Impact Starts at UNICEF Canada
JOIN OUR TEAM AS SENIOR MANAGER, MEDIA RELATIONS
Are you ready to shape the conversation, build buzz that matters, and position UNICEF as the go-to voice on children’s rights?
Consider joining UNICEF Canada – one of Canada’s most respected and historic charities – and be part of a high-impact, mission-driven team working across Canada and globally to create a better world for children.
UNICEF Canada is seeking to recruit a talented and high-performing individual in the bilingual role of Senior Manager, Media Relations.
Position Details
Senior Manager, Media Relations
Permanent, Full-time (Vacant)
Vice President, Communications
$70,500 to $85,500 annually with benefits and 3 weeks paid vacation
UNICEF Canada currently operates under a Fixed-Hybrid model that requires team members to attend the office at least 2 days/week (Tuesday and Wednesday).
This is a bilingual role (English & French).
Why UNICEF & UNICEF Canada?
UNICEF is the world’s farthest-reaching humanitarian organization for children. Across 190 countries and territories, and in the world’s toughest places, we provide and advocate for education, health and nutrition services. Protect children from violence and abuse. Bring clean water and sanitation to those in need. Keep them safe from climate change and disease. Serve as the world’s largest provider of vaccines. Before, during and after emergencies, we’re on the ground with life-saving help and hope. The needs of children around the world continue to increase and the role of UNICEF is more important than ever.
UNICEF Canada is one of 32 National Committees (NatComs) located in high-income countries around the world. Our team exists to fundraise for UNICEF’s highest priorities, and to work neutrally with governments and the private sector in Canada and internationally to advance the rights and well-being of children and youth.
As UNICEF Canada prepares to launch a bold new Strategic Plan in 2026, a key priority will remain on raising funds to support children around the globe. Be part of this next phase of impact!
Position Description
Ready to make headlines for all the right reasons? UNICEF Canada is looking for a strategic and savvy storyteller who can turn complex issues into compelling narratives and build buzz that matters as our next Senior Manager, Media Relations. Working in close partnership with the Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and the broader Communications team, this role leads the planning and execution of media strategies, manages day-to-day relationships with journalists, and ensures UNICEF Canada is prepared to respond effectively to emerging issues and opportunities.
This role is all about ensuring Canadians understand the breadth and depth of UNICEF’s work around the world in relevant, timely, and engaging ways.
Working in close partnership with the Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and the broader Communications team, this role leads the planning and execution of media strategies, manages day-to-day relationships with journalists, and ensures UNICEF Canada is prepared to respond effectively to emerging issues and opportunities.
Your experience comes from a variety of backgrounds – not just the non-profit sector – and you thrive in fast-paced settings. You possess drive, ambition, and curiosity, looking for any opportunity to position UNICEF as the world’s most powerful force for children.
You will be:
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Press Point Person–You’re the first call for journalists seeking insight, access, or commentary on UNICEF’s work, building trusted relationships and driving meaningful coverage.
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Reputation Steward– You actively monitor the media landscape, assess risks and opportunities, and lead coordinated responses that protect and strengthen UNICEF Canada’s public reputation.
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Collaborative Connector –You’ll work with global and national teams to uncover powerful stories, align messaging, and ensure UNICEF’s voice is unified and impactful.
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Spokesperson Partner–You’ll support and prepare spokespeople with sharp talking points, media coaching, and real-time guidance to shine in interviews and public appearances.
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Audience Architect–You’ll tailor outreach and messaging to meet the needs of diverse media markets—with a specific focus on French-language and cultural outlets—ensuring relevance and resonance from coast to coast.
Key Accountabilities
Media Relations & Outreach (45%)
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Build and manage strong relationships with journalists and media outlets across Canada, serving as UNICEF Canada’s primary media contact.
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Develop and execute proactive media strategies that position UNICEF Canada as a leading voice on children’s rights, humanitarian response, and global development.
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Write and edit media materials including press releases, op-eds, Q&A documents and spokesperson backgrounders, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with UNICEF’s brand and voice.
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Increase UNICEF’s media presence in Quebec and Francophone markets by tailoring outreach, messaging, and media materials for French-language audiences.
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Cultivate relationships with cultural, community, and diaspora media to ensure inclusive representation and broaden UNICEF Canada’s reach.
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Own the planning and execution of the organization’s media engagement approach, ensuring alignment with enterprise communications priorities established by the VP, Communications.
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Maintain a forward-looking media opportunities pipeline that aligns with campaign priorities, global moments, and emerging issues.
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Support thought leadership efforts by identifying media opportunities that elevate UNICEF Canada’s President & CEO and other experts as trusted voices on children’s issues.
Strategy, Reputation & Issues Management (40%)
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Collaborate across teams to identify compelling stories and develop media plans that support program launches, advocacy campaigns, and fundraising initiatives.
