Senior Manager, Media Relations

Position DetailsPosition Title - Senior Manager, Media RelationsEmployment Type: Permanent, Full-time (Vacant)Reports to: Director, CommunicationsDirect Reports: NoneSalary Range: $70,500 to $85,500 annually with benefits and 3 weeks paid vacationWork Location: TorontoWork Environment: UNICEF Canada currently operates under a Fixed-Hybrid model that requires team members to attend the office at least 2 days/week (Tuesday and Wednesday).Additional Notes: This is a bilingual role (English & French).Position DescriptionReady to make headlines for all the right reasons? UNICEF Canada is looking for a strategic and savvy storyteller who can turn complex issues into compelling narratives and build buzz that matters as our next Senior Manager, Media Relations. This role is all about ensuring Canadians understand the breadth and depth of UNICEF’s work around the world in relevant, timely, and engaging ways.You will be go-to source for everything UNICEF. Although you will work independently, you will need to rely on colleagues across the organization to help you craft compelling narratives and head-turning hooks that land stories in a variety of online, print, and emerging media platforms. Your experience comes from a variety of backgrounds – not just the non-profit sector – and you thrive in fast-paced settings. You possess drive, ambition, and curiosity, looking for any opportunity to position UNICEF as the world’s most powerful force for children.You will be:• Press Point Person – You’re the first call for journalists seeking insight, access, or commentary on UNICEF’s work, building trusted relationships and driving meaningful coverage.• Strategic Storyteller – You’ll craft compelling narratives that translate complex global issues into clear, engaging stories that resonate with Canadian audiences.• Collaborative Connector – You’ll work with global and national teams to uncover powerful stories, align messaging, and ensure UNICEF’s voice is unified and impactful.• Spokesperson Partner – You’ll support and prepare spokespeople with sharp talking points, media coaching, and real-time guidance to shine in interviews and public appearances.• Audience Architect – You’ll tailor outreach and messaging to meet the needs of diverse media markets—with a specific focus on French-language and cultural outlets—ensuring relevance and resonance from coast to coast.Key AccountabilitiesMedia Relations & Outreach (40%)• Build and manage strong relationships with journalists and media outlets across Canada, serving as UNICEF Canada’s primary media contact.• Develop and execute proactive media strategies that position UNICEF Canada as a leading voice on children’s rights, humanitarian response, and global development.• Increase UNICEF’s media presence in Quebec and Francophone markets by tailoring outreach, messaging, and media materials for French-language audiences.• Cultivate relationships with cultural, community, and diaspora media to ensure inclusive representation and broaden UNICEF Canada’s reach.• Support thought leadership efforts by identifying media opportunities that elevate UNICEF Canada’s President & CEO and other experts as trusted voices on children’s issues.Content Development & Digital Engagement (30%)• Write and edit media materials, including press releases, op-eds, blogs, Q&A documents, and backgrounders, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with UNICEF’s brand and voice.• Ensure UNICEF Canada’s emergency response webpages are regularly updated based on the latest UNICEF key messages, facts, and figures.• Manage and contribute to UNICEF Canada’s Twitter, Blue Sky, and LinkedIn platforms with timely, newsworthy content that amplifies media coverage and organizational priorities.• Contribute to cross-cultural storytelling by ensuring media narratives reflect the diversity of children and communities UNICEF serves, both globally and within Canada.Strategy, Coordination & Reporting (30%)• Collaborate across teams to identify compelling stories and develop media plans that support program launches, advocacy campaigns, and fundraising initiatives.• Liaise with UNICEF’s global communications teams to coordinate messaging and leverage international content for Canadian audiences.• Monitor media coverage in both English and French, analyze sentiment, and produce regular reports to inform strategy and track impact.• Serve as a rotating member of the Emergency Response Team, leading communications strategy during emergencies and supporting media and digital content needs in collaboration with relevant teams.• Develop and maintain systems for tracking, analyzing, and reporting on media coverage and public sentiment.Qualifications• Post-secondary education in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in national public relations, including proactive and reactive media work in a complex environment.• Bilingual fluency in French and English, with demonstrated experience engaging both Francophone and Anglophone media.• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with strong attention to detail and a clear grasp of tone, clarity, and storytelling.• Proven success in developing and executing earned media campaigns, including positioning complex or sensitive issues in the news.• Deep understanding of how to leverage print, broadcast, and digital media to maximize impact, including familiarity with media monitoring tools.• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative mindset and ability to work cross-functionally.• Highly organized and results-driven, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while delivering high-profile, strategic outcomes.• Experience contributing to organizational social media platforms (Twitter, Blue Sky, LinkedIn) with timely, newsworthy content.• Interest or experience in child rights, international development, and humanitarian work, particularly as they relate to children in Canada and around the world.• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams, to support planning, collaboration, and content development.An Employer of Choice: What We OfferUNICEF Canada is where diverse talent & passion come together to create extraordinary impact for every child. We are committed to being an employer of choice and building a culture that is inclusive,ambitious, compassionate, and high impact.Members of the UNICEF Canada team have access to the following employee benefits: A ROBUST COMPENSATION PACKAGE✓ Extended Health/Dental benefits, Healthcare Spending Account, and Wellness Account✓ Life, AD&D, & Long-Term disability insurance coverage✓ Employer match contributions (5%) to a Group Pension Plan✓ Access to parental leave top-up A COMMITMENT TO WELLNESS✓ Fixed-hybrid work environment to balance connection and collaboration with the work-life integration needs of our team✓ Minimum 3 weeks of annual vacation (increases with time served) & 1 additional day per year of service (max 30)✓ 10 paid sick days & 2 personal days✓ 9 to 11 employee wellness days – an additional series of pre-set days off, given annually to further extend long weekends✓ Discounted rate for a GoodLife gym membership✓ Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program A CULTURE OF LEARNING & GROWTH✓ Access to a comprehensive global learning platform with over 1600 courses, webinars & resources✓ Internal leadership development, training, & mentorship programs that integrate Anti-Racism and diversity, equity and inclusion principles✓ Opportunities to access both local & global stretch assignments AN INCLUSIVE & PURPOSE-DRIVEN WORKPLACE✓ Centrally located head office in mid-town Toronto with satellite offices in Calgary & Montreal✓ Easily accessed by public transit and a short walk from several parking locations✓ Inclusive & accessible co-working and meeting spaces designed to foster purpose at every turn and accommodate the diverse needs of employees A CHANCE TO DO MEANINGFUL & LIFE-CHANGING WORK✓ Under the leadership of a dynamic, accomplished, and experienced executive leadership team, you’ll be part of a diverse & talented Canada team committed to creating meaningful impact while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.✓ You’ll join a global UNICEF family with a shared commitment to impact the lives of childrenOur Commitment to Inclusive Workplaces & RecruitmentUNICEF Canada is an inclusive workplace and is committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process.At UNICEF Canada, we believe strongly in personal connections, and our hiring process is entirely human-driven. We do not use AI or automated systems to review applications or conduct interviews. Each candidate is evaluated by our experienced team to ensure a fair and thoughtful hiring experience.How to ApplyPlease submit your resume and cover letter as one document to careers@unicef.ca by 11:59 PM EST by Friday, December 5, 2025. Please include your salary expectations in your cover email and reference Senior Manager, Media Relations in the subject heading.UNICEF Canada thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Consistent with our Child Safeguarding Policy, all successful candidates must receive clearance by a police background check (including a vulnerable sector screen).