The Role:
We’re looking for a creative and strategic Director of Communications to help BHER level up our brand, deepen our reach, and connect more Canadians to the transformative work we do. This is a rare opportunity to shape how a small but mighty national non-profit tells its story across sectors, regions, and audiences.
You’ll lead execution of our communications work with a strong eye for strategy. From content design to media engagement to digital storytelling, you’ll ensure our communications are clear, consistent, and compelling. You’ll report to the VP, Corporate Services, and manage a small but growing communications team.
Responsibilities:
Brand + Strategy
- Translate BHER’s voice and values into clear messaging, visuals, and tactics that increase awareness and credibility.
- Collaborate with the executive team on brand strategy and narrative alignment across teams and products.
- Shape and implement communications plans for priority projects, events, partnerships, and announcements.
Content + Digital
- Lead the development and delivery of content across platforms, including reports, announcements, e-blasts, web, and social.
- Oversee design standards and ensure brand consistency across all communications products.
- Collaborate with internal experts, including the Senior Content Specialist, to ensure strong storytelling across research, programs, and public-facing materials.
- Source and work with third-party vendors as needed to deliver on communication plans.
- Monitor and report on analytics (web, social, e-mail) and adjust strategy accordingly.
Media + Stakeholder Engagement
- Manage proactive and reactive media outreach, including writing releases, op-eds, and talking points and risk communication
- Build and maintain relationships with media contacts, comms leads in member organizations, and key stakeholders.
- Support executive communications including speeches, presentations, and thought leadership.
Team Leadership + Internal Communications
- Supervise one direct report (Communications Coordinator), with potential for team growth.
- Work closely with the Senior Content Specialist (who reports to the Chief R&D Officer) to ensure alignment across BHER’s research, programs, and communications products.
- Provide mentorship and professional development support to staff.
- Support internal communications across teams to ensure alignment and information sharing.
Qualifications:
Must-Haves
- 8+ years experience in communications, marketing, public affairs, or a related field, ideally with some in-house nonprofit, government, or agency experience.
- A strong portfolio of work that showcases your ability to tell complex stories with clarity and creativity.
- Experience managing communications strategy and hands-on content execution.
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across a variety of formats and tones.
- Familiarity with digital platforms, analytics tools, and accessibility best practices.
- Confidence managing timelines, collaborators, and competing priorities.
- A collaborative, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude.
Nice-to-Haves
- Experience in brand management or organizational rebranding.
- Familiarity with the Canadian skills, education, or innovation landscape is an asset — but not required. If you're a fast learner who loves digging into complex systems and telling great stories, we want to hear from you.
- Bilingualism (English/French).
What We Offer:
- An annual salary of $116,280 - $159,120 depending on experience
- A comprehensive benefits package
- Flexible remote work from anywhere in Canada
- Generous paid time off policy
- A mission-driven, collaborative team that values authenticity and impact
How to Apply: Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to careers@bher.ca. Applications are assessed as they are received. The posting will remain open until the position is filled.
BHER is committed to having an inclusive workplace with equitable access to employment, development, and advancement opportunities for current and future employees. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. Don’t meet every requirement? We still want to hear from you. We believe great candidates come from diverse paths. Applicants must reside in Canada.
About BHER: Since 2015, the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) has brought together Canada’s top companies and post-secondary institutions to create opportunities for students and workers, boost innovation, and build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
Learn more about BHER