Job Description

Position Summary

REST Centres is seeking a dynamic Communications and Community Engagement Manager to amplify our mission to end Black youth homelessness in the Peel Region. This individual will play a pivotal role in leading the development of digital content, community engagement, donor and funder relations, and impact storytelling. The Manager will also design and enhance REST's youth-focused summits, conferences, and advocacy initiatives, while supporting resource mobilization through strategic communications and donor campaigns. They will establish and lead REST's first Fundraising Committee and cultivate community champions to strengthen our reach and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Thought Leadership

Builds trust and collaborative relationships with media outlets, community agencies, and those with lived/living experience of homelessness or housing precarity. Acts as a liaison between the REST and external audiences, ensuring transparency and inclusive communication. Develop and operationalize REST's communications strategy to increase awareness and amplify impact. Craft and manage content across platforms including newsletters, blogs, reports, social media, and press releases. Position REST's reputation as a thought leader in the homeless sector for black youth through storytelling, public messaging, and media engagement.
Digital & Social Media Management

Oversee REST's social media presence, content calendar, and performance tracking. Design and distribute digital newsletters using platforms like Mailchimp. Create branded materials using Canva or Adobe tools for public campaigns.
Community Engagement & Advocacy

Represent REST at sector roundtables, advocacy tables, and community forums. Plan and support community-facing events and awareness campaigns. Build and nurture relationships with community partners and networks. Develops fact sheets and FAQs to communicate REST program updates, government policy shifts, and our community impacts.
Summit & Event Communications

Lead promotional efforts and communications strategy for REST's summits and conferences. Develop branding, social media campaigns, and stakeholder messaging for the event. Coordinate materials, storytelling, media presence, and post-event reporting.
Donor Communications & Fund Development Support

Collaborate on fundraising campaigns and donor communications. Support grant applications by contributing impact stories, organizational narratives, and communication assets. Track and help meet donor reporting requirements.
Impact Reporting & Stakeholder Stewardship

Lead development of REST's annual impact report and donor/stakeholder updates. Translate program outcomes into accessible and compelling reports and visuals. Coordinate donor appreciation and engagement efforts.
Fundraising Committee Development & Leadership

Re establish and coordinated REST's Fundraising Committee in collaboration with the Executive Director. Identify and onboard community champions and potential committee members. Facilitate committee meetings, provide support materials, and track outcomes.
Fundraising Event Support

Lead all communications and promotional strategies for fundraising events. Create sponsor recognition assets and post-event donor follow-up. Support storytelling, donor visibility, and media coverage at events.
Qualifications

3+ years of experience in communications, public relations, community engagement, or donor stewardship. Exceptional written and verbal communication and storytelling skills. Proficiency in digital tools including social media platforms, Mailchimp, Canva, and basic Adobe Suite. Demonstrated understanding of systemic challenges facing Black youth. Experience in nonprofit, housing, or youth sectors an asset. Highly organized, self-motivated, and collaborative.
Assets

Lived experience or strong connection to Black communities. Experience in event coordination or fundraising. Knowledge of French or another language spoken in Black diaspora communities.
What We Offer

A mission-driven and inclusive work culture Paid vacation and wellness days Professional development opportunities The opportunity to make a lasting impact
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12-24 months

Pay: $60,000.00-$70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Flexible schedule Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Vision care Wellness program
Flexible language requirement:

French not required
Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekends as needed
Work Location: On the road