Manager, Marketing & Communications

POSITION SUMMARY

Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario is seeking an exceptional Manager, Marketing and Communications to serve as a strategic thought partner and execution powerhouse during a transformational period in our history. As we launch a historic $40 million capital campaign to double our capacity and expand across Southwestern and Northern Ontario, this role will help translate bold philanthropic vision into high-performing, data-driven campaigns that inspire generosity and deepen community engagement.

Reporting to the Vice President, Philanthropy and Community Relations, the successful candidate is a results-oriented strategist who thrives at the intersection of creativity and analytics. You will lead compelling storytelling, build exceptional donor journeys, optimize performance across channels, and consistently measure what works—equally comfortable developing multi-year strategy and delivering high-quality tactics across traditional and digital platforms.

To ensure fair and equitable pay, placement within the salary range will be based on your experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. Hiring salary range: $70,000 to $85,000. Ronald McDonald House SWO offers a 4-day workweek schedule for the employees.

Position Type: Full-Time

Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Artificial Intelligence

AI-supported tools may be used in parts of the selection process to help evaluate applications; however, our HR system itself does not include any AI functionality. All hiring decisions are made by people.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Creative campaign Leadership and Execution:

• Partner closely with the Vice President, Philanthropy, to develop innovative, mission-based strategies to position Ronald McDonald House as top of mind for philanthropic engagement and community engagement.
• Provide thought leadership and essential project management and creative support to key organizational functions, i.e., fundraising, family services and events.
• Lead industry-leading creative projects from concept through completion, consistently and effectively advocating for exceptional mission and brand alignment while collaborating with staff and external team members.
• Lead end-to-end integrated marketing campaigns from strategy through execution, engaging unique donor segments, corporate partners, key community members, and ambassadors.
• Develop and implement multi-channel campaign strategies (digital, direct mail, social media, events, PR) that drive acquisition, engagement, retention, and upgrade giving.
• Leverage data for segmentation, personalization, and journey optimization to maximize donor conversion and lifetime value.

Performance Marketing and Analytics:

• Drive measurable results through performance marketing strategies, using analytics, attribution modelling, and AI-powered tools to inform decisions.
• Build and maintain marketing dashboards tracking campaign performance, donor acquisition costs, retention rates, conversion metrics, and ROI.
• Utilize Blackbaud (or comparable CRM/fundraising platforms) to design automated workflows, segment audiences, and personalize communications at scale.
• Analyze donor behaviour, giving patterns, and engagement metrics to identify opportunities for growth and optimization.
• Present data-driven insights and strategic recommendations to the VP, leadership team, and Board.

Content Strategy and Brand Stewardship:

• Oversee the creation of exceptional marketing and communications projects including impact reports, donor communications, case statements, proposals, patient stories, digital content, and annual reports.
• Lead storytelling initiatives across all platforms—traditional and social media—that translate mission into meaning and data into impact, inspiring generosity and community support.
• Ensure brand consistency across all channels while adapting messaging for diverse audiences, donor segments, and regional communities across Southwestern and Northern Ontario.
• Support corporate and community fundraising efforts with brand assets, toolkits, and strategic enablement resources.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Development, Programs, Finance) and external partners (agencies, vendors, media) to align messaging and maximize impact.

Media, Public Relations and Advertising Strategy:

• Nurture and maintain strategic relationships with media outlets, journalists, advertising partners, and community influencers to enhance brand awareness and meaningful engagement.
• Develop and execute comprehensive media relations strategies that position Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario as the region's trusted partner for families with ill or injured children.
• Coordinate press releases, media interviews, editorial opportunities, and community engagement initiatives that elevate organizational visibility and donor engagement.
• Lead paid advertising strategies across digital, print, radio, and outdoor media to support campaign objectives and regional brand awareness.
• Ensure all marketing and communications efforts are supportive and emblematic of Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario 's commitment to regionalization, reflecting the diversity and needs of communities across Southwestern and Northern Ontario.

