Senior Communications Strategist

About Windmill Microlending:

Windmill Microlending enables immigrants and refugees to build careers in Canada while reducing poverty and labour shortages.
We do this by offering affordable loans along with career assessment coaching, financial literacy training, and mentorship for newcomers who lack access to mainstream credit.

Since 2005, Windmill has provided over 13,000 loans to clients in healthcare, IT, financial services, law, engineering, and many other fields to triple their incomes as a result of our affordable loans and support.
Windmill is a registered Canadian charity supported by donations and community bonds from the private sector and grants from the public sector.

At Windmill, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of newcomers.
Join a diverse, dynamic team at a leading Canadian not-for-profit where empowering our clients starts with creating an enjoyable workplace for our staff.
Our commitment to a fulfilling environment is evident in our 85+% average employee engagement scores on our annual survey.

The role:

The Senior Communications Strategist is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of newcomers to Canada.
Reporting to the National Director, Client Success and Marketing, this role leads the charge in elevating Windmill's public profile and advancing our mission through compelling storytelling, strategic media engagement, and thought leadership.

This position thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and works cross-functionally with development, marketing and the CEO.
The ideal candidate is a confident and articulate communicator, passionate about public relations and can translate client stories into content that inspires support for Windmill.

Key responsibilities:

Communication:
(65%)

• Write high-quality content, including op-eds, thought leadership articles, donor announcements, client impact stories, and executive communications
• Use AI tools to enhance and streamline content creation and editing, and to write in distinct personas, including the CEO and the organization's brand voice
• Ensure consistency in tone, messaging, and brand across all written and visual content
• Build and design presentations for bi-annual investor calls in collaboration with internal teams
• Lead the creation and production of the annual impact report
• Draft internal communications on behalf of the CEO, including letters to staff and major internal announcements, often involving sensitive or high-impact messaging
• Identify and pursue thought leadership opportunities such as speaking engagements, podcasts, and guest publications
• Manage a strategic content calendar aligned with organizational priorities
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts
• Submit award applications to raise the organization's profile and celebrate impact

Public relations:
(35%)

• Proactively write and pitch op-eds, news releases and stories to secure media coverage in national, local, and sector-specific outlets
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key journalists, influencers, and sector thought leaders
• Build the CEO's public presence through ghostwritten content, strategic messaging, and profile-raising opportunities
• Prepare briefing materials and media training for the CEO and client spokespeople ahead of interviews and events
• Monitor media coverage, track emerging trends, and respond with timely, strategic messaging
• Support crisis communications and reputation management as needed

Ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate is an articulate communicator with exceptional writing skills and the confidence to leverage AI for efficiency.
You're comfortable supporting senior leaders, including ghostwriting for the CEO, and enjoy interviewing executive donors and clients to craft compelling narratives.
You take ownership of projects from concept to execution, whether you're building an investor presentation, developing thought leadership content for LinkedIn, or launching a PR campaign.
You're precise, detail-oriented and proactive!

In addition, you're driven by social impact and have a good understanding of Canada's immigration and political landscape.
Media-savvy and opportunity-oriented, you keep a pulse on current conversations and know how to position Windmill to be part of them.
You excel at turning data and insights into powerful stories that build trust, raise visibility, and inspire action to donate to Windmill.

Qualifications and knowledge:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field
• 6-10 years of experience in communications and PR
• Experience in an agency setting, including media training
• Proficient in using AI tools to enhance writing and streamline content creation
• Familiar with digital platforms such as Meltwater, Cision Newswire, Canva and online research tools
• Bilingualism in French (written and spoken) is an asset

Competencies and characteristics:

• Write clearly and confidently in multiple voices, with the ability to follow brand guidelines and capture the CEO's tone
• Manage multiple projects with strong organization, resourcefulness, and efficiency under tight deadlines
• Bring sharp attention to detail to everything you do
• Build strong relationships and communicate comfortably with stakeholders at all levels
• Think creatively, stay curious, and bring fresh ideas that challenge the status quo

Compensation and benefits:

• Contract position for one year, with the possibility of extension
• Starting salary range $85,000 - $95,000 annually, based on skills and experience required for the role
• Hybrid work solution with a minimum two (2) days in office, up to three (3) days from home in Calgary or Toronto.
  
• Full-time, 40 hours/week
• Three weeks' vacation, plus a company-wide winter break
• Benefits plan - medical, dental, short-term & long-term disability, and life insurance
• Annual Wellness Budget to support personal well-being
• Access to GRSP with matching employer contributions
• Evolving DEI initiatives - our staff is representative of our client base
• Opportunities for skill development in a supportive and inclusive environment

How to apply:

We thank all candidates in advance.
However, we will only contact those selected for an interview.
To apply, please submit, in confidence, a résumé along with a cover letter that sets out your interest in the role and highlights your relevant experience.
Please include your salary expectations in your cover letter.
The preferred method of application is via email to hr@teamwindmill.
org (reference:
Senior Communications Strategist).

Windmill Microlending is an equal-opportunity employer.
Adhering to Canada's Human Rights Act, Windmill grants equal employment opportunity to all quali.