Director of Content & Public Relations (Mississauga)

Company Description

The Samara Centre for Democracy is Canada’s leading non‑partisan charity focused on strengthening and protecting Canadian democracy. We want to make it easier for people to talk about and participate in politics. Our research and programs make us a go‑to resource for active citizens, educators, policy makers, public leaders and journalists. The Samara Centre has been shaping critical conversation about the health of Canada’s democracy since 2007. Our name comes from the winged “helicopter” seed that falls from a maple tree, a symbol of Canada; it reminds us that from small seeds, big ideas can grow.

Role Description

The Director of Content & Public Relations works directly with the CEO to produce high‑quality content that helps Canadians understand and participate in their democracy. This senior role blends editorial excellence with strategic thinking to strengthen the Samara Centre’s authority and relevance by improving content performance and expanding audience reach through innovative, audience‑first storytelling. The Director takes ownership of content performance and uses sound judgement to identify opportunities that enhance awareness, understanding and support for the Samara Centre’s research, programming, resources and policy recommendations. This is a brand‑current role on our team.

Key details: Full‑time permanent; Salary $115,000; Location Toronto / GTA; Hybrid workspace (in‑office 4 days per week).

Responsibilities

• Identify content gaps and optimization opportunities using performance data and strategic priorities; pitch and produce new outputs to address those gaps.
• Manage staff and external specialists to produce diverse, effective, audience‑first content formats (e.g., articles, newsletters, podcast episodes, social media, video and events).
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with research, marketing, public affairs colleagues and community partners to write well‑sourced, clear, and engaging content about and for priority initiatives (e.g., Verified, MP Exit Interview Project, podcasts, events).
• Bring external perspectives back to the team to ensure engagement efforts are relevant and have a meaningful impact.
• Oversee editing support, including backreads, copy editing, and line editing, to ensure high editorial quality across public‑facing outputs.
• Oversee the use of analytics tools to evaluate content performance and recommend data‑driven improvements to increase reach, engagement and usefulness.
• Manage multiple projects, deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Pay strong attention to detail when reviewing written and data‑driven content.
• Occasional public speaking and participation in social video content.
• Identify and support profile‑building speaking opportunities for senior team members.
• Provide coaching, writing of speeches and/or speaking points, briefing notes and other supporting materials for the CEO.
• Lead the Samara Centre’s media relations efforts and ensure timely, accurate and strategic responses to media inquiries.
• Develop and distribute media releases, media kits and fact sheets, and other materials; track and report on media engagement at regular intervals.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years in journalism, strategic communications or equivalent experience.
• Strong editorial, writing, editing, interviewing, creative and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex topics for broad audiences.
• Experience efficiently producing content that has a consistent voice across a range of mediums, categories and channels – capable of bridging a gap between a formal and friendly tone of voice.
• Proven experience with content management, including optimizing existing content and maintaining high editorial standards.
• Experience managing and working with agencies, freelance or contract writers, podcast producers, event producers and other related professionals.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Strong relationship builder and strategic thinker.
• High motivation, self‑directed and strong ability to work within tight deadlines.
• Exceptional professionalism and superior organizational skills, unflagging attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to producing work that has an impact.
• Excellent oral and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off: 15 vacation days; 5 sick and mental health days; office and team‑wide winter closure (approximately 4–5 days); half‑day Fridays in July and August.
• Health benefits with a zero dollar deductible, including vision, prescriptions, dental and paramedical.
• Annual review of role level and salary, with corresponding market and cost‑of‑living increases.
• Access to a beautiful office located in a historic building near the Annex and Yorkville neighborhoods.

EEO Statement

The Samara Centre is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace in which everyone is welcomed, valued and supported. Please advise of any accommodation measures that would enable you to be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. If you are a member of an equity‑deserving community we encourage you to self‑identify in your application. Information received in relation to identity or accommodation will be kept confidential.