Manager, Community Relations

About the role

Canadian Blood Services is looking for a Regular full-time Manager, Community Relations to join our dynamic Communications team in our Donor Engagement and Corporate Reputation (DECR) division.

The Communications team empowers and motivates individuals to join Canada’s Lifeline by creating engaging content, building brand affinity, and preserving confidence in Canadian Blood Services.

In this role, you will develop and implement proactive and responsive, community relations and communications strategies and tactics in support of Canadian Blood Services’ business objectives and strategic commitments to sustainability; namely to grow and diversify the donor and registrant base through relationship-building and collaboration with equity-deserving and underrepresented communities (e.g., African, Caribbean, and Black communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities).

You will develop, implement and champion outreach and donor recruitment efforts that promote safe, welcoming, and inclusive interactions with Canadian Blood Services. There will be a focus on local, proactive activities (in Greater Toronto Area) that advance brand awareness and drive participation in Canada’s Lifeline through culturally- and identity-responsive strategies and activities. There will also be a focus on internal support, awareness-building, communication and collaboration to strengthen cross-divisional efforts to grow and diversify the donor base.

Formula for success

• Harnessing your demonstrated knowledge and expertise, you will develop and deliver proactive and responsive, local community relations and communications strategies and tactics in support of Canadian Blood Services’ business objectives; namely to grow and diversify the donor and registrant base within key underrepresented and equity-deserving communities.
• You will be responsible for managing and growing our approach to diverse and inclusive community relations and communications, strengthening Canadian Blood Services reputation in key communities.
• Focusing on your exceptional relationship building skills, you will create and execute strategies that foster community involvement and participation in Canada’s Lifeline. This includes collaborating with local organizations, influencers, public figures, to identify, participate in, or host events, speaking engagements and other activities that present opportunities to increase awareness of Canadian Blood Services across all product lines.
• You will work collaboratively with stakeholder engagement, DEI, donor relations, marketing and other communications colleagues to build upon a plan that will increase community awareness of Canadian Blood Services and all their product lines.
• Applying your strong attention to detail and exceptional written communication skills, you will work closely with the strategic communications team to ensure quality control and consistency of messaging through all the team’s engagement opportunities.
• You will be responsible for driving co-development of culturally- and identity-appropriate materials for diverse donor audiences.
• Utilizing your strong communication skills with a focus on supporting colleagues, you will inform and help drive internal education, collaboration, communication and training to strengthen broader efforts to grow and diversify the donor base in inclusive and equitable ways.
• Drawing on your strong interpersonal skills, you will establish and nurture relationships with community members, local organizations, and other stakeholders both internally and externally, with the goal of supporting cross-divisional and collaborative efforts to grow and diversify the donor base.
• You will serve as an internal subject matter expert, to support and inform equity-centred strategies and activities across the Donor Engagement and Corporate Reputation Division, based on knowledge and understanding built through community relationship-building.
• Leveraging your excellent organization and analytical skills, you will collect, share and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive picture of progress (community feedback, testimonials, attendance numbers, etc.), with the objective of informing broader strategies and activities.

Desired education and skills

• Post-secondary level education in a relevant discipline from a recognized academic institution is essential, preferably in Public Relations, Journalism or Communications, or Community Relations/Engagement.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in a strategic communications or community relations/engagement role and a post-secondary education in a related field.
• Experience developing and executing communications and outreach strategies that are community-informed and equity-centred.
• Proven experience in community relations, ideally in roles that directly support African, Caribbean, and Black, and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
• Understanding of systemic barriers and how they impact access, engagement and trust in institutional systems.
• Ability to support confidential and sensitive subjects/issues in a professional manner.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including editing, proofreading and attention to detail.
• A skilled storyteller and communicator with an ability to take complex information and distill into digestible, engaging, informative pieces for employees; ability to modify writing tone and voice.
• A self-starter and problem-solver who works well independently and as part of a geographically dispersed, virtual team.
• Flexible to work outside of normal hours and open to occasional travel.
• Lived experience as a member of an equity-deserving group is strongly preferred; particularly those who identify as African, Caribbean, or Black, or 2SLGBTQIA+.

What we offer you

• 4 weeks' vacation
• Annual performance award up to 8%
• Comprehensive group health, dental and vision benefits for you and your family
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources

What you can expect

• This role will work in a hybrid environment with requirements to be onsite at Canadian Blood Services location 40% of the time/2 days of the week.
• You will work 37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day.
• You may be required to travel locally for this role, and less than 10% nationally, and as required.