Position Description

Yonge Street Mission (YSM) is a vibrant, non-profit Christian organization leading a collective movement to end long-term poverty in Toronto. Since 1896, we’ve worked to transform the lives of people experiencing poverty, going beyond immediate needs by offering wrap-around support via holistic programs and services, and a pathway which enables street-involved youth, families in need, adults experiencing poverty and vulnerable communities to move from surviving to thriving.

To make this happen, we are passionate about investing in the people we work with and look for a diverse range of staff who are key for us to advance our mission: Christians who have a heart for neighbours in need, a desire to transform the lives of our community members, and who believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. 

If you are inspired by our vision and feel a true call to contribute to YSM’s work, we’d love to hear from you.

What We Offer:

As a staff member at YSM, some of the things you can look forward to include a values-based, highly collaborative and engaging work environment with a high value on staff’s mental health and well-being; meaningful, innovative and impactful work, with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and the community, as well as flexible hybrid work arrangements. Our competitive Total Rewards compensation package also includes Group RRSP matching, annual leave and paid personal days, comprehensive health and dental care coverage, an Employee and Family Assistance Program that includes counselling services by Christian professionals, and numerous other perks.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a passionate, collaborative, results-focused and driven Director of Marketing to meet YSM’s increasing need to expand our pipeline of prospective partners and donors and elevate YSM’s brand and overall awareness within Toronto, as well as diversify and grow the organization’s revenue-generating potential.

Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy, this pivotal leadership role will include responsibility for the following areas:

1. Strategic Brand Growth and Development - act as the champion of YSM’s brand and combine strategic thinking, creativity, brand management and charitable sector knowledge to promote brand identity and recognition.
    
2. Public Relations & Broad Reach Marketing - develop and implement a Media Relations Strategy to support campaign initiatives to earn media response to YSM programs and initiatives, while building further understanding of YSM’s role in poverty reduction within Toronto and as a subject matter expert (SME).
    
3. Website Strategy and Oversight – act as the creative and strategic lead of the YSM website to develop its strategic direction and expand awareness while driving consistent growth.
    
4. Creative Services and Story Development – work with YSM’s Director of Development & Communications, Director of Major Gifts and Director of Impact Measurement to produce emotive stories and public reports to facilitate awareness and revenue generation across all fundraising channels, whilst strengthening communications and impact reporting.
    
5. Leadership – contribute to YSM leadership as a member of YSM’s Ministry Leadership Team of Directors, and maintain a team of marketing students and external vendors to support YSM’s marketing strategies.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive PR plans, brand and website strategies in alignment with YSM’s mission, values and objectives, that enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Collaborate with all levels of Yonge Street Mission staff and leadership, to generate  increased public awareness of over 100 programs and services and community development initiatives.
• Strategize plans and create communications for new and existing marketing initiatives including YSM’s sub and related brands; ReVISION Partnership, Project: GENERAT1ON, Angie Peters’ book Just Act, as well as our to-be-developed ELEV8 by YSM housing and community development project.
• Lead the development and execution of compelling narratives to captivate YSM target audiences.
• Build insights and strategies to recruit new partners and supporters to engage with YSM, by leveraging key insights and best practices.
• Oversee the design of content and integration of website initiatives into YSM’s fundraising and programmatic strategies.
• Build and maintain a strong relationship with YSM’s PR Agency and aligned media contacts and outlets while acting as a company spokesperson: proactively pitching stories of interest and relevance, and managing media inquiries and interview requests.
• Establish KPIs to measure the success of key marketing initiatives, as well as build / drive the brand’s performance and value proposition.
• Implement SEO best practices to generate increased organic traffic and improve search engine effectiveness.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends to identify opportunities for strategic PR initiatives and other growth opportunities.
• Participate in organizational strategic planning, milestone development and annual objective setting toward YSM’s goals.
• Liaise with Volunteer Resources, community colleges and universities to identify, onboard and train marketing students on a rotating basis.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education combined with 9+ years of relevant experience
• Superlative written and verbal communication skills
• Deep and abiding respect for people of all types, and the ability to tell compelling and respectful stories, from a trauma-informed perspective
• Discerning judgment and exemplary relationship development skills and a tangible, passionate desire to achieve the goals and objectives of Yonge Street Mission,
• Exceptional level of attention to detail
• Strong data analysis and project management skills; good time management capability
• Effective people management and coaching skills
• Professional demeanor and well-evolved public speaking skills, in both large and small room settings
• Demonstrated personal commitment to YSM’s principles of faith, mission and values

Compensation: YSM offers market-competitive rates and will pay a starting salary of $94,784.67 for this role, combined with a comprehensive suite of benefits and perks.

Deadline for Application: Until the position is filled 

While we appreciate all responses, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Please note that YSM does not use any form of artificial intelligence (AI) at any stage of the recruitment process. These stages include screening and shortlisting, assessment and selection.

Learn more about YSM at www.ysm.ca

Date Posted: Sept 6, 2024