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Liaise with UNICEF’s global communications teams to align and adapt messaging and leverage international content for Canadian audiences.
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Lead day-to-day issues monitoring and support the development and execution of proactive and reactive communications strategies to protect UNICEF Canada’s reputation.
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Serve as the operational lead for media during issues and crisis situations, coordinating responses and advising internal stakeholders in alignment with VP-level direction.
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Develop and maintain systems for tracking, analyzing, and reporting on media coverage, sentiment, and performance to inform strategy.
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Own spokesperson readiness, including preparation materials, briefing processes, and ongoing support for public-facing opportunities.
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Monitor media coverage in both English and French, analyze sentiment, and produce regular reports to inform strategy and track impact.
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Serve as a rotating member of the Emergency Response Team for Communications, leading communications strategy during emergencies and supporting media and digital content needs in collaboration with relevant teams.
Content Development & Digital Engagement (15%)
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Ensure UNICEF Canada’s emergency response webpages are regularly updated based on the latest UNICEF key messages, facts, and figures.
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Adapt core messaging and narratives (developed in partnership with Strategic Communications) for media audiences and opportunities.
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Contribute to organizational social media channels primarily to amplify media coverage and support real-time communications needs (in partnership with the Senior Manager, social media and Manager, Communications and Engagement).
Qualifications
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Post-secondary education in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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5) to eight (8) years of progressive experience in national public relations or corporate communications, including proactive and reactive media work in a complex environment.
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Bilingual fluency in French and English, with demonstrated experience engaging both Francophone and Anglophone media.
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Exceptional writing and editing skills, with strong attention to detail and a clear grasp of tone, clarity, and storytelling.
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Proven success in developing and executing earned media campaigns, including positioning complex or sensitive issues in the news.
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Deep understanding of how to leverage print, broadcast, and digital media to maximize impact, including familiarity with media monitoring tools.
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Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative mindset and ability to work cross-functionally.
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Highly organized and results-driven, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while delivering high-profile, strategic outcomes.
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Experience contributing to organizational social media platforms (Twitter, Blue Sky, LinkedIn) with timely, newsworthy content.
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Interest or experience in child rights, international development, and humanitarian work, particularly as they relate to children in Canada and around the world.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams, to support planning, collaboration, and content development.
An Employer of Choice: What We Offer
UNICEF Canada is where diverse talent & passion come together to create extraordinary impact for every child. We are committed to being an employer of choice and building a culture that is inclusive, ambitious, compassionate, and high impact.
Members of the UNICEF Canada team have access to the following employee benefits:
A ROBUST COMPENSATION PACKAGE
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Extended Health/Dental benefits, Healthcare Spending Account, and Wellness Account
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Life, AD&D, & Long-Term disability insurance coverage
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Employer match contributions (5%) to a Group Pension Plan
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Access to parental leave top-up
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Fixed-hybrid work environment to balance connection and collaboration with the work-life integration needs of our team
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Minimum 3 weeks of annual vacation (increases with time served) & 1additionalday per year of service (max 30)
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10 paid sick days & 2 personal days
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~9 employee wellness days – an additional series of pre-set days off, given annually to further extend long weekends
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Discounted rate for a GoodLife gym membership
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Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program
A CULTURE OF LEARNING & GROWTH
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Access to a comprehensive global learning platform with over 1600 courses, webinars & resources
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Internal leadership development, training, & mentorship programs that integrate Anti-Racism and diversity, equity and inclusion principles
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Opportunities to access both local & global stretch assignments
AN INCLUSIVE & PURPOSE-DRIVEN WORKPLACE
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Centrally located head office in mid-town Toronto with satellite offices in Calgary & Montreal
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Easily accessed by public transit and a short walk from several parking locations
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Inclusive & accessible co-working and meeting spaces designed to foster purpose at every turn and accommodate the diverse needs of employees
A CHANCE TO DO MEANINGFUL & LIFE-CHANGING WORK
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Under the leadership of a dynamic, accomplished, and experienced executive leadership team, you’ll be part of a diverse & talented Canada team committed to creating meaningful impact while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
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You’ll join a global UNICEF family with a shared commitment to impact the lives of children
Our Commitment to Inclusive Workplaces & Recruitment
UNICEF Canada is an inclusive workplace and is committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process.
At UNICEF Canada, we believe strongly in personal connections, and our hiring process is entirely human-driven. We do not use AI or automated systems to review applications or conduct interviews. Each candidate is evaluated by our experienced team to ensure a fair and thoughtful hiring experience.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter as one document to
[email protected] by
11:59 PM EST by June 17, 2026. Please reference
Senior Manager, Media Relations in the subject heading. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so we encourage applicants to apply early.
UNICEF Canada thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Consistent with our Child Safeguarding Policy, all successful candidates must receive clearance by a police background check (including a vulnerable sector screen).