Thought Partnership and Strategic Planning:

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Vice President, Philanthropy and Community Relations in developing and evolving the annual marketing and fundraising plan.
• Positively represent the mission and brand in all communications and public engagements: be able to adapt to highly complex situations and navigate multifaceted ecosystems.
• Stay at the forefront of industry trends, donor behaviour insights, and emerging technologies (AI, automation, digital engagement tools) to ensure Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario remains competitive and innovative.
• Support the $40 million capital campaign through strategic communications, case development, donor engagement materials, and high-impact storytelling.

Inclusion and Belonging:

• Embed inclusion and belonging principles into all aspects of marketing, communications, and donor engagement, fostering an inclusive and equitable environment.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in all mission-focused activities of Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario.

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Education:
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field required.

Experience and Technical Expertise:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive marketing and communications experience, with demonstrated success in campaign management, donor engagement, and performance marketing.
• Experience in nonprofit marketing—either through in-house roles or agency work serving charitable organizations—strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of designing and executing high-performing marketing campaigns that drive measurable outcomes (revenue, engagement, retention).
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data and metrics to inform strategic decisions and optimize campaigns.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and content development skills across multiple formats and channels.
• Experience with Blackbaud platforms (Raiser's Edge NXT, Luminate Online) or comparable CRM/fundraising systems is a major asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Analytics, social media platforms, and email marketing tools.
• Experience managing junior staff and external agency partners is an asset.
• Familiarity with marketing automation, AI-powered tools, and advanced segmentation strategies is a very significant asset.
• Background in healthcare philanthropy or complex mission-driven organizations is an asset.

Core Competencies:

• Results-Oriented: Demonstrated ability to translate bold ideas into measurable tactics, adapt quickly based on performance data, and continuously evolve strategies.
• Analytical Excellence: Strong quantitative and analytical skills with the ability to extract insights from complex datasets and build performance dashboards.
• Strategic and Execution-Focused: Exceptional project management skills with the ability to balance strategic planning and hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment.
• Storytelling and Communication: Exceptional storyteller and relationship builder with outstanding written and verbal communication skills across all platforms.
• Media and Public Relations Acumen: Proven ability to nurture strategic media relationships and execute comprehensive PR strategies that elevate organizational visibility.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in data segmentation, workflow automation, A/B testing, conversion optimization, and CRM platform management.
• Collaboration and Influence: Highly collaborative, able to work effectively across internal teams and external partners to align efforts and maximize impact.
• Innovation and Adaptability: Embraces innovation, challenges conventional approaches, and thrives in environments that require agility and creative problem-solving.
• Mission-Driven: Passionate about nonprofit work with a strong understanding of donor psychology, philanthropic trends, and healthcare fundraising dynamics.
• Integrity and Confidentiality: Impeccable ethics and discretion in handling sensitive donor and organizational information.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Ronald McDonald House is a safety net for families and strives to help alleviate the isolation and stress families feel when they have an ill or injured child. All staff must display care and compassion, possess emotional maturity and discretion, and respect the dignity and rights of guests, volunteers, and other staff members. Keeping confidentiality is of the utmost importance.

Hours of work: 8:00am – 4:30pm

Evening and weekend availability is required to support fundraising events and community engagement initiatives (approximately 6-8 times per year).
Travel: This position is office-based in London, Ontario, and requires regular travel throughout Southwestern and Northern Ontario to support campaign initiatives, community engagement, media relations, and regional stakeholder meetings. Occasional travel within Canada and internationally may also be required. Candidates must have reliable transportation and access to a vehicle.


RMHC is a family-centered brand and deeply values the lives of its employees inside and outside of RMH programs. We offer a competitive salary, benefits, and vacation package. RMH SWO is committed to principles of anti-oppression and employment equity. We strongly encourage members of Indigenous, ethno-racial, LGBTQ+, Francophone, immigrant, refugee, differently abled, and other equity-seeking groups to apply and self-identify.

To apply, please email your detailed resume and cover latter to Jessica Abbott, HR Coordinator, People & Culture at jabbott@RonaldMcDonaldHouseSWO.ca. If accomodation is required during the hiring process, please inform the hiring manager or committee once selected for an interview. We thank all interested applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.