Community Engagement and Communications Manager

Community Engagement and Communications Manager

Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. If you have questions about the position, please contact Roger at [email protected].

The first review date is May 1, the job will be open until filled.

Reports to: Executive Director (ED)

Location: Primarily onsite at OHC. Some travel within the Municipality of Chester is required.

Term: One year term position with the possibility of renewal based on funding.

Regular Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Usual hours of operation are between 9 am and 5 pm. Monday-Friday. Some evenings and weekends will be required. Flex time available for hours outside of usual operating hours.

Salary: 28-32$ per hour based on experience. Benefits package to commence after successful completion of a 3-month probationary period. Benefits include dental, medical (70% employer-paid), and RRSP contributions.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Manager of Community Engagement leads the OHC's communications and community-facing work. This role is the primary connection between OHC and the communities it serves, responsible for consistent messaging across platforms, direct relationship-building with community members and partner organizations and coordinating engagement activities that reflect OHC's mission. In the current phase of organizational growth, this role involves significant hands-on, in-person community work alongside planning and coordination responsibilities. As staffing capacity grows, the Manager will assume greater oversight of others delivering this work.

Qualifications Required

Essential Qualifications

• University degree or college diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Public Health, Community Development, or a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in communications, community engagement, or outreach, with at least one year in a coordinating or lead role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects or workstreams independently, with minimal supervision.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to adapt tone across audiences - from community members to funders to organizational partners.
• Experience managing social media platforms and producing print and digital communications materials.
• Proven track record in building and maintaining relationships with community members, partner organizations, or diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, small-org environment.
• Sound judgment around confidentiality, professional boundaries, and organizational reputation in a small community context.

Skills & Attributes

• Clear, direct communicator who can work across disciplines and represent the organization credibly in community settings.
• Comfortable and confident representing OHC publicly at community events, partner tables, and in one-on-one relationship building.
• Relationship-focused and community-centered, with the ability to work respectfully across diverse groups.
• Practical, organized, and able to manage multiple workstreams independently.
• Strong judgment around messaging, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Able to contribute to planning and strategy while remaining hands-on in day-to-day delivery.
• Comfortable with a role that balances coordination, implementation, and emerging leadership responsibilities.

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector), recent within 1 year, or ability to obtain within 3 months.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communications Internal and External

• Develop and manage content for social media, website, newsletters, print materials, and reports.
• Support the Executive Director in the creation of visual and written reports, funding applications, and other documents.
• Prepare summaries, impact reports, and community-facing updates.
• Maintain consistent tone, branding, and messaging across all channels.
• Research and identify appropriate funding opportunities.
• Prepare and contribute to funding applications that support current and future programs.

Community Engagement and Liaison

• Serve as a primary point of contact between OHC and community members, groups, and partner organizations.
• Build and manage volunteer program at OHC.
• Build and sustain relationships with local agencies, grassroots groups, and community leaders through regular, in-person presence.
• Represent OHC at community meetings, events, and outreach activities.
• Gather community feedback and insights and bring them into organizational planning and decision-making.
• Coordinate and support co-design of programs, events, and initiatives with internal staff and community partners.
• Plan and carry out direct community outreach, including attending events, facilitating conversations, and supporting community-led activities.

Planning, Coordination & Evaluation

• Develop and implement engagement plans that align with OHC's mission and strategic priorities.
• Track engagement activities and report on reach, trends, and outcomes.
• Identify gaps in engagement or communication and propose practical improvements.
• Collaborate with staff to coordinate program promotion and outreach.
• Contribute to organizational planning processes and provide input on community needs and priorities.

Administration and Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and support direct reports where applicable.
• Supports and coordinates program facilitators and contractors in delivering programming and workshops.
• Maintain records, databases, and contact lists related to community engagement and program activity.
• Basic office duties and administration as required.
• Other duties as assigned.