Vice-President, Community Relations

The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.

With the mission to drive positive change by connecting diverse people, ideas and resources, Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) has grown to hold some 280 million in assets and grants close to $12 million a year to community. Founded in 1954 as Ontario’s first community foundation, HCF is a well-respected community leader in Hamilton, and a member of the Community Foundations of Canada, the national membership organization whose members contribute time, leadership and financial support to initiatives that benefit their community most, based on an intimate understanding of local needs and opportunities. Guided by an engaged Board, and a highly engaged and committed team, HCF is now entering the fourth year of an ambitious five-year strategic plan that includes major initiatives in education, affordable housing, impact investing, equity, diversity and inclusion and relationships with Indigenous communities.

It is within this context that the Hamilton Community Foundation welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its next Vice-President, Community Relations, commencing early summer 2025 or soon after.

Reporting to President & CEO Rudi Wallace, the Vice-President, Community Relations (“Vice-President”) provides leadership and strategic direction to all of HCF’s communications and public relations functions, including internal and external communications, marketing, constituent relations, media relations, sponsorship, issues management, crisis management, the organization’s strategic and operational plans. Working alongside their peers on the Senior Leadership Team, and leveraging a dedicated team, as well as series of third-party contractors (writers, content creators, graphic designers etc.), the Vice-President ensures the alignment of all activities to HCF's vision, key objectives and strategies. The Vice-President also has accountability to manage and monitor the effectiveness of the Vital Signs initiative for Hamilton, working with board, senior management, community leaders and Community Foundations of Canada, as the primary community liaison for HCF. As HCF is an integral organization in Hamilton, the Vice-President also maintains and expands HCF's external relations and public policy positions with local and provincial government representatives, key legislators (representing all political parties) and community partners, is an active participant on relevant community and regional advisory committees, and identifies and pursues opportunities for information-sharing, public education, collaboration and joint problem-solving. In support of these activities, the Vice-President manages HCF's print, online, and media presence. Internally, the Vice-President spends significant time supporting colleagues across the organization, managing internal communications, working with other teams on external communications and marketing, supporting the CEO with thought-leadership and media engagements, with HCF's board, and with reviewing material to protect the interests and reputation of HCF, its donors, volunteers and staff.

As the ideal candidate, you are a highly regarded and respected communications executive. Your career includes a breadth of experience supporting diverse and multiple organizations in the public and/or private sector. You are adept at analysing, synthesizing and articulating vast amount of information into digestible content for various audiences, experience with a variety of communication and marketing tools, and have exceptional written and verbal communication skills. You have developed and supported an in-house staff team, and have knowledge of, connections with, and experience managing third-party contractors. You are responsive, nimble, and flexible, and can manage shifting priorities and timelines with calm resilience. Ideally, you hold formal training in public relations and communications vis a vis a recognised relevant university degree or professional public relations accreditation. Candidates must have relationships and connections to relevant organizations, executives, and community leaders in the Hamilton community, a strong commitment to HCF's mission and values, and a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, to Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and the necessary cultural competencies to lead a multi-generational, culturally diverse workforce.

Salary Range and Compensation Package:  $120,000-$140,000, commensurate with experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package, paid vacation and a hybrid work environment.

To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity within Hamilton Community Foundation, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca). 

AN IMPORTANT NOTE: Research shows that women and racialized candidates often only apply to positions when they feel 100% qualified. The Hamilton Community Foundation encourages and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of all sexual orientations and/or gender identities.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to those legally eligible to work in Canada.

Hamilton Community Foundation and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and a welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or assessment processes.