Manager, Communications

Job Posting:  Manager, Communications

Type: Full-Time, Permanent position 

Location: Ottawa 

Salary Range: $80,931-$101,164 per year

Posting Date: March 09, 2026

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 

Background

The Ottawa Food Bank is seeking an experienced and strategic Manager, Communications to lead its communications function during a period of continued growth and increasing community need. As the organization works toward its mission of creating a healthier city through improved access to food and advocacy for systemic change, effective communication plays a critical role in strengthening public awareness, donor engagement, and organizational credibility.
The Manager, Communications will be responsible for developing and executing an integrated communications strategy that enhances the Ottawa Food Bank’s visibility, deepens community engagement, and supports fundraising, advocacy, and program initiatives. This role oversees a talented communications team and ensures the delivery of high‑quality, consistent, and values‑driven content across digital, media, and internal channels.

ABOUT US 

The Ottawa Food Bank is the leading emergency food provider in the National Capital Region, supporting a network of nearly 100 community food programs. Each year, we respond to more than 556,000 visits, of which 37% are children, reflecting the ongoing and urgent need across our community. 

Through the generosity of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we distribute approximately 8.3 million pounds of food annually, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout Ottawa.

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Development, the Manager, Communications is responsible for developing and executing an integrated communications strategy that strengthens the organization’s identity and mission awareness, encourages community engagement and increases visibility of its programs, priorities, and impact across key stakeholder groups.

The Manager, Communications oversees a talented team and leads the planning, creation, and delivery of high‑quality, meaningful content across digital, media, and internal channels.
Working in a fast‑paced and highly collaborative environment, the Manager ensures that all communications reflect the Ottawa Food Bank’s values and advance our mission: partnering to create a healthier city by empowering people, increasing access to healthy food, and advocating for systemic change that reduces food insecurity.

This role is ideal for a senior communicator who thrives in both strategy and execution, brings strong team leadership experience, and is passionate about using communications to drive social impact.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management

•    Provide direction for the Communications team by setting priorities, aligning work with organizational goals, and ensuring clarity around roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
•    Allocate team resources and delegate assignments effectively, ensuring workload balance and the ability to respond to time-sensitive needs.
•    Oversee workflow and operational processes, including planning tools, editorial calendars, approval pathways, and brand standards to ensure consistency and efficiency.
•    Provide communications support to internal departments—including planning, key messaging, crisis and internal communications, media relations, and report while building strong cross-functional relationships and leading collaborative communications initiatives across the Ottawa Food Bank.
•    Lead performance management for communications staff, including goal setting, feedback, coaching, and supporting ongoing professional development.
•    Champion communications that uphold diversity, equity, inclusion, and dignity, ensuring all content reflects the perspectives and experiences of the communities we serve
•    Prepare and manage departmental budgets.

Communications

•    Develops marketing and public relations strategies that align with the Ottawa Food Bank’s strategic plan and branding goals, that foster strong relationships with targeted audiences.
•    Creates and implements a communications strategy that balances:
o    support for fundraising campaigns,
o    recognition and gratitude for philanthropic gifts, volunteer resources
o    information about the Ottawa Food Bank network and the need for food support in Ottawa, and
o    amplification of advocacy messages and actions that improve food security for all.
•    Produces reports, key messages, speeches, publications, and media releases for the Ottawa Food Bank website, social media channels, and media at large.
•    Collaborates and guides creative and strategy agencies in the creation of print, broadcast, and digital promotional materials.
•    Identify and monitor Key Performance Indicators and other evaluation techniques to measure the success of the Ottawa Food Bank brand and marketing initiatives.
•    Identify challenges and emerging communication issues faced by the organization, including policy and political changes.
•    Collaborates with other departments to ensure brand consistency and coordination of messages.
•    Responsible for managing the process to create annual Year In Review report.
•    Recommends and manages updates to Ottawa Food Bank website

Electronic/Social Media

•    Leads the story telling and delivery of the Ottawa Food Bank’s message through video, social media, and emerging technologies.
•    Develops balanced and planned growth strategies for the Ottawa Food Bank’s social media accounts that acknowledge donor support, tell impactful stories, and advance the Ottawa Food Bank’s brand and mission, and strengthens audience engagement
•    Guides two Communication Coordinators, in developing and editing content for postings on all platforms. Responds to online comments as needed.
Media Relations

•    Develops strong relationships with local media and regularly pitches stories and content to various media mediums.
•    Manages and responds to media requests, develops media releases and advisories, conducts media monitoring and reporting.
•    Works with Director of Communications and Development to negotiate media contracts that ensure effective and robust promotion of Ottawa Food Bank in various markets.
•    Acts as an Ottawa Food Bank spokesperson as needed.

Other
•    Supports Communication Coordinators in ensuring all sponsorship deliverables are met.

KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES

•    Highly organized and self-directed, with the ability manage competing priorities, plan, and direct the work of the team.
•    Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop staff.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, with the ability to confidently and professionally engage with colleagues, donors, media, and other stakeholders.
•    Knowledge of the issues related to food security.
•    General familiarity with office applications (SharePoint, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and database management.
•    Strong knowledge of social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok)
•    Comfort with WordPress and its Elementor editing and website building application.
•    Comfort with Photoshop and Canva.
•    Demonstrated understanding of effective electronic and print media strategies.
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills, and presentation/public speaking skills.
•    Proficiency with web applications/content management systems.
•    Excellent writing skills are required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•    Post-secondary degree or college diploma in Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing,
•    3-5 years of experience in communications, preferably in a not-for-profit environment,
•    Experience in a management or leadership role, or
•    A combination of related education, training, and experience.

 
RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTACTS

This position involves regular, ongoing interactions both within the Ottawa Food Bank and throughout the broader community. The Communications Manager is expected to ensure that all engagements reflect the organization’s brand, values, and high standard of professionalism. The role requires consistent collaboration with colleagues across departments, member agencies, media representatives, donors, volunteers, the public, and people with lived and living experience of food insecurity. It also includes maintaining relationships with communication-related vendors and partners.

Strong tact, discretion, and sound judgment are essential to representing the Ottawa Food Bank effectively and respectfully in all communications and relationships.

PROBLEM SOLVING

The position requires proactively identifying, assessing, and resolving issues that could impact the Ottawa Food Bank’s reputation, public trust, and credibility. The Communications Manager must exercise strong judgment, anticipate risks, and implement solutions that protect and enhance the organization’s standing in the community.
The incumbent collaborates with others in the organization to develop and deliver responses to issues that arise or in response to media, social media, or other coverage.

SUPERVISION

This position oversees two direct reports.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERRORS

Errors could negatively impact the Ottawa Food Bank’s image.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND TRAVEL

Work is normally performed in an office environment, with some activities occurring at offsite venues and outside traditional office hours. Travel is usually limited to the Ottawa
Region. Some evening and weekend work as required.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Limited physical activity is required to perform the duties of the position. Some standing, walking, bending, and lifting is required at offsite events.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Excellent English language skills (verbal and written) are a requirement of the position. Intermediate French language skills (verbal and written) are an asset.

COMPENSATION
The hiring range for this Level 4 position is $80,931 to $101,164. Placement within this range will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and in accordance with the Ottawa Food Bank’s compensation policy.

APPLICATION PROCESS 

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter.  Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for screening and interviews.  

The Ottawa Food Bank is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in our workforce. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ and BIPOC communities.  
 
In our commitment to accessibility, the Ottawa Food Bank provides accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the entire recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please inform your recruiter, and we will ensure that your needs are met.  
 
Ready to apply? Submit your application by the deadline to join a collaborative and mission-driven organization making an impact in the community.