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About Windmill Microlending: Windmill Microlending enables immigrants and refugees to build careers in Canada while reducing poverty and labour shortages. We do this by offering affordable loans along with career assessment coaching, financial literacy training, and mentorship for newcomers who lack access to mainstream credit. Since 2005, Windmill has provided over 13,000 loans to clients in healthcare, IT, financial services, law, engineering, and many other fields to triple their incomes as a result of our affordable loans and support. Windmill is a registered Canadian charity supported by donations and community bonds from the private sector and grants from the public sector. At Windmill, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of newcomers. Join a diverse, dynamic team at a leading Canadian not-for-profit where empowering our clients starts with creating an enjoyable workplace for our staff. Our commitment to a fulfilling environment is evident in our 85+% average employee engagement scores on our annual survey.The role:The Senior Communications Strategist is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of newcomers to Canada. Reporting to the National Director, Client Success and Marketing, this role leads the charge in elevating Windmill’s public profile and advancing our mission through compelling storytelling, strategic media engagement, and thought leadership. This position thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and works cross-functionally with development, marketing and the CEO. The ideal candidate is a confident and articulate communicator, passionate about public relations and can translate client stories into content that inspires support for Windmill. Key responsibilities:Communication: (65%)Write high-quality content, including op-eds, thought leadership articles, donor announcements, client impact stories, and executive communicationsUse AI tools to enhance and streamline content creation and editing, and to write in distinct personas, including the CEO and the organization’s brand voiceEnsure consistency in tone, messaging, and brand across all written and visual contentBuild and design presentations for bi-annual investor calls in collaboration with internal teamsLead the creation and production of the annual impact reportDraft internal communications on behalf of the CEO, including letters to staff and major internal announcements, often involving sensitive or high-impact messagingIdentify and pursue thought leadership opportunities such as speaking engagements, podcasts, and guest publicationsManage a strategic content calendar aligned with organizational prioritiesMonitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of communication effortsSubmit award applications to raise the organization’s profile and celebrate impactPublic relations: (35%)Proactively write and pitch op-eds, news releases and stories to secure media coverage in national, local, and sector-specific outletsCultivate and manage relationships with key journalists, influencers, and sector thought leadersBuild the CEO’s public presence through ghostwritten content, strategic messaging, and profile-raising opportunitiesPrepare briefing materials and media training for the CEO and client spokespeople ahead of interviews and eventsMonitor media coverage, track emerging trends, and respond with timely, strategic messagingSupport crisis communications and reputation management as neededIdeal candidate: The ideal candidate is an articulate communicator with exceptional writing skills and the confidence to leverage AI for efficiency. Youre comfortable supporting senior leaders, including ghostwriting for the CEO, and enjoy interviewing executive donors and clients to craft compelling narratives. You take ownership of projects from concept to execution, whether youre building an investor presentation, developing thought leadership content for LinkedIn, or launching a PR campaign. You’re precise, detail-oriented and proactive!In addition, you’re driven by social impact and have a good understanding of Canada’s immigration and political landscape. Media-savvy and opportunity-oriented, you keep a pulse on current conversations and know how to position Windmill to be part of them. You excel at turning data and insights into powerful stories that build trust, raise visibility, and inspire action to donate to Windmill.Qualifications and knowledge:Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field6-10 years of experience in communications and PRExperience in an agency setting, including media trainingProficient in using AI tools to enhance writing and streamline content creationFamiliar with digital platforms such as Meltwater, Cision Newswire, Canva and online research toolsBilingualism in French (written and spoken) is an assetCompetencies and characteristics:Write clearly and confidently in multiple voices, with the ability to follow brand guidelines and capture the CEO’s toneManage multiple projects with strong organization, resourcefulness, and efficiency under tight deadlinesBring sharp attention to detail to everything you doBuild strong relationships and communicate comfortably with stakeholders at all levelsThink creatively, stay curious, and bring fresh ideas that challenge the status quoCompensation and benefits:Contract position for one year, with the possibility of extensionStarting salary range $85,000 - $95,000 annually, based on skills and experience required for the roleHybrid work solution with a minimum two (2) days in office, up to three (3) days from home in Calgary or Toronto.Full-time, 40 hours/weekThree weeks’ vacation, plus a company-wide winter breakBenefits plan – medical, dental, short-term & long-term disability, and life insuranceAnnual Wellness Budget to support personal well-beingAccess to GRSP with matching employer contributionsEvolving DEI initiatives – our staff is representative of our client baseOpportunities for skill development in a supportive and inclusive environmentHow to apply:We thank all candidates in advance. However, we will only contact those selected for an interview. To apply, please submit, in confidence, a résumé along with a cover letter that sets out your interest in the role and highlights your relevant experience. Please include your salary expectations in your cover letter. The preferred method of application is via email to (reference: Senior Communications Strategist).Windmill Microlending is an equal-opportunity employer. Adhering to Canada’s Human Rights Act, Windmill grants equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, colour, gender identity or expression, disability, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, ethnic origin, age, or place of origin. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an active participant in the Federal Government’s 50-30 Challenge, we are committed to building a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant economic future for Canadians by attaining gender parity and significant representation of underrepresented groups on our board and in senior management positions.Information on Windmill Microlending -