Communications, Research and External Relations Manager

The Elementary Teachers of Toronto (ETT) is the Toronto-local of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO). The local—the largest in Canada—acts as the representative body for approximately 10,000      elementary teachers (K-8) employed by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).

As a membership organization, ETT anticipates and responds to the needs of its diverse membership by:

• Protecting and defending collective bargaining rights
• Organizing and engaging members through political action
• Providing support, professional development, and learning opportunities
• Advocating on behalf of public education, our members, and the students in their care
• Providing leadership in areas such as anti-poverty, anti-racism, non-violence, and equity

The mission of the Toronto Local is to be a unified, democratic organization of informed professionals which will anticipate and respond to the needs of its diverse membership, as well as advocate for children and public education.

It is within this context that ETT invites applications and nominations for its Communications, Research and External Relations Manager (‘Manager’).

Reporting to the President, the Manager will support the mobilization and engagement of ETT’s approximately 10,000 members, and play a key role in contract enforcement fights, campaigns, and the strengthening of the ETT Union.

In this role, the Manager will oversee all communications, direct paid, earned and owned media campaigns, craft and implement messaging and mobilization campaigns, and support the work of ETT’s elected leaders and members with traditional and digital media efforts.

The Manager will create and implement communications plans to support complex organizing campaigns, analyze organizational goals for effective implementation of long- and short-term communication programs, and provide training and consultation to leadership on all aspects of communications. The Manager will plan and direct the message, format, and structure of communication to the target audience.       They will develop and maintain quality standards for ETT’s publications including its website and use of social media, and compose and produce press releases, fact sheets, brochures, the ETT Weekly (email to members) and other communications documents. Additionally, the Manager will work with leadership and staff to research and prepare position papers, reports, presentations and speeches for the ETT leadership.

The Manager is also responsible for overseeing media relations and will develop, direct and evaluate news media relations; identify issues and events requiring media attention; organize media site visits and assist the press in developing stories; and interpret ETT’s position on education and labour issues for the media and public.

This appointment calls for a passionate and innovative communications professional who excels at generating novel approaches and utilizing effective strategies. As the ideal candidate, you have demonstrated experience in communications, including various communications modalities, and knowledge of principles, methods and theory of communication, public relations and marketing. You can prioritize communications and public relations needs toward strategic and timely responses, and conduct thorough and timely research.      

You have a commitment to Labour /Social Democratic Philosophy, and are capable of championing ETT’s Mission and Strategic Objectives. Awareness and familiarity with the public education structure and current issues affecting     students and their families is an asset.   Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people and constituencies is required, as is a demonstrated commitment to social justice and equity. You thrive in a busy, fast paced and rapidly changing environment and can prioritize tasks effectively and remain focused on ETT’s mission and strategic objectives. Additionally, you can participate in 24-hour, on-call response service during emergencies or special circumstances. A degree or diploma from an accredited college or university is required.

This is a unionized position based in Toronto.

Salary Grid:

• For the 2023-2024 School Year (Year 0 – Year 5): $85,698 - $96,410

To learn more about this impactful opportunity with ETT, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) and Noshina Choudhary (noshina@griffithgroup.ca).    

ETT is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, and strongly encourages applications from women, members of Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities; Two-Spirit, non-binary, trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people; people with disabilities; and members of other equity-deserving groups. Individuals are encouraged to self-identify.

ETT and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and assessment processes.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.