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Feb 27, 2025 

Director of Communications (18-month parental leave contract) 

Department: Communications 

Reports To: Executive Director 

Direct Report: Manager of Communications 

About Writers’ Trust 

Writers’ Trust of Canada is a national charitable organization. Our mission is to support and celebrate Canadian writers and writing. Writers’ Trust programming is designed to provide artists working in all the literary genres with opportunities, and to encourage both new voices and the recognition of careers. We give out eleven awards annually and administer programs that include career development initiatives, a fund for established writers experiencing financial challenges, and a marquee public lecture. One of Writers’ Trust’s enduring goals is to raise awareness of the contributions made by literature to our national culture.  

The organization, founded in 1976 and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, is headquartered in downtown Toronto. We are currently working according to a hybrid model with a minimum expectation of 2 days in the office per week. 

Job Summary 

Reporting to the Executive Director and as a member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Communications will be responsible for leading and growing a multifaceted communications and marketing program in support of the ongoing programs, projects, and activities of Writers Trust. This position is an 18-month parental leave contract. This position will also be part of the core team developing and executing Writers’ Trust’s 50th anniversary projects in 2026. The successful candidate brings their extensive communications experience and campaigns mindset to inform the evolution and execution of a multi-year strategy encompassing brand management; strategy and direction for Writers’ Trust communications vehicles including newsletter, social media, and external communications; liaising with external public relations support; overseeing and executing design aesthetic and execution; overseeing and shaping the voice of the organization; and acting as custodian for Writers’ Trust’s website. The Director of Communications works closely with the Executive Director and members of the Board of Directors and collaborates extensively with the Director of Programs and the Director of Development. This role has one direct report, the Communications Manager, who is responsible for data analysis, campaign execution, website maintenance, writing as required, and some administration. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Leadership and Strategy 

  • Participate in the development of the next organizational strategic plan 
  • Participate as a member of the core team in the development and delivery of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of Writers’ Trust 
  • Lead and manage all communications activities in the office, including the direct management of the Communications Manager; direction of all Writers’ Trust communications channels; marketing partnerships; events and program-supporting communications 
  • Lead in annual development of communications budget and goals 
  • Budget tracking 
  • Monitor progress towards communications goals and adjust strategy as necessary to realize objectives 
  • Collaborate effectively with other staff, including the Director of Programs and the Director of Development, to ensure high-quality comms that further the shared mission of the organization and its programs 
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends and best practices on digital platforms 
  • Advise the Executive Director and the Board on the organization’s communications strategy 
  • As part of the senior leadership team, work to support the effective management of the organization 

Communications and Marketing 

  • Oversee execution of design-based projects, programs, initiatives 
  • Oversee execution of writing-based projects, programs, initiatives 
  • Liaise with external public relations team to maximize impact 
  • Build and maintain an editorial calendar for the period of this position 
  • Manage and delegate tasks relating to Writers’ Trust’s monthly newsletter 
  • Direct strategy and execution across major social media platforms 
  • Oversee Communications Manager’s data analysis of communications efforts to make data-based decisions, determine KPI goals, and track performance  
  • Working in collaboration with the Development team, strengthen and expand Writers’ Trust’s digital fundraising and donor stewardship 
  • Support all event-based projects, including the Storytellers Ball, Weston International Award, Balsillie Prize event, and RBC Bronwen Wallace Award ceremony, and work as part of a team to support our third-party fundraising event, Politics and the Pen, including liaising with sponsors and the volunteer committee  
  • Work collaboratively with Development and Programming staff to ensure that the Writers’ Trust’s external messaging is consistent with brand storytelling and fundraising objectives 
  • Work closely with Board members, especially the Communications Committee, to support the mission of Writers’ Trust 
  • Identify and maintain external marketing partnerships to further the goals of Writers’ Trust 

Qualifications 

  • 8+ years’ experience, ideally with arts organization experience 
  • Campaign-based communications experience preferred 
  • Passionate about supporting writers and their work in our country 
  • Superb at building relationships and connecting individuals to mission 
  • Demonstrated understanding and execution of all aspects of communications and marketing, including traditional and digital media, an eye for design, copywriting and copyediting, print production, branding best practices, CMS website skills, newsletter production (Mailchimp), livestreaming and video production, data analysis, CRM tools (Sumac), and relationship building 
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and strategize to achieve objectives, with a focus on action and execution 
  • Ability to see the big picture and attend to the underlying details simultaneously 
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion 

Salary 

$80,000 

How to Apply 

Join our team. We’re looking for someone who cares about the arts and who understands how to get results. Along with looking for unique talents, Writers’ Trust of Canada is committed to the values of equity and inclusion. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been traditionally under-represented or marginalized. Upon request, we will make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants with disabilities to participate in the interview process. Applications and expressions of interest, including cover letter and resume, should be submitted no later than March 10, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET – and directed at hiring@writerstrust.com 

While we appreciate all indications of interest, only those individuals being seriously considered will be contacted.  

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