MEET OUR TEAM

Staff

Guided by values of hope, compassion, acceptance, innovation, and trust, this small yet mighty team brings a variety of skills and experience to the Foundation’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction.

Contact us.

Starr Cunningham, ICD.D
President & CEO
Email

Monica Jordan
Grants Lead
Email

Lisa Weatherhead, CFRE
Director of Development
Email

Sara Smysniuk
Manager of Finance
Email

Erica Allanach
Community & Donor Relations Lead
Email

Kate Udle
Events Lead
Email

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Our Board draws upon the expertise and insights of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, professions, and competencies. Trustees determine the Foundation’s strategic direction, provide oversight, insight, and foresight, enable growth and diversification of revenue, and seek sustainable giving opportunities.

Morgan Manzer, Chair
Nova Scotia Legal Aid

Lorna Griffin-Fillier, Vice Chair
Nova Scotia Health

Paul Shirriff, Treasurer
CIBC

Brian Himmelman
Himmelman & Associates Financial Advisors

Kiersten Amos
McInnes Cooper

Kim MacDonald
13 Factors for Business Growth

Linda MacKay
Nova Scotia Department of Advanced Education

Bryan Rice
V.J. Rice Concrete Limited

Alisa Mesheau
RBC, Past Chair

Jason Buchanan
Precision Hydraulics

Starr Cunningham
Ex officio

Careers

As part of an organization dedicated to improving mental health for all, every member of our team is united in this goal. We're leaders in removing barriers to mental health and addiction supports and services. And we're looking for people who are bold in their ambition to enable Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction to thrive. Staff and volunteers experience a positive and supportive environment built on respect, inclusion, honesty, self-care, and a passion to affect positive change. We welcome and embrace individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. 

All career opportunities will be posted on this career page and our LinkedIn profile.


MANAGER OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Type of employment: Permanent full-time, hybrid

Reporting to: President & CEO, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

Application deadline: 4PM ADT Friday, May 2nd, 2025

—————

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a charity that exists to ensure Nova Scotians are thriving in their communities. Our purpose is to improve the mental wellness of Nova Scotians by granting funds to community-based mental health and addictions organizations, through the values of community, compassion, and accountability. We are a talented team of enthusiastic fundraisers dedicated to changing the way people think!

Reporting to the President & CEO and working closely with the Director of Development, the Manager of Marketing & Communications will be responsible for the development and execution of marketing and communications requirements to grow brand awareness and engagement. This is a professional position that owns the Foundation’s integrated marketing communications strategy while supporting critical fundraising activities.

The successful candidate will bring a proactive approach to project management and experience in digital content strategy, creation, and distribution; event promotion; public relations; and marketing communications planning.

Duties:

  • Develop, write, design, and maintain PR materials, marketing collateral, digital content, (e.g. key messages, speaking notes, media releases, annual reports, newsletters, feature stories, social media posts, e-blasts, website and blog copy, signage, event posters, etc.)

  • Own, execute, evaluate and refine an integrated marketing communications strategy.

  • Work collaboratively with team members to develop and execute communications and/or marketing plans and deliverables that support fundraising campaigns and appeals, signature events, and grant programs.

  • Promote the Foundation’s signature events and select third-party fundraisers. Participate in an event management support role at signature events as required.

  • Manage, maintain, and troubleshoot the Foundation’s digital presence and owned communications properties (e.g., website, relevant third-party platforms, social media). Compile analytics reports to evaluate performance.

  • Create and/or oversee the production of visual assets, including graphics and multimedia content.

  • Manage marketing/communications relationships and oversee vendor selection.

  • Serve as primary media contact and spokesperson for the Foundation, and craft key messages in collaboration with the President & CEO.

  • Anticipate and manage reputational risks and issues as required.

  • Participate in speaking engagements on behalf of the Foundation as required.

Qualifications:

  • Post-secondary education in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism or a related field is required.

  • 5+ years of experience in marketing or communications roles with increasing levels of responsibility. Experience in the charitable sector and fundraising is considered an asset.

  • Proven success applying strategic thinking and planning to grow brand awareness and engagement in support of achieving business goals.

  • A strong understanding of and experience in managing digital marketing communications properties, platforms, and content (websites, email marketing, social media).

  • Experience in media relations and serving as a spokesperson or media contact.

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and proofing skills with the ability to craft audience-first messaging.

  • Experience and skill using Canva or professional design software to produce visual assets.

  • Strong oral communication and relationship-building skills.

  • Self-motivated with an ability to work independently while being a strong team player. 

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and a professional presence.

  • Experience working with the following platforms is considered a strong asset: Raiser’s Edge NXT, Raisin, Wordpress, Microsoft Office Suite, Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, AdWords, Meta, and photo/video editing software. 

  • Flexibility is required (ability to work some evenings/weekends and to travel within Nova Scotia on occasion).

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia values a healthy work/life balance for its staff and can offer an attractive total compensation package with a hybrid work model to the successful candidate. The annual salary range for this position is $72,000-$85,000.

—————

Application deadline: 4PM ADT Friday, May 2nd, 2025

Please forward a resume and cover letter to: info@mentalhealthns.ca

Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified. Please be prepared to share work samples that reflect the qualifications above.

Thank you for your interest in helping us change the way people think.

We are a registered charity that works to increase financial support to community initiatives throughout Nova Scotia while providing hope and eradicating the stigma around mental illness and addiction. We do this by providing funding to mental health programs and services through grants.

Our Purpose

To improve the mental wellness of Nova Scotians by granting funds to community-based mental health and addictions organizations.

Our Vision

All Nova Scotians are thriving in their communities.

Our Values

Community. Connection, belonging and circles of support are fundamental to advancing mental wellness.

Compassion. Kindness and understanding create nurturing and inclusive environments for growth, healing and recovery.

Accountability. Responsibility, oversight, and care for the lived experiences, relationships, and funds entrusted to us.

CONTACT US

PLEASE NOTE: If you are in crisis, please call Mental Health Mobile Crisis at 902.429.8167, 911, 988, or visit your local ER.
*We are not mental health clinicians or service providers.

Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Mount Hope Centre 1120-300 Pleasant Street Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 3S3

Phone: 902.464.6000
Fax: 902.464.3001 Email: info@mentalhealthns.ca

Business Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30-4:30
Closed: Saturday & Sunday

Media Inquiries:
info@mentalhealthns.ca