Senior Communications Specialist
Location: Toronto
Reports to: Director of Communications
Department: Communications
The Azrieli Foundation is one of Canada’s largest philanthropic foundations, supporting initiatives in education, science & healthcare, research and the arts. Through strategic grants and partnerships, we strive to foster innovation, empowerment and drive positive change within these critical sectors in Canada and Israel.
We are seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to join our dynamic Communications team.
About the Foundation:
Driven by a strong belief in philanthropy’s powerful role and responsibility, the Azrieli Foundation empowers people by supporting a broad range of organizations, facilitating innovative outcomes and increasing knowledge and understanding in the search for practical and novel solutions.
With a firm conviction that everyone has potential, we work to open doors, break ground and nurture networks, empowering the most vulnerable to the most exceptional to achieve their best and contribute to society.
In addition to strategic philanthropic investments, the Azrieli Foundation operates several initiatives including the Azrieli Fellows Program, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program, the Azrieli Music, Arts and Culture Centre and others.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Senior Communications Specialist will play a key role in advancing the Foundation’s mission by developing and executing high-quality multi-platform communication strategies. This person will be responsible for creating and managing content across various channels, including social media platforms, websites and print materials. The ideal candidate will have exceptional writing and editing skills, along with experience in content creation, photography, videography, graphic design, social media management and media relations. The Senior Communications Specialist will collaborate closely with various teams to ensure consistent, engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the Foundation’s goals and values.
Key Responsibilities:
- Writing & Editing: Write and edit internal and external communications, including stories, reports, newsletters and other collateral materials to ensure clarity, accuracy and consistency.
- Content Creation & Strategy: Develop compelling written, visual and multimedia content for print, digital and social media platforms to highlight the Foundation’s work and impact in the arts, science and healthcare and education.
- Photography & Videography: Capture and edit high-quality photos and videos at Foundation events, activities and initiatives, ensuring all content is in line with the Foundation’s branding and messaging.
- Media Relations: Pitch relevant stories to media outlets to highlight the Foundation’s initiatives and events; build and maintain relationships with journalists and media contacts.
- Event Support: Assist in promoting events and initiatives through online and mainstream channels, ensuring effective communication before, during and after events.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Work closely with colleagues across departments to align communication efforts with overall strategic goals. Collaborate with other teams to ensure all communications are on-brand and reflect the Foundation’s values and mission.
- Graphic Design: Design visually appealing marketing materials, including flyers, brochures, presentations and digital assets, such as infographics, using tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) and Canva.
- Brand Consistency: Maintain and enhance the Foundation’s brand identity across all communication channels, ensuring that materials are aligned with the Foundation’s core values and goals.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Technical Skills:
-
- Highly skilled in writing, editing and proofreading with a strong command of grammar and style.
- Proficiency in French and/or Hebrew considered an asset.
- Experience with social media management and content creation tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Buffer, Canva, etc.).
- Skilled in photography and videography, with proficiency in editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Lightroom, etc.).
- Strong graphic design skills with experience using design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.).
- Knowledge of web content management systems (CMS) and email marketing platforms is an asset.
- Soft skills:
-
- Highly organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Trustworthy, reliable and can exercise discretion and tact in difficult or confidential situations
- A team player with strong interpersonal skills who can collaborate effectively with key stakeholders and leadership
- Calm under pressure and can adapt quickly to changing priorities and circumstances
- Outstanding people skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups and individuals, both internally and externally
- A self-starter with a creative mindset and problem-solving capabilities, able to work independently and proactively
Education and Experience:
- University degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related field
- At least 3-5 years of professional experience in communications, marketing or a related field
- Experience working in the nonprofit sector or with foundations is appreciated
- A portfolio showcasing writing, photography, videography, graphic design and social media content is highly preferred
Additional Information:
- This role may require flexible hours to support events and initiatives.
- Limited travel may also be required.
- The Azrieli Foundation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
We offer:
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Close access to transit
- A flexible work environment
- Opportunities for professional development
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume, cover letter and a portfolio/samples of your work to hr@azrielifoundation.org by May 9th, 2025. In your cover letter, please describe your passion for supporting initiatives in the arts, science, healthcare and education.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and value diverse backgrounds, abilities and ways of thinking. Diversity and inclusion make our organization stronger, more productive and innovative. We are committed to creating an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If you require an accommodation during the application or recruitment process, please reach out to hr@azrielifoundation.org.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Bilingual Communications Coordinator (French/English)
Location: Toronto
Reports to: Director of Communications
Department: Communications
The Azrieli Foundation is one of Canada’s largest philanthropic foundations, supporting initiatives in education, science & healthcare, research and the arts. Through strategic grants and partnerships, we strive to foster innovation, empowerment and drive positive change within these critical sectors in Canada and Israel.
We are seeking a Bilingual Communications Coordinator to join our dynamic Communications team.
About the Foundation:
Driven by a strong belief in philanthropy’s powerful role and responsibility, the Azrieli Foundation empowers people by supporting a broad range of organizations, facilitating innovative outcomes and increasing knowledge and understanding in the search for practical and novel solutions.
With a firm conviction that everyone has potential, we work to open doors, break ground and nurture networks, empowering the most vulnerable to the most exceptional to achieve their best and contribute to society.
In addition to strategic philanthropic investments, the Azrieli Foundation operates several initiatives including the Azrieli Fellows Program, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program, the Azrieli Music, Arts and Culture Centre and others.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Bilingual Communications Coordinator possesses a wide range of French and English communications skills, a strong ability to build solid relationships both internally and externally, an understanding of communications strategies and platforms, and enjoys working as part of a creative, fast-paced Communications team.
