IONS is situated in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaw people. Unceded means that the Mi’kmaq have never relinquished, sold, traded, or transferred ownership of their land to European settler colonies, yet land was taken over without their consent through various processes of settler colonialism. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, which the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik people first signed with the British Crown in 1726. These Treaties did not involve the surrendering of rights to the lands and resources they had traditionally used and occupied. We are all Treaty People.

We further acknowledge that Nova Scotia is the birthplace of Black culture and heritage in Canada. People of African descent have shared these lands for over 400 years, and over 50 strong and resourceful African Nova Scotian communities exist here today.

We are committed to the struggle against systems of oppression that have resulted in profound inequities and the denial of self-determination rights. We are working actively to deepen our learning at an individual level, provide learning opportunities about anti-racism and decolonization, and to develop partnerships with organizations serving and led by underrepresented groups.

  • Community Engagement and Communications Manager

    Chester NS

    28-32$/h

    Company Website

     

    Job Description: Community Engagement and Communications Manager

    For more information or to submit an application (resume and cover letter required), please contact Roger at [email protected]  

    First review will take place on May 1, the job will be posted until filled.

    Reports to:                             Executive Director (ED)

    Location:                                Primarily onsite at OHC.  Some travel within the Municipality of Chester is required.

    Term:                                     One year term position with the possibility of renewal based on funding.

    Regular Hours:                     37.5 hours per week. Usual hours of operation are between 9 am and 5 pm.  Monday-Friday.  Some evenings and weekends will be required.  Flex time available for hours outside of usual operating hours.

    Salary:                                    28- 32$ per hour based on experience.  Benefits package to commence after successful completion of a 3-month probationary period.  Benefits include dental, medical (70% employer-paid), and RRSP contributions.

     

    Position Summary­­­­­­______________________________________________________________

     

    Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Manager of Community Engagement leads the OHC’s communications and community-facing work. This role is the primary connection between OHC and the communities it serves, responsible for consistent messaging across platforms, direct relationship-building with community members and partner organizations and coordinating engagement activities that reflect OHC’s mission. In the current phase of organizational growth, this role involves significant hands-on, in-person community work alongside planning and coordination responsibilities. As staffing capacity grows, the Manager will assume greater oversight of others delivering this work.

     

    Qualifications Required_________________________________________________________

     

    Essential Qualifications

     

    • University degree or college diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Public Health, Community Development, or a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
    • 3–5 years of relevant experience in communications, community engagement, or outreach, with at least one year in a coordinating or lead role.
    • Demonstrated ability to manage projects or workstreams independently, with minimal supervision.
    • Strong writing skills with the ability to adapt tone across audiences — from community members to funders to organizational partners.
    • Experience managing social media platforms and producing print and digital communications materials.
    • Proven track record in building and maintaining relationships with community members, partner organizations, or diverse stakeholder groups.
    • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, small-org environment.
    • Sound judgment around confidentiality, professional boundaries, and organizational reputation in a small community context.

     

    Skills & Attributes

    • Clear, direct communicator who can work across disciplines and represent the organization credibly in community settings.
    • Comfortable and confident representing OHC publicly at community events, partner tables, and in one-on-one relationship building.
    • Relationship-focused and community-centered, with the ability to work respectfully across diverse groups.
    • Practical, organized, and able to manage multiple workstreams independently.
    • Strong judgment around messaging, confidentiality, and professionalism.
    • Able to contribute to planning and strategy while remaining hands-on in day-to-day delivery.
    • Comfortable with a role that balances coordination, implementation, and emerging leadership responsibilities.

     

    Conditions of Employment: 

    • Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
    • Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector), recent within 1 year, or ability to obtain within 3 months.

     

    Duties and Responsibilities______________________________________________________

     

    Communications Internal and External

    • Develop and manage content for social media, website, newsletters, print materials, and reports.
    • Support the Executive Director in the creation of visual and written reports, funding applications, and other documents.
    • Prepare summaries, impact reports, and community-facing updates.
    • Maintain consistent tone, branding, and messaging across all channels.
    • Research and identify appropriate funding opportunities.
    • Prepare and contribute to funding applications that support current and future programs.

     

     

    Community Engagement and Liaison

    • Serve as a primary point of contact between OHC and community members, groups, and partner organizations.
    • Build and manage volunteer program at OHC.
    • Build and sustain relationships with local agencies, grassroots groups, and community leaders through regular, in-person presence.
    • Represent OHC at community meetings, events, and outreach activities.
    • Gather community feedback and insights and bring them into organizational planning and decision-making.
    • Coordinate and support co-design of programs, events, and initiatives with internal staff and community partners.
    • Plan and carry out direct community outreach, including attending events, facilitating conversations, and supporting community-led activities.

     

    Planning, Coordination & Evaluation

    • Develop and implement engagement plans that align with OHC’s mission and strategic priorities.
    • Track engagement activities and report on reach, trends, and outcomes.
    • Identify gaps in engagement or communication and propose practical improvements.
    • Collaborate with staff to coordinate program promotion and outreach.
    • Contribute to organizational planning processes and provide input on community needs and priorities.

     

    Administration and Leadership

    • Supervise, mentor, and support direct reports where applicable.
    • Supports and coordinates program facilitators and contractors in delivering programming and workshops.
    • Maintain records, databases, and contact lists related to community engagement and program activity.
    • Basic office duties and administration as required.
    • Other duties as assigned.

     

    This job description may be updated based on operational requirements. Work plans will be created annually with the ED.

    Apply for Job

    [email protected]

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