Communications Manager

Harbourfront Centre is a leading cultural institution in Toronto, celebrated for its vibrant arts, culture, community and recreational programs. As a not-for-profit organization, we are committed to enriching the lives of diverse communities through creativity, innovation, connection and excellence. A multi-faceted campus, Harbourfront Centre includes both community programming across arts, culture, recreation and learning, as well as commercial businesses (marine, parking, restaurants) that generate essential revenue to support operations.

We are currently seeking a Communications Manager who can continue to build Harbourfront Centre’s reputation as the go-to destination for arts, culture, and waterfront experiences through a mix of earned media, strategic partnerships, internal engagement, and innovative storytelling. This role is ideal for a skilled communicator who is energized by the opportunity to help build and shape a foundational function. You’ll be the go-to in-house communications contact, working closely with senior leaders, external agencies, and colleagues across the organization to bring Harbourfront Centre’s story to life.

 

Position Title: Communications Manager

Reports to: Head of Marketing

Direct Reports: None

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: Commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package

Location: Toronto

 

Responsibilities

• Media Relations & PR: Manage day-to-day media outreach and inquiries. Coordinate with agency partners to secure meaningful coverage and raise awareness of Harbourfront Centre’s programs and priorities.
• Storytelling & Content Development: Collaborate across teams to identify compelling stories. Develop clear, engaging content for media materials, messaging, speeches, and internal updates.
• Executive & Leadership Communications: Support the CEO and senior leaders with briefings, remarks, and communications needs. Support thought leadership and executive visibility efforts.
• Campaign & Event Support: Provide communications support for seasonal campaigns, major events, and institutional priorities in partnership with Marketing and Programming.
• Internal & Stakeholder Communications: Contribute to clear, consistent internal updates and key messages to staff, Board, and external partners.
• Reputation & Issues Management: Support Harbourfront Centre’s reputation through thoughtful, timely communications. Assist with media monitoring and response during sensitive situations.
• Tracking & Reporting: Monitor media coverage and provide regular reports, insights, and recommendations.
• Communications Planning: Help maintain calendars, templates, and workflows to support a consistent and professional communications approach.

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional experience in communications, PR, journalism, or a related field, ideally in a nonprofit, cultural, or civic organization.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with an eye for what makes a great story.
• Demonstrated ability to manage media relations, draft key messaging, and respond under pressure.
• Proven project coordination skills, with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Experience with executive and internal communications, with the ability to write in multiple voices.
• Comfortable working independently and in collaboration with others — including senior leadership.
• Curious, proactive, and adaptable — eager to grow and help build a function from the ground up.
• Knowledge of Toronto’s media and cultural landscape is an asset.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Non-Canadian applicants must have a valid documentation authorizing their ability to work in Canada on an ongoing basis.

About Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre is Toronto’s waterfront community campus for arts, culture, learning and recreation.  Spanning a 10-acre campus at the heart of Toronto’s central waterfront, it is a registered, charitable not-for-profit cultural organization that offers year-round programs and events accessible to all audiences. The organization champions established and emerging Canadian artists across varied disciplines, and serves as a recreational hub for more than 6.3 million annual visitors. Whether hailing from across the street or around the globe, Harbourfront Centre offers memorable and meaningful experiences for all who visit.

Why Join Us?

This is a great opportunity to join one of Toronto’s most dynamic cultural institutions. As the Communications Manager, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Harbourfront Centre’s mission and vision while spreading the word about the impact of our diverse programs and initiatives.

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Our Values

At Harbourfront Centre, our values—Open, Brave, Rigorous, and Kind—reflect our commitment to inclusivity, imaginative risk-taking, excellence, and respect, ensuring enriching experiences for all.

How To Apply

Harbourfront Centre is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, and we encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and motivation for wanting to join Harbourfront Centre to the attention of Head of People at jobs@harbourfrontcentre.com by no later than August 22, 2025. Please quote Communications Manager in the subject line of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. Suitable accommodation will be available upon request during the hiring process.