Manager, Communications & Marketing

Job Title: Manager, Communications and Marketing

Hours: 37.5 hours/week (Permanent Full-time) 

Salary: $75,000 annually + comprehensive benefits 

Start Date: Immediate 

ABOUT THE STOP:                                                                                

The Stop Community Food Centre’s mission is to increase access to healthy food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds community and challenges inequality. The Stop began 40 years ago as one of North America’s first food banks, and has since grown into a vibrant community centre that uses food as a gateway to addressing many issues, including poverty, the environment, social isolation, and health in one of Toronto’s lowest-income neighbourhoods.

THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Stop Community Food Centre is seeking an experienced, strategic and creative communications leader to oversee our communications, marketing, and public affairs portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Development and Communications, the Manager, Communications and Marketing will play a key role in positioning The Stop as a trusted voice and thought leader on food insecurity, poverty and equitable food systems.

This role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution. The successful candidate will lead the organization's communications strategy, oversee brand and marketing initiatives, cultivate media relationships, support advocacy and policy communications, and develop compelling storytelling that advances The Stop's mission and strengthens public engagement.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer, experienced communications strategist, and collaborative leader who understands how communications can influence public opinion, shape policy conversations, strengthen fundraising efforts and inspire community action.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications & Brand Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of an integrated communications and marketing strategy that advances The Stop's strategic priorities, strengthens its brand, and builds public awareness.
• Position The Stop as a trusted voice and thought leader on food insecurity, poverty, and equitable food systems through compelling storytelling and strategic communications.
• Develop and oversee organization-wide communications plans, campaigns, and editorial priorities.

Public Affairs, Media & Advocacy

• Lead The Stop's media relations and public affairs strategy to elevate the organization's profile and advance its advocacy and policy objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, government, sector partners, and community stakeholders to increase public engagement and influence.
• Develop communications that translate complex policy issues into accessible, compelling messaging and support public education, advocacy campaigns, and systems change.

Fundraising and Content Strategy

• Partner with the Development team to develop integrated fundraising campaigns, donor communications, direct mail, event materials, annual reports, and impact stories that inspire support and demonstrate impact.
• Oversee and implement The Stop's digital communications ecosystem, including the website, social media, email marketing, and digital campaigns.
• Develop marketing materials that are engaging and accessible across multiple platforms, ensuring consistency in voice, brand, and messaging.
• Monitor communications performance and analytics to inform strategy and continuously improve audience engagement.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead communications projects from strategy through execution, managing competing priorities, external vendors, and organizational timelines.
• Build collaborative relationships across program teams to identify stories, support program communications, and strengthen internal communications.
• Foster a culture of strategic, proactive communications by providing guidance and expertise to staff across the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• 5 years of related marketing or communications work experience; non-profit sector experience preferred.
• Demonstrated passion for and understanding of food and social justice issues, with a commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression. Personal values aligned with those of the organization, demonstrated through work or community involvement
• Self-motivated with excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong story-telling, graphic design, and video editing experience.
• Knowledgeable with most of the following or equivalent: MailChimp, Wordpress, SEO, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft 365, Canva, Meltwater, Web and Adobe and Social Media Analytics.
• Ability to problem-solve, multi-task, meet tight deadlines, work with staff across the organization, and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative working/management style. Highly motivated and resourceful with a good sense of humour;
• Ability to write quickly, clear and strategically, with appropriate styles for different audiences;
• Degree or certificate in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field an asset but not required