Manager, Strategic Communications and Proposal Development

Responsibilities

include:

Marketing & Communications

• Leads and is fully accountable for the operations of a two-person marketing team, including strategic planning, workflow management, task assignment, and performance evaluation, ensuring all departmental objectives and deliverables are achieved.
• Develops and manages the annual marketing budget.
• Oversees marketing requests, workflows, and weekly deliverables.
• Liaises with internal groups to confirm requirements and ensure timely, streamlined collaboration.
• Oversees the use of The Career Foundation’s brand across all internal and external channels, including signage, promotional materials, website, social media, and advertising, ensuring full alignment and compliance with brand identity standards.
• Manages all social media activities, including content and creative development, promotional initiatives, and events.
• Develops content for websites, social channels, advertising, reports, and other materials.
• Manages website design and content updates/enhancements.
• Oversees media buying and creative delivery for paid digital media and traditional placements such as radio, television, and online.
• Manages the development and distribution of promotional and marketing materials, including newsletters, brochures, and other assets.
• Increases The Career Foundation’s profile across all provinces and service areas.
• Publishes op-eds or blog posts on workforce development challenges and innovations.
• Prepares reports, newsletters, briefings, presentations, and updates for internal and external audiences.
• Supports the marketing team in developing messaging and materials that effectively convey the organization’s mission, impact, and positioning.

Proposal and Fund Development

• Researches and identifies new calls or requests for proposals (CFP/RFP), grants, and funding opportunities.
• Stays informed on current and upcoming funding and bid opportunities aligned with organizational goals.
• Analyzes calls for proposals and eligibility criteria to assess alignment and strategic fit.
• Identifies win themes and develops proposal concepts that meet and exceed CFP requirements.
• Conducts market research, identifies subject matter experts, reviews organizational proposal assets, and leads storyboard sessions to develop proposal structure and content.
• Tailors proposals to align with funder priorities, criteria, and impact objectives.
• Supports the development of budgets, work plans, and supporting documentation as needed.
• Delivers completed written proposal responses by agreed CFP/RFP deadlines, escalating issues as required.
• Maintains a database of funders, partnerships, and proposal outcomes.
• Maintains a calendar of upcoming funding opportunities and submission deadlines.
• Collaborates with programs to identify opportunities for expansion through standalone or partnership initiatives.
• Drives revenue diversification and explores social enterprise models, fee-for-service programs, or earned income strategies.
• Leads or co-leads annual campaigns, corporate sponsorship drives, and special initiatives.
• Monitors and evaluates fundraising performance, sets clear metrics and goals, and provides regular reports to the leadership team on progress and opportunities.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Cultivates and builds strong relationships with internal and external partners to support successful proposal development.
• Organizes and facilitates meetings, workshops, and events to foster collaboration on joint proposals.
• Identifies opportunities for strategic partnerships that enhance the organization’s programs, services, and impact.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for external inquiries related to marketing, communications, and proposals.

Strategic Planning & Reporting

• Contributes to the organization’s strategic planning process, particularly regarding expanding reach and partnership opportunities for growth.
• Tracks and reports on key performance indicators related to proposal development and funding outcomes.
• Prepares fund development reports, including funding projections, to support organizational decision-making.
• Performs other relevant work as assigned to support the growth and development of the organization.

Qualifications/ Skills Required:

• Post-secondary degree in Business Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, Fundraising, Writing, Public/Government Relations, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in business development, marketing, communications, and proposal writing.
• Experience supervising a team, including developing, managing, and evaluating personnel.
• Proven experience in media relations, including writing news releases and engaging media.
• Solid understanding of social media management and strategies to grow audiences across relevant channels.
• Exceptional written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and a proven history of securing significant funding. Bilingualism in French or another language is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated forensic attention to detail and meticulous proofreading skills.
• Strong research, analytical, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Proven track record in a results-driven environment and experience meeting assigned targets.
• Knowledge of the Employment Services industry and the Workforce Development landscape, including challenges faced by job seekers, is considered an asset.
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills for internal and external communications.
• Ability to think proactively and strategically to identify and present new opportunities based on market trends and ROI.
• Advanced computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, MailChimp, WordPress, Outlook 365 (including MS Teams and SharePoint), Canva, and other digital tools.
• Professional and courteous approach to client service, demonstrating exceptional customer service skills and a strong commitment to upholding the organization’s core values and respect for diversity.
• Excellent project and time management skills, with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines and objectives.
• Process- and people-oriented with clear, respectful communication skills and the ability to build trust and rapport across all stakeholder groups.
• High ethical standards and confidentiality, consistently exhibiting tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
• Willingness and flexibility to occasionally work outside regular business hours for critical meetings and engagements.
• Strong work ethic with a positive attitude and client-centered approach.

The Career Foundation’s Commitment:

The Career Foundation is committed to diversity and inclusion and aims to create a healthy and rewarding environment for all. We welcome applications from qualified individuals who represent the diversity of the people we proudly serve, including, but not limited to, visible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals of all genders and sexual orientation. The Career Foundation, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), is also committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with candidates requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.

To apply for this position, please complete the application form below. We suggest using the latest version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to complete the form, in order to ensure that your application is submitted correctly.