Manager, Marketing

Reports To: Director, Marketing and Communications

Status: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Application Deadline: March 4, 2026

Salary Range: $90,090 - $100,689

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND  

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a pan-Canadian health organization dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for everyone living in Canada.   

As an independent, not-for-profit with charitable status, the Commission collaborates with leading experts and organizations nationally and internationally, including with people with lived and living experience, to develop national guidelines, standards and strategies, promote innovation and best practices, reduce stigma, increase mental health literacy, develop and deliver training through our Opening Minds division and support all levels of government to improve mental health outcomes for everyone living in Canada.   

The Mental Health Commission's head office is located in Ottawa, Ontario.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Based in Ottawa, Ontario, the Manager, Marketing and Communications, reports to the Director, Marketing and Communications, and supervises a team of direct reports. The Commission is seeking a communications expert with specialization in project management to support the Marketing and Communications department.  The successful candidate will align communications products and activities with the Commission's brand. The position requires an understanding of communications planning, the preparation of a wide variety of communications products, including but not limited to email, website content and articles. Key to success in this role is ensuring that the voice of the Commission, whether delivered in French or English, is consistent, eloquent and evidence-based.

The Manager must demonstrate a commitment to excellence, keen attention to detail, a strong collaborative spirit, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to prioritize. The Manager will work closely with the other Managers within the Commission to provide communications support.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Manager is responsible for: 

• Leading the writing, translation and project management arm of Marketing and Communications, ensuring the production of quality content and the consistency of the Commission's voice.
• Support the creation of strategic communications campaigns.
• Developing online resources for public consumption, including leading the production of original content such as tip sheets, FAQs and other material.
• Editorial oversight and delivery of Catalyst magazine.
• Quality control related to specific products produced by the Commission (i.e., tip sheets, marketing and communications collateral and external reports).
• Manage the project management team, support the communications planning process, including internal plan development, manage project deliverables, and ensure appropriate resourcing.
• Producing products and deliverables prepared for the President and CEO, which tie into the broader communications strategy.
• As chief corporate storyteller, the manager will capitalize on opportunities to tie the Commission's work to the broader mental health landscape, utilizing the various platforms, i.e., website and Catalyst, available to the Commission.
• Staying current on best practices and driving strategic thinking for the Commission's evolving communications mix to optimize performance and improve effectiveness.
• Identifying resources needed and assigning individual responsibilities as well as working on key deliverables 
• People Leadership, including recruiting and managing talent
• Assist in setting meaningful annual objectives
• Coach, provide feedback and monitor quality of work on a continuous basis
• Evaluate performance and participate in the Performance Dialogue process
• Authorize leave requests, overtime and expenses
• Other matters as required
• Modelling the Commission's competency framework particularly around diversity and inclusion, team leadership, as well as psychological and physical health, safety and wellness.
• Adhering to and following the Commission's policies while exercising due diligence in carrying out management and leadership responsibilities.
• Providing progress reports on objectives.
• Effectively communicating relevant project information and analytics.
• Participating in the annual budget process and ongoing budget management.
• Participating in regular status meetings with staff.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Providing support to the Director, Marketing and Communications, as required.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Established record of accomplishment in a leadership role within communications, public relations 
• Demonstrated experience in managing and leading a team of communications or related professionals
• Demonstrated experience in supporting and advising senior staff from a communication perspective
• Writer, particularly in key message development, speech writing, and online media
• Ability to quickly articulate issues and provide communications recommendations as required
• Experience in issues management
• Well organized with demonstrated planning and project management skills
• Excellent judgment and analytical, interpretive and problem-solving skills
• Excellent program/time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines
• Creative problem solver with communications and management skills 
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to focus on detail while understanding and always connecting to the Strategic Plan
• Displays a high degree of professionalism along with strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish solid working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
• Enthusiasm and tenacity to carry out challenging tasks through to the end

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field and experience 
• 5-7 years of communications experience with a focus on strategic communications
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a management role responsible for direct reports
• Experience in and knowledge of mental health would be an asset
• Bilingualism (English/French) is required 

COMPETENCIES

• Values and Ethics
• Respectful of Diversity
• Continuous Learning
• Results Management
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Risk Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Finance and Budget
• Team Leadership
• Psychological and Physical Health, Safety and Wellness
• Oral/Written Communication

PHYSICAL\COGNITIVE DEMANDS:

• Moderate to high periods of time spent in meeting type settings 
• Extended visual requirements (5 plus hours) due to computer related work
• Extended periods of time spent in sitting position (computer work, meetings etc. 5 plus hours)
• High requirement for multi-tasking and effectively dividing attention to numerous duties and responsibilities
• High degree of concentration required 
• Highly attentive to details
• Low level exposure to extended travel requirements (up to 5% and greater at times) and extension of workday beyond 7.5 hours
• High analytical and interpretive requirements
• Must be comfortable working in open space and/or virtual environments
• Must be able to work effectively from home temporarily or as needed; including the availability of reliable internet and working environment (desk, chair etc.); please note that the Commission does not reimburse for internet, utilities or other home office type expenses including desks, chairs etc.

PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS:

• Continuously deadline-driven requirements 
• Moderate to high level exposure to stress resulting from complex interactions, stakeholder relations, and output requirements
• Moderate level requirement to maintain concentration for extended periods of time (writing, editing, analyzing, and planning)
• Capacity to effectively organize and prioritize own work and that of the team
• Moderate to high degree of emotional intelligence required in order to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, influence and inspire others, work well in a team, and manage conflict
• Responsive to possible rapid changes in priorities
• Adaptable to change (organizational and environmental)
• Performance goals and objectives are established yearly and regularly reviewed

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is committed to diversity in the workplace and workplace well-being. As such, applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds such as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, members of a visible minority group and those with lived experience of mental health problems or illnesses are welcomed and encouraged.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Accessible formats and communication supports for applicants are available upon request by contacting People and Culture