• Full Time
  • Anywhere
  • Applications have closed.

CommunityNS Community Foundation of Nova Scotia

About CFNS
The Community Foundation of Nova Scotia is a charitable giving facilitator. We help donors make sustainable philanthropic impact on causes they care about at the grassroots level in our communities. We endow funds for donors; manage donation programs; and convene conversations that make a positive difference in our communities. We have three primary philanthropy streams: donor-advised funds, impact funds that target specific needs in Nova Scotia, and community funds that are created and managed by communities. Our ultimate vision is to build vibrant communities of respect, belonging and possibility across Nova Scotia that have the resources to care for their own needs.

Purpose of the Role
After years of steady growth, CFNS has set an ambitious goal to significantly increase philanthropic impact in Nova Scotia. This qualified professional will play a critical role in shaping the future of the Community Foundation through effective and impactful storytelling. As we strive to enable greater impact in communities and charitable causes across the province, we will place emphasis on connecting donors / fundholders with causes they care about and explaining the tools offered by CFNS. The Director of Communications will work as a partner and collaborator with the CEO in building and advancing the strategy and as the creative writer and strategic amplifier of our inspiring stories, past and potential, to allow for increased philanthropic activity to fuel more impact.

Key Objectives

  • To build increased awareness of the impact of CFNS.
  • To support relationship development with both donors and communities.
  • To support the Board and CEO in strategic initiatives of the organization.

Reporting Structure
This role will report to the CEO of CFNS.

Structure of Role
Full-time staff member but with a flexibility in scheduling that could include a 4-day work week.

Location of the role is Halifax, but the candidate does not need to be live in HRM as much of the work can be done virtually if they are available for in-person meetings as required.

Key Responsibilities
Awareness Building of CFNS

  • Be the master storyteller of the Foundation’s impact on the province of Nova Scotia—shape the story of the organization externally.
  • Manage CFNS’s storytelling platforms: its website, social media channels and quarterly newsletter.
  • Constantly explore opportunities to grow and expand awareness of CFNS across the province.
  • Engage and nurture media relationships, including writing and distributing news releases.
  • Work with the CEO on a public events and special events strategy.
  • Update and create communications/marketing materials for CFNS, including impact stories, brochures, and videos, as well as other collateral.

Supporting Strategic Initiatives

  • Play a critical role alongside the CEO, staff, and Board of Directors, to understand and collaborate on implementation of new strategic direction – joining a team at key point of growth and new trajectory.
  • With CEO, co-create the operational plan for implementing a new communications strategy.
  • Alongside CEO, with Board and key stakeholders, build an engagement strategy and comms plan that captures the tasks.
  • Consider and propose how to communicate the planning and implementation of new initiatives and how they fit within strategy and broader mandate.

Supporting Relationship Development

  1. Community Relationship Development
    • Work with NFP’s and sector partners to share stories of CFNS as facilitator and to build relationships and partnerships to help amplify impact of grants and the work of grantees.
    • Support community funds in their Communications activities.
  2. Donor Relationship Development
    • Identify potential donors with CEO and Board.
    • Build strategies and materials to support communicating with potential donors.
  3. Existing Fundholder Relationship Development
    • Newsletters
    • Annual fund holder check-in to determine if any changes need to be made around promotion of existing funds.
    • Attend new fund or client meetings as needed to support new or current clients in communications activities.

Education and Experience

  • Diploma or bachelor’s degree in business, communications, education, human services, social sciences, or related discipline.
  • The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5-10 years of experience, with the confidence to work as a leader at a strategic level, while still being able to implement many activities.

Attributes

  • Friendly and approachable communication style and able to work with a variety of individuals.
  • Collaborative in nature, able to work with CEO on key strategic messaging for the organization that embodies the vision and mission of CFNS.
  • Enjoys a high-volume environment that often varies in type and intensity of workload.
  • Exceptional listening, oral, and written communications skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as a strong team contributor.
  • Good analytical skills, attention to detail, the ability to communicate effectively.
  • Demonstrates commitment to continuing professional development.
  • Flexible and adaptable and understands the nature of the not-for-profit environment.
  • A values-based working style; decisions and actions reflect the shared values of CFNS.
  • Advanced computer skills required, including Microsoft office software (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word), budget, and database management.

The Community Foundation of Nova Scotia (CFNS) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. CFNS hires based on merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify.

Salary Range
Commensurate with education and experience.

Start Date
June 20th, 2022

For more information on the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, please visit our website at www.cfns-fcne.ca. Note that this is an opportunity to get a view of the work we are doing, but we would be looking to the ideal candidate for Director of Communications to help us reshape this to better communicate our story.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to daniel.holland@cfns-fcne.ca

Application deadline: Friday, May 20th at 5:00pm