This role will be accountable for providing accurate, relevant and timely translation services for a Canadian audience, as well as internal communications support, project management and outreach to external partners/stakeholders, in both French and English.
Key Responsibilities:
- Bilingual Communications:
- Provide/coordinate French translation services for all external-facing communications (including newsletters, social media posts, speeches); high attention to detail and accuracy is required
- Update all French language documentation and external-facing platforms, including social media and websites
- Provide additional translation support to Foundation staff, as needed
- Public Relations/Outreach:
- Liaise with French-speaking grantee organizations to promote engagement and ensure coverage of partnerships, initiatives
- Monitor and keep informed of any shifts in the Quebec cultural landscape with respect to the Foundation’s priority areas
- An authentic understanding of Quebec culture with respect to media relations and general communications, is appreciated
- Monitor, gather and analyze all French-language Foundation media coverage
- First point of contact for French language media inquiries
- Project Coordination and Team Support
- Assist with planning and coordination of communication campaigns, events and projects
- Provide marketing support in French, for publications, recognition and digital communications
- Ensure brand consistency with all bilingual internal and external assets & materials
- Manage media monitoring and package & archive relevant content
- Responsible for a range of administrative tasks, including scheduling, coordination of internal events, reception coverage, and internal & external event support
- Support other initiatives and tasks as assigned.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Technical Skills:
- Primary fluency/bilingual proficiency (ILR Level 5) in French and English is required; Quebec French is an asset.
- Highly skilled in writing, editing and proofreading with a strong command of grammar and style.
- Experience with social media management and content creation tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Buffer, Canva, etc.).
- Some graphic design skills and experience using design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.) is appreciated.
- Knowledge of web content management systems (CMS), email marketing platforms and an understanding of SEO, web and social media analytics is also appreciated.
- Soft skills:
- Highly organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Trustworthy, reliable and can exercise discretion and tact in difficult or confidential situations.
- A team player with strong interpersonal skills who can collaborate effectively with key stakeholders and leadership.
- Calm under pressure and can adapt quickly to changing priorities and circumstances.
- Outstanding people skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups and individuals, both internally and externally.
- A self-starter with a creative mindset and problem-solving capabilities, able to work independently and proactively.
Education and Experience:
- University degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related field
- Experience working in the nonprofit sector or with foundations is appreciated
Additional Information:
- This role may require flexible hours to support events and initiatives.
- Limited travel may also be required.
- The Azrieli Foundation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
We offer:
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Close access to transit
- A flexible work environment
- Opportunities for professional development
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume, cover letter and a portfolio/samples of your work to hr@azrielifoundation.org by May 9th, 2025. In your cover letter, please describe your passion for supporting initiatives in the arts, science, healthcare and education.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and value diverse backgrounds, abilities and ways of thinking. Diversity and inclusion make our organization stronger, more productive and innovative. We are committed to creating an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If you require an accommodation during the application or recruitment process, please reach out to hr@azrielifoundation.org.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Educator (Montreal)
Educator
The Azrieli Foundation is currently seeking a full-time bilingual Educator for its Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program.
Founded in 2005, the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program was established by the Azrieli Foundation to collect, preserve, publish and share the memoirs written by Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Canada. The program is guided by the conviction that each survivor has a unique story to tell and that this story, in its own way, can play a distinctive role in education about the acceptance of diversity. We are the only national program providing free Holocaust education materials and outreach in both official languages across Canada.
We are looking for a bilingual educator with in-depth knowledge of teaching best practices and educational processes in a high school setting to complement our qualified team of Holocaust educators. In addition to having excellent written and verbal communication skills, our ideal candidate will also have outstanding presentation skills.
Reporting to the Manager of Education Initiatives, the Educator will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Collaborating with the education team to research and create educational materials, lesson plans and other supplemental materials to support the use of the books published by the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program
- Assessing lesson plans for ease of classroom implementation
- Communicating and collaborating with teachers and stakeholders and participating in regular meetings
- Implementing teacher training according to each province’s curricular requirements and school boards’ needs
- Planning and executing professional development events
- Providing individualized instruction to teachers
- Cultivating teachers’ interest in Holocaust education and being a dedicated ally in bringing this topic into Canadian classrooms
- Collaborating, researching and creating learning opportunities to train forthcoming teachers
- Administrative tasks as required
- Travelling within Canada as required
Requirements:
- Degree in teaching or in a specialized subject with a certificate in education
- Proven experience as a French high school classroom teacher
- Fully bilingual (French/English)
- Experience creating lesson plans in French language or literary arts courses
- Experience presenting lessons in a comprehensive manner using visual/audio means to facilitate learning (in person and virtually)
- Thorough knowledge of teaching best practices
- Excellent interpersonal skills and well organized
- Creative and energetic
- Demonstrated interest in learning about the Holocaust
This position is located in Montreal, with a hybrid work schedule of three days in office and two days remote. Salary commensurate with experience. The Azrieli Foundation will accommodate the needs of people with disabilities in our hiring process.
Please send resume and cover letter by email by May 20, 2025, to: memoirs@azrielifoundation.org citing « Conseiller(-ère) en éducation » in subject line.
Please, no telephone inquiries. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Azrieli Foundation is strictly apolitical. As a registered charity, the Azrieli Foundation does not engage in or fund any partisan political activities.
