Public Relations Lead

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Lead

🔹 Company: Dixon Hall

🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time (1 Year Contract)

🔹 Category: Marketing and Communications

🔹 Date Posted: July 09, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing integrated PR and communications strategies
• Leading content development for various communications, including the Annual Report
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and the broader community
• Supporting advocacy efforts through strategic communications
• Monitoring public policy and current events to inform messaging and positioning

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong writing skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement digital marketing campaigns to drive traffic, engagement, and conversions

✅ Develop and implement integrated PR and communications strategies aligned with organizational goals and advocacy priorities

✅ Lead the content development of the Annual Report, coordinating across departments for data, impact stories, and design alignment

✅ Write and edit high-quality content for internal and external communications, including newsletters, reports, media releases, blogposts, donor communications, and presentations

✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers

✅ Support advocacy efforts through communications that raise awareness and mobilize action

✅ Monitor public policy and current events to inform messaging and positioning

✅ Ensure consistency of tone, messaging, and visual identity across all channels

✅ Monitor media coverage and public sentiment to inform strategy

✅ Coordinate the planning and execution of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in partnership with the Office of the CEO and the Director of Marketing and Communications

✅ Support organizational campaigns and milestone events with targeted PR and communications plans

✅ Other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong project management skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Completed post-secondary education in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of experience in public relations, strategic communications, or related fields

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Understanding of PR and Communications tools
• Demonstrated ability in project management, including scheduling, prioritizing, and delivering projects on time
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in or with the nonprofit sector
• Experience in community communications or grassroots advocacy
• An understanding of the issues relevant to the social services and advocacy sector in Toronto

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of formal education.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD 60,000 - 65,000 per year

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees
• Opportunity for professional growth and development
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a PR Lead role in the nonprofit sector in Toronto.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Dixon Hall operates in the non-profit sector, focusing on social services, housing, and community development

Company Size: Dixon Hall has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for collaboration and growth

Founded: Dixon Hall was founded in 1929, with a rich history of serving the Toronto community

Company Description:

• Dixon Hall is a multi-service, charitable organization committed to empowering the lives of the most vulnerable, marginalized, and at-risk communities
• Through comprehensive programs in supportive and deeply affordable housing, shelter, employment, settlement, youth, and seniors’ services, Dixon Hall helps individuals overcome barriers to stability and well-being
• By addressing critical social challenges and fostering connections, Dixon Hall creates lasting community impact, building a more inclusive and resilient city for all

Company Specialties:

• Employment Services
• Jobs
• Literacy and Basic Skills
• Seniors Services
• Children and Youth
• Music School
• Housing
• Settlement Services
• Community Development
• Harm Reduction
• and Social Enterprise

Company Website: http://www.dixonhall.org

ASSUMPTION: Dixon Hall's mission and values are centered around empowering marginalized communities and creating lasting social impact.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a balance of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and stakeholder management

Reporting Structure: The Public Relations Lead reports directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the possibility of remote work for specific tasks or events

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for contract extension based on performance and organizational needs
• Opportunities to work on diverse campaigns and initiatives, fostering professional growth
• Chance to contribute to Dixon Hall's mission and make a tangible impact on the community

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization and the broader nonprofit sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Dixon Hall has multiple office locations in Toronto, with a collaborative and inclusive work environment

Office Location(s): 58 Sumach St., Toronto, ON M5A 3J7, CA and 188 Carlton St., 192 Carlton St. 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5A 2K8, CA

Geographic Context:

• Toronto is a multicultural city with a diverse range of communities and neighborhoods
• The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as numerous recreational and leisure opportunities
• Toronto has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work as required

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Dixon Hall is dynamic and inclusive, with a strong focus on collaboration and community engagement.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and communication skills
• Writing and editing abilities
• Relationship-building and stakeholder management
• Project management and organizational skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide specific examples of your PR and communications experience, demonstrating your ability to develop and implement successful strategies
• Demonstrate your understanding of Dixon Hall's mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with the organization's goals

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Strategic Communications, Advocacy, Community Engagement, Copywriting, Relationship Building, Media Relations, Project Management, Digital Marketing, Content Development, Stakeholder Communications, Monitoring Public Policy, Event Coordination, Written Communication, Verbal Communication, Microsoft Office

ASSUMPTION: The application process at Dixon Hall is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for the organization and the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• PR and Communications tools (e.g., media monitoring platforms, social media management tools)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate's role and responsibilities, as well as the organization's needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Inclusion and diversity
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Accountability and integrity
• Excellence and innovation
• Empowerment and community engagement

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and focused on achieving organizational goals
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with Dixon Hall's mission and values?
• How have you demonstrated your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders in previous roles?
• How do you approach project management and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and to a high standard?

ASSUMPTION: Dixon Hall is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment, and candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with the organization's values and culture are more likely to succeed in the role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, and the broader community
• Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Balancing strategic thinking with tactical execution

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome through strong project management skills, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other PR roles, this position focuses on the nonprofit sector and social services, requiring a strong understanding of advocacy and community engagement
• This role offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of campaigns and initiatives, from digital marketing to event coordination
• Career progression in this role may include opportunities to move into senior leadership or specialized areas within PR and communications

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to other PR roles, with a focus on social impact and community engagement.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a digital marketing campaign to increase awareness of a new housing initiative
• Coordinating the planning and execution of the Annual General Meeting, including logistics, communications, and stakeholder engagement
• Writing and editing a report on the impact of Dixon Hall's programs and services, highlighting success stories and data-driven insights

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of strategic thinking required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into Dixon Hall's overall communications strategy, and how can I contribute to its success?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can I ensure a smooth transition into the team?
• How does Dixon Hall support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the PR and communications field?
• What are the most rewarding aspects of working in PR and communications at Dixon Hall, according to current team members?
• How does Dixon Hall engage with and support the diverse communities it serves, and how can I contribute to these efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role, your commitment to Dixon Hall's mission, and your eagerness to contribute to the organization's success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your PR and communications work, demonstrating your ability to develop and implement successful strategies
• Follow up with the hiring manager or the People and Culture team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.