Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications

Position Overview

The Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications at MusiCounts leads the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing and communication strategies to promote the organization's mission, fundraising goals, and increase its national recognition. Reporting to the Executive Director and based in Toronto with a hybrid work model, this role oversees brand management, media relations, digital marketing, public relations, donor communications, campaign development, and content strategy, supporting partnerships, grants, fundraising, and key events.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement MusiCounts' yearly integrated marketing and communications plans aligned with organizational priorities.
• Maintain consistent brand voice, messaging, and visual identity across all channels.
• Expand national awareness, audience interaction, and organizational reputation.
• Prepare communications calendars aligned with fundraising campaigns, programs, events, and advocacy work.
• Analyze marketing performance and recommend enhancements based on audience data and insights.
• Create impactful storytelling showcasing MusiCounts' programs’ influence countrywide.
• Craft and refine donor communications, newsletters, speeches, reports, promotional messaging, and executive correspondence.
• Develop communication plans and materials for significant announcements, partnerships, participants, and initiatives.
• Handle media relations, public announcements, and interview management.
• Manage crisis communications when necessary.
• Direct the organization’s digital presence including website, social media, email marketing, and online campaigns.
• Formulate content strategies to engage educators, donors, artists, corporate supporters, and the public.
• Lead SEO, digital advertising, automation, and audience growth efforts.
• Manage editorial schedules and oversee creation of varied content (video, graphics, photography, written) for multiple platforms.
• Use analytics to measure and optimize campaign effectiveness and fundraising engagement.
• Collaborate with the Development team to support donor campaigns, corporate sponsorships, major gifts, and stewardship messaging.
• Develop marketing materials to boost donor recruitment and retention.
• Assist in sponsorship communication and activation as needed.
• Coordinate communications related to grants, teacher recognition, fundraising events, and national campaigns such as JUNO Week.
• Oversee external agencies and creative vendors to ensure timely, budget-conscious delivery aligned with strategic goals.
• Manage marketing budgets and vendor relationships.
• Maintain brand guidelines, communication assets, and digital content repositories.
• Create reporting tools that track awareness, engagement, fundraising, and campaign success.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance marketing efficiency.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 5 to 7 years’ experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, preferably within nonprofit, arts, education, or cultural fields.
• Proven success in designing integrated marketing and communication strategies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling capabilities tailored to diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting donor communications and fundraising initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of digital marketing, social media strategy, website management (experience with CMS like Wagtail preferred), and email marketing.
• Experienced in media and public relations management.
• Ability to lead multiple projects with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Collaborative leadership and excellent interpersonal abilities.
• Strategic thinker comfortable with both planning and hands-on execution.
• Experience managing agencies, designers, photographers, videographers, and freelance writers.
• Proficient with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, CRM platforms, CMS tools (Wagtail, WordPress), project management software (Wrike), Google Analytics, and AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini.
• Willingness to travel within Canada approximately 4 weeks per year.
• Possession of a G-Class driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles is advantageous.
• A university degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits and Workplace Culture

• Hybrid work arrangement with 2 to 3 days per week in the Toronto office.
• Comprehensive extended group benefits.
• Reduced summer working hours.
• Access to social, musical, and cultural activities.
• A supportive and positive work environment.
• Paid December holiday shutdown in addition to vacation days.

About MusiCounts and CARAS

CARAS is a Canadian organization committed since 1975 to advancing the nation’s music industry via education, artist development, celebration, and recognition. MusiCounts, CARAS' music education charity, is dedicated to ensuring fair access to music education across Canada through direct school investment, training, career development, and advocacy.

Equity and Inclusion

CARAS fosters diversity and inclusivity in its workplace. Individuals identifying as Indigenous, Black, persons of color, people with disabilities, and members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Accommodations during the recruitment process are available on request.