Sr. Manager, Influence & Engagement

Seeking Sr. Manager, Influence & Engagement for immediate hire. Accepting applications from all groups.

“The best prescription I’ve ever given is a wish.”

-Dr. Jeremy Friedman, Associate Paediatrician-in-Chief, SickKids Hospital & Medical Advisor for Make-A-Wish® Canada

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WISH?

Is it to be part of an organization that is child-focused, values employee experience and is an inspiring workplace? If so, Make-A-Wish is for you!

Make-A-Wish^® Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child’s wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness.

“It’s been wonderful to have this wish to look forward to… It’s wonderful to see (Rowan) with something that brings him pure joy after all he’s been through and missed out on!”

–Melissa, mom to wish kid Rowan (age 5, leukemia), who wished for an indoor jungle gym.

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Our mission is, together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness. Supported by our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Our values are Child-Focused, Integrity, Impact, Innovation, and Community.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Meaningful opportunities to make an impact and change the lives of children with critical illnesses within your community and across Canada
• A collaborative team environment where you feel valued and inspired
• An attractive compensation package that includes group health and dental premiums which are fully covered by the Foundation, RRSP, & Wish paid hours
• Annual vacation starting at three weeks & additional paid leaves
• Work/life balance and flexibility
• Hybrid working environment
• Employee Wellness Program
• Corporate discounts
• Continuous learning, development and internal training opportunities
• Fun employee activities, contests, and more!

Make-A-Wish^® Canada is committed to fostering a culture that aims to change lives while offering a rewarding employment experience where your contributions make a true difference every day!

WHERE YOU COME IN

We are looking for a Senior Manager, Influence & Engagement to join our team at Make-A-Wish Canada. Reporting to the Integrated Communications Director, and an integral member of the brand & integrated marketing team, you will focus on leading initiatives to amplify our mission through brand awareness campaigns, strategic influencing, and developing impactful content.

You will manage a dedicated team consisting of four Regional Communications Specialists, a Marketing Coordinator, and a Content Creation Specialist. Collaborating closely with our Corporate and Stewardship Communications teams, as well as our Digital, Mass, and Creative departments, you’ll play a pivotal role in enhancing our organization’s reach and impact.

This role can be based out of any Make-A-Wish Canada office and is a full-time, permanent, hybrid position.

WHAT YOU WILL DO 

The Senior Manager, Influence & Engagement is an exciting role within the organization, designed to be at the forefront of promoting our mission and creating a lasting impact in the lives of children with critical illnesses. This role requires a compassionate and persuasive individual with strong leadership skills, as well as experience in brand management, strategic influencing, and content development. In addition to managing a team and collaborating with various departments within Make-A-Wish Canada, you’ll also have the opportunity to build relationships with external partners, media outlets, and influencers.

1. Mission Awareness and Engagement Strategies:

• Develop comprehensive strategies aimed at amplifying awareness of our organization’s mission and drive engagement across various communication channels. This involves strategically promoting our Case for Support, supporting the curating of our mission wishes to encompass a diverse range of wish types and demographics, and meticulously tailoring our storytelling to foster greater engagement and connection with our mission.

2. Influencer Strategy:

• Craft and execute comprehensive organic and paid influencer strategies to engage external content-creators who align with our mission by fostering meaningful relationships, coordinating influencer campaigns, and leveraging partnerships to extend our reach and impact.
• Craft and execute a comprehensive “internal” influence strategy to engage current Make-A-Wish Canada community members like wish alumni, volunteers and staff who will help advance our mission by promoting our goals and needs.
• Identify and measure metrics in order to track and improve progress.

3. Content Creation Strategy:

• Craft and implement a dynamic content creation roadmap that’s meticulously tailored to diverse target demographics, spanning across digital platforms and traditional media outlets.
• Curate visually captivating content that not only captivates but also compels audiences, fostering a culture of sharing. Seamlessly integrate our brand ethos, mission, and impact into every visual narrative, solidifying our identity and resonance within the market.

