Director Of Communications Jobs

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS - #23-044

Communications Department

Position: Permanent Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Location: Hybrid/Provincial office – Station Tower (13401–108th Avenue, Surrey)

Closes: Posting will remain open until filled and will close without notice

Classification: Director Salary Range: $105,000 to $120,000 annually

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Chief Public Affairs Officer, the primary purpose of the Director of Communications is to develop and implement internal and external communication strategies that promote Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), advance its strategic objectives and priorities, and enhance its relationship with stakeholders, partners, communities and citizens.

The position leads a team of communications professionals and works closely with MNBC's leadership, staff, and communities to ensure consistent, effective, and timely communication.

This position also supports the various ministries in dealing with media-related issues and will be expected to work closely with Community Services and Intergovernmental Relations staff.

ABOUT MÉTIS NATION BRITISH COLUMBIA

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) develops and enhances opportunities for our Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services. Through teamwork, respect, dedication, accountability, integrity, and professionalism, MNBC strives to build a proud, self-governing, sustainable Nation in recognition of inherent rights for our Métis citizens, assisting in the delivery of services based on policy, process, and specified regulations.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications

• Compiles information and writes collateral materials including presentations, briefing notes, news releases, speeches, brochures, backgrounders, newsletters, profiles, bios and articles for publications, social media content, websites, and multimedia assets.
• Manages information flow, content, approvals, and production of all internal and external publications.
• Monitors and evaluates communication activities, measures the effectiveness of communications campaigns, and provides regular reports to MNBC's leadership.
• Manages media relations and maximizes media opportunities to raise public awareness regarding key issues facing MNBC and its citizens.
• Ensuring timely delivery of important information to key stakeholