Bilingual Communications Director

Think we're just about redirecting food surplus? Think bigger.

• Pioneers in food rescue, we are a renowned leader in perishable food redistribution across Canada.
• With a mission fueled by a no-waste, no-hunger ethos, we're not just changing the game—we're rewriting the rules.
• Our strategic approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making every day a step towards global change.

The Bilingual Communications Director serve as the organization’s lead for all French-language communications, driving expansion and engagement in Quebec and French-speaking markets as a core strategic priority. You will be Responsible for leading organization-wide bilingual communications and public relations portfolios to inspire engagement across stakeholders nationwide. As a strategic communications leader, you will oversee national communications strategy, media relations, executive communications and reputation management in both English and French.

You will lead the development of compelling storytelling and thought leadership initiatives that strengthen Second Harvest’s national visibility and position the organization as a leading voice on food rescue, food waste and environmental sustainability. You will also oversee French-language communications and ensure messaging is culturally relevant and accessible for audiences across Canada.

As a primary storyteller and communications strategist for the organization, you actively seek the “story behind the story” and inspire Canadians to learn more about Second Harvest’s national impact, leading the expansion of communications work in Quebec.

• Lead strategic communications planning activities, working closely with leadership and the Vice President, Marketing & Communications, to develop communications strategies that support organizational priorities and national campaigns.
• Be responsible for Second Harvest’s bilingual external communications strategy, ensuring multi-channel, consistent, timely and meaningful content is shared with supporters, stakeholders and the public in both official languages.
• Provide communications leadership and strategic counsel to staff, partners, committees and spokespeople across the organization.
• Lead French-language communications and support the growth of brand awareness and engagement in Quebec through culturally relevant messaging, partnerships and media opportunities.
• Create and shape compelling content that illustrates impact; oversee the identification, development, collection and sharing of stories across earned, owned and digital channels.
• Oversee organizational positioning as well as positioning of executives and key spokespeople; identify opportunities to enhance brand visibility through national, regional and French-language media.
• Lead executive communications, speechwriting, key messaging and briefing materials for senior leadership.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across digital, development and partnerships teams to develop integrated communications campaigns and storytelling initiatives, including video content.
• Build and execute a national bilingual communications strategy to promote the Second Harvest brand; secure and manage relationships with media, agencies, ambassadors and external partners as needed.
• Build on and maintain strong media relationships across English- and French-language outlets; respond to and proactively seek out media opportunities.
• Draft and oversee press releases, media advisories, opinion pieces, key messaging and public statements in both English and French.
• Enhance internal and external messaging across the organization; provide editorial oversight for organization-wide communications and ensure consistency in tone, messaging and brand voice.
• Support and oversee ambassador and spokesperson initiatives in partnership with internal teams to increase awareness and engagement nationally.
• Lead communications-related issues management and reputational risk planning; provide strategic counsel and communications support during sensitive or high-profile situations.
• Lead and mentor the communications team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture; assign accountabilities, establish priorities, monitor performance and support professional development.
• Establish communications KPIs and evaluate communications performance, media reach and audience engagement against organizational goals.
• Lead ongoing research into food recovery, food waste, sustainability and public awareness trends to identify strategic communications opportunities and strengthen organizational thought leadership.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned to support the overall goals of the organization.

• Bilingual: you are fully bilingual in English and French with exceptional written, editing and verbal communication skills in both official languages.
• Leader: you have the ability to motivate and lead a team in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot, think creatively and solve problems; you demonstrate accountability and a results-oriented mindset.
• Gifted Communicator and Storyteller: you can make complex ideas feel clear, engaging and accessible to diverse audiences; you have advanced writing, editorial and media relations skills.
• Strategic: you can see both the big picture and the details; you have strong judgement, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Relationship Builder: you have strong interpersonal skills and experience managing relationships with media, executives, partners, agencies and stakeholders.
• Flexible: you thrive in a changing environment, adapt quickly and can manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• An Industry Expert: you keep pace with communications, digital media and public relations trends; you understand Canada’s bilingual media landscape and evolving communications best practices.
• Experienced: you have a minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, journalism or media relations, including leadership experience managing teams and national communications strategies.
• Mission Driven: you are interested in and curious about food recovery, the environment, sustainability and hunger relief.
• Able to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, weekends and travel as required.

Ready to lead at the forefront of food security and sustainability? Join us at Second Harvest and be part of a team that's not just meeting the standard but setting it. Apply today and be the change you want to see in the world.

Second Harvest uses AI tools to assist with application screening. We monitor these tools to reduce bias and ensure fair evaluation based on skills and qualifications.

Second Harvest is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially those from equity-deserving groups, including racialized persons/persons of color, Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

If you require any accommodations at any stage, please contact us via humanresources@secondharvest.ca and we will work with you to meet your needs.