Open Arms Resource Centre is seeking an experienced Senior Communications Specialist to strengthen our public voice, build community trust, and help tell the story of our work supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
This is a strategic communications and public relations role with a strong focus on media relations, reputation and issues management, community engagement, and meaningful storytelling. We're looking for someone who can communicate complex and sensitive issues with clarity, dignity, and compassion.
What You'll Do
- Lead and implement Open Arms' communications strategy across media, digital, and community channels.
- Monitor emerging issues, media coverage, misinformation, and public sentiment, and advise leadership on reputational risks.
- Lead proactive and reactive communications, including media relations, crisis communications, statements, talking points, and public responses.
- Build relationships with local media and coordinate media inquiries and interviews.
- Create engaging social media, website, newsletter, public education, and impact-story content.
- Lead communications for fundraising and community initiatives, including Coldest Night of the Year.
- Support grant applications, funding proposals, donor communications, and impact reporting.
- Maintain consistent, professional branding and visual storytelling.
What You Bring
- Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
- 5+ years of communications or public relations experience, preferably in the non-profit, human services, community services, or social-impact sector.
- Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience with media relations, reputation management, issues management, or crisis communications.
- Knowledge of, or a demonstrated commitment to understanding, homelessness, housing insecurity, poverty, and working alongside vulnerable populations.
- Strong judgment and the ability to manage sensitive communications with dignity and compassion.
- Experience with social media, website platforms, and tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Grant writing and donor communications experience is an asset.
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
If you're a skilled communications professional who wants to use your experience to strengthen community understanding, challenge stigma, and support meaningful social impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $60,000.00-$70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Experience:
- Public relations: 2 years (preferred)
- Communications: 4 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