4. Regional Communications Strategy:

• Develop and strategically curate a dynamic resource kit for Regional Communications Specialists in order to ensure coherence and alignment in communication efforts across all regions, supporting our organization’s overarching goals.
• Oversee communications strategies for regional events, prioritizing audience engagement, fundraising, and mission alignment. Develop support strategies and tools for regional teams, ensuring consistency.
• Oversee communication efforts for events, including promotions, media relations, and attendee outreach, aiming to maximize impact. Oversee post-event evaluations to measure success and gather feedback for improvement.
• Co-develop an earned media relations strategy that empowers local teams to cultivate relationships with regional media outlets in order to secure earned media coverage for our organization’s initiatives and events. This involves overseeing pitching stories, coordinating interviews, and monitoring media coverage to amplify our message and reach wider audiences.
• Co-develop a paid regional media and partnerships strategy to amplify our message and reach target audiences effectively. This includes managing advertising budgets, negotiating partnerships, and optimizing campaign performance to achieve desired outcomes.

5. Data-Driven Communication Strategy Optimization

• Leverage data-driven insights to refine communication strategies, optimize outreach efforts, and measure the impact of influence and engagement initiatives. Track key metrics such as social media engagement, content sharing, and audience feedback to gauge the success and adapt communication endeavors.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or other relevant field, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, or public relations roles, with a track record of success in developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to develop comprehensive strategies for mission awareness and engagement across various communication channels, with a focus on promoting organizational goals and fostering audience connection.
• Proven experience in crafting and executing both organic and paid influencer strategies, including establishing meaningful relationships, coordinating campaigns, and measuring impact. Ability to engage internal stakeholders effectively to further organizational objectives.
• Content Creation Expertise: Proficiency in crafting and implementing dynamic content creation strategies tailored to diverse target demographics across digital and traditional media platforms. Strong creative skills to curate visually captivating content that resonates with audiences and aligns with brand identity.
• Experience in developing and executing cohesive regional communication strategies, ensuring brand consistency and alignment with organizational goals. Ability to provide guidance and support to regional teams, oversee event communications, and manage media relations effectively.
• Proficient in leveraging data-driven insights to optimize communication strategies, measure the impact of initiatives, and track key metrics for continuous improvement. Experience in analyzing social media engagement, content performance, and audience feedback to inform decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external stakeholders, and influencers. Ability to articulate strategic objectives, provide clear guidance, and foster productive relationships to achieve organizational objectives.
• Strong project management skills to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively. Experience in budget management, negotiation, and campaign optimization to maximize outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to evolving communication trends and technologies, and innovate strategies to reach and engage target audiences effectively. Willingness to explore new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and drive continuous improvement in communication endeavors.
• Ability to communicate both written and orally in English; French is an asset.
• A clear Criminal Background Check will be required.

YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Hybrid work environment (2 days in-office, 3 days remote per week) with occasional requirements to work outside of regular office hours.

• Occasional day/overnight travel.

Physical/Mental Effort

• Works under pressure to meet tight deadlines with a high-volume workload, multiple demands and changing/overlapping priorities.
• May be subjected to sensitive situations/information regarding Wish children and families.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Make-A-Wish Canada (MAWC) is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). We believe that it is essential to our mission that we build a diverse, balanced, and vibrant workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and seek to serve. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups often only apply when they feel 100% qualified. Therefore, we ask that even if you do not see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on this posting, to still apply.

How to apply

If everything you’ve read so far sounds like you, we encourage you to apply now!  The deadline to apply is June 10, 2024 at 11:59pm ET.

To apply, please navigate to: https://can241.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-CA/makeawishca/Posting/View/457

Make-A-Wish Canada provides equal opportunity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Reasonable accommodations due to disability are available on request at any stage of the hiring process.  

Recruitment process

Our recruitment process is swift in pace.  Once applications are reviewed, we will contact our shortlisted candidates.  Our typical process includes a phone screen, one or two interviews, and reference checking, followed by an offer and a criminal background check for the successful candidate.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in working with us!

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH® CANADA

Since 1983, Make-A-Wish Canada has granted over 38,500 wishes across the country, over 1000 last year alone. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization. We serve children in every community in Canada, and in more than 50 countries worldwide.

JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY

For more information on how you can support Make-A-Wish^® Canada or get involved please visit our website at makeawish.ca.