Threads of Life – Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support is hiring a Senior Content and Storytelling Specialist to help tell the stories of workers, families, volunteers and others affected by workplace tragedy.
About Threads of Life
The Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support, known as Threads of Life , is a national charity dedicated to supporting families along their journey of healing following a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease.
While providing trauma-informed support to family members, Threads of Life also promotes injury prevention across Canada.
The organization is accredited through the Imagine Canada Standards program, aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and is recognized across Canada as the charity of choice for occupational health and safety initiatives.
Position Overview
Storytelling is at the heart of the organization’s mission.
The Senior Content and Storytelling Specialist will lead the ethical, trauma-informed gathering and sharing of personal experiences from members and families affected by workplace tragedy.
The role will help drive public empathy, inspire community action and strengthen workplace safety prevention efforts.
Working with the Marketing and Communications team, fundraising staff and program teams, the successful candidate will translate member stories into compelling digital content, publication features, media pieces and strategic campaign messaging.
Job Summary
- Employer: Threads of Life
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Communications
- Salary: $75,000 CAD
- Closing Date: 2026-09-30
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Manager – Marketing and Communications to build, execute and monitor annual communications plans and campaign strategies.
- Manage the editorial calendar, ensuring clear schedules, deadlines and multi-channel publication delivery.
- Work with the French Language Services Coordinator to identify materials requiring translation and incorporate translation processes into project schedules.
- Work directly with the Family Support team to coach and empower family members to share their healing journeys safely and ethically.
- Develop, edit and oversee regular print and electronic newsletters.
- Work with staff, members, volunteers and contractors to maintain production timelines and exceptional editorial standards.
- Manage social media channels and create high-impact social media content.
- Build engagement strategies across established and emerging channels.
- Identify stories and develop strong calls to action for marketing campaigns, email communication streams, video, websites and other communications projects.
- Write engaging content across multiple channels.
- Manage review and approval workflows for written and multimedia publications.
- Serve as a key point of contact for incoming media inquiries, ensuring journalists handle sensitive family experiences with care and dignity.
- Identify, prepare and coach staff, volunteer speakers and family members for media interviews.
- Coordinate annual public relations campaigns, including the national State of Safety initiative.
- Track and report on earned media coverage while nurturing relationships with journalists and media outlets.
- Lead content development for Threads of Life’s Annual Report and impact publications.
- Produce communications materials and partner features to support corporate stewardship and website resource hubs.
Requirements
- 7+ years of experience in strategic content development, storytelling and communications execution, ideally within the non-profit or cause-driven sector.
- A trauma-informed approach and a strong understanding of storytelling ethics, with the sensitivity, empathy and tact required to interview or coach people who have experienced loss or trauma.
- Proven experience writing press releases, managing media relations and preparing spokespeople for public interviews.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience tailoring messaging across digital platforms, print publications and email marketing.
- Hands-on experience with social media management tools, email platforms and Content Management Systems such as WordPress.
- High proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
- Canva skills.
- Experience with Asana and Blackbaud RE NXT is considered an asset.
- A university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A dedicated home office environment and the ability to work independently and collaboratively across Canadian time zones.
- Willingness to travel occasionally within Canada for staff retreats, team meetings and major organizational events.
- French language proficiency, spoken and written, is considered an asset.
Salary
$75,000 CAD
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: charityvillage.com
About the Company
Threads of Life is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Shadows Fall. Released on April 3, 2007, in the U.S. through Atlantic Records, the album debuted at number 46 on the Billboard 200. The first single, "Redemption", made its premiere on Sirius Radio's Hard Attack station on February 16, 2007 and was released on iTunes on February 20. "Redemption" received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 50th Grammy Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Senior Content and Storytelling Specialist in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, or a related field from a recognized Zimbabwean university such as UZ or MSU. A postgraduate qualification like a Master's or professional certifications in digital marketing or public relations strengthens your profile. Employers also value 5-7 years of proven experience in content creation, journalism, or communications roles.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You will develop and execute content strategies across multiple platforms including social media, websites, and print publications. Daily tasks include writing and editing stories, managing content calendars, collaborating with design teams, and analyzing engagement metrics. You may also train junior staff and represent the organization at media events or stakeholder meetings.
How does work culture and employer expectations differ in Zimbabwe compared to international communications roles?
Zimbabwean employers often expect flexibility with working hours due to infrastructure challenges like power outages and internet connectivity issues. Building strong personal relationships and networking within local media circles is highly valued for sourcing stories and partnerships. Professionalism is important, but hierarchical structures mean you may need to navigate formal approval processes for content publication.
What career progression opportunities exist for senior content specialists in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to Communications Manager, Head of Communications, or Director of Public Affairs roles within NGOs, corporates, or government departments. Some professionals transition into consultancy or establish their own content agencies serving the SADC region. Specializing in crisis communications or digital transformation can open doors to regional or international organization positions.
What benefits should I realistically expect from employers in Zimbabwe?
Formal sector employers typically offer medical aid schemes, though coverage varies significantly between organizations. Pension contributions through NSSA or private schemes are common, and annual leave usually ranges from 21-30 days depending on seniority. Transport and housing allowances are sometimes negotiable, but many Zimbabwean employers prioritize stability over extensive benefit packages due to economic conditions.
How should I apply for senior communications roles in Zimbabwe, and what do employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications through formal channels with a tailored CV highlighting measurable content achievements and a portfolio demonstrating diverse storytelling formats. Employers prioritize candidates with local market knowledge, existing media relationships, and adaptability to resource-constrained environments. Strong references from reputable Zimbabwean organizations and demonstrated ability to work across English, Shona, or Ndebele audiences are significant advantages.
