to enhance our visibility across all media channels.
• Develop digital content that is integrated with Philanthropy and International Programs and Policy (IPP) activities.
• Actively seek opportunities to be endorsed by reputable external bodies that recognize sector excellence.
• Develop and maintain updated speaking points and key messages allowing WaterAid to comment on a range of issues that are relevant to the international development and WASH sectors.
• Help WaterAid build its reputation for accountability and transparency through the production of high quality and innovative annual reports and newsletters.
• Manage WaterAid Canada website to ensure it is always up to date, accurate and user friendly.
• Manage social media strategy and develop social media content to support various WaterAid priorities, activities and programs in collaboration with all organizational teams.
• Manage and maintain Google Enterprise Solutions and Google Not for Profit accounts, site directories, website domains, and SSL certificates.
• Contribute to the execution of a focused national policy and advocacy strategy, including an integrated stakeholder engagement calendar, with periodic review and update as required.
• Support the development and delivery of advocacy messages via appropriate methods.
• Support partnerships and expand upon collaborations with existing WaterAid partners and other stakeholders to advance advocacy objectives.
• Work closely with WaterAid leadership to manage opportunities to build WaterAid Canada’s thought leadership profile with key stakeholders through white papers, publications, and media, including social media as relevant.
• Contribute to international development sector-wide advocacy initiatives in Canada.
• Coordinate and inform engagement strategy with MPs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or another related field.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in marketing, media relations, and corporate/ nonprofit communications.
• Experience working on advocacy plans and execution within the international development/NGO sectors would be a strong asset.
• An entrepreneurial and collaborative work ethic.
• Exceptional communication skills in English, with bilingualism in English and French being a strong asset.
• An understanding of international development issues.
• A strong commitment to WaterAid’s mission, vision, and values with the ability to effectively communicate this mandate in a manner that compels prospective supporters to join the cause.

WaterAid was founded because no NGO like us existed. Our mission will end when no organization like us is needed. In the meantime, we’re making great progress — since 1981, we have reached 25 million people with clean water and, since 2004, 24 million people with sanitation.

We’re looking for people with a shared commitment to our vision. People with an appreciation and respect for diversity. People with the energy and expertise to help us reach our ambitious goals.

In return, you will be motivated by the change you help to inspire. You will have a sense of belonging by being part of a global community. You will experience the fulfillment that comes from a workplace that lets you be creative and grow.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]  by July 30, 2021.

WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust. WaterAid reinforces a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind. 

WaterAid is an equal opportunities, disability-confident employer and committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, fairness and equality. Should you have a disability and require any additional support, please contact us at [email protected].

No recruitment agencies, please.