Location: Lower mainland, Victoria
Join the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Canadian Red Cross Society, a not for profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping those in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a Director – Communications .
Reporting to the Senior Director, Corporate Communications and working closely with the Vice President for British Columbia and Yukon, this position is responsible for developing, directing and executing external communications strategy in support of Canadian Red Cross operations in B.C. and Yukon, as well as support of external communications priorities within a national scope.
About the Canadian Red Cross (CRC): http://www.redcross.ca
You will be working on things like:
Strategic Communication Planning
Leads the development and execution of communication strategies in support of strategic and operational priorities to further the positive reputation of the Canadian Red Cross in BC & Yukon.
Participates as a member of the Leadership Team in BC & Yukon to keep the team informed of communication strategies, issues and priorities and provide communications advice.
Anticipates, mitigates and manages issues affecting the reputation of the organization, with various stakeholders including government, beneficiaries, internal/external clients, and the general public.
Leads or supports the development and execution of proactive and reactive strategies in consultation with the Senior Director, Corporate Communications, to manage reputational risk.
Leads the development and execution of proactive strategies to drive positive traditional media coverage, as well as further engagement via digital and social media.
Leverages and builds relationships with provincial, regional and local media outlets in BC & Yukon markets, and supports national media relationships within BC & Yukon.
Drives the development of timely and newsworthy content, relevant editor/producer pitches and social media content that are consistent with Red Cross objectives and brand voice.
Oversees the creation and dissemination of messaging to support media requests as well as development and training of Society spokespeople.
Acts as a spokesperson for the Society when appropriate.
Leads the planning and execution of media events targeted at key stakeholders such as news conferences, media tours, and ceremonies.
Plays a lead role in branded social media channels and where appropriate, incorporates digital/social tactics in overall strategy to engage with media, stakeholders and new audiences.
Liaises with provincial and municipal government communications counterparts to ensure the alignment of public messaging of Red Cross work, as needed.
Provides leadership to the BC & Yukon communication team and national digital team on identifying and developing integrated strategies.
Oversees internal stakeholder engagement in BC & Yukon, including employees, volunteers and advisory committees, and provides support to national internal communications lead as needed.
Emergency Communications
During a provincial disaster response, acts as Provincial Disaster Communications Team (PDCT) Lead in developing and disseminating appeal messaging and other communications tools to deliver accurate public information in a timely fashion.
Provides strategic communications guidance and support to the Provincial Operations team with communications requirements, as required, including all aspects of reactive and proactive media relations.
In collaboration with the Senior Director, Communications, Operations, provides support for emergency response operations on-site or remotely for crisis management, content gathering, high level field visits, communications training, media relations, as required.
Oversees ongoing communications support for response milestones and anniversaries.
As this position is part of a larger communications team, additional responsibilities and assignments may occur to ensure the overall success of the CRC Communications team and its initiatives.
We are looking for somebody with:
Education & Experience:
The minimum qualifications for this position are a university degree in communications, journalism or public relations with 7 to 10 years of job-related experience.
Experience in strategic communications, issues management.
Experience adapting effectively to change in a fast-paced environment.
Experience providing strategic communications advice to senior leaders.
Working with volunteers and employees in a matrix reporting environment.
First Aid certification, or willingness to certify.
Knowledge:
Comprehensive understanding of the needs and workings of TV, print, on-line and radio media in national, regional and local levels.
Strong understanding of current and emerging social media channels and the relevance of digital/social channels to media and stakeholder relations.
Understanding of Indigenous audiences and relationships.
Skills & Abilities:
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Exceptional presentation skills.
Strong leadership skills.
Strong skills of persuasion.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work with employees and volunteers at all levels and geographical locations of the organization.
Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
Proven effectiveness in both strategy development and tactical execution.
A “team player” who can lead by example, with high accountability for his/her actions.
Outstanding judgment, with a balance of confidence, maturity, professionalism and high energy.
Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information.
Assets:
Established and relevant media relationships, particularly in the Vancouver market
Experience working with a national/international not-for-profit organization.
Bilingualism
What we offer
Competitive pay and benefits package
Employees Extended Healthcare and Dental plans
Registered Retirement Pension Plan (RPP)
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): All employees are entitled to open a RRSP account through voluntary payroll deduction the first of the month following three months of continuous employment
Modern and flexible working environment that promotes diversity and allows telecommuting.
Working conditions
Contributes to a healthy and safe working environment.
Office work is performed in a typical office environment and determination of office location (CRC or from home) will be based on client group needs.
Ability to work non-traditional and longer hours often on short notice, especially during times of emergency response.
Occasional domestic travel may be required.
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to gender equality and social inclusion in our workplace. All qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, color, religion, nationality, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage all qualified persons to apply particularly Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, and others who share our values and contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Please notify us as soon as possible of any adaptive measures you might require at any stage of the recruitment process.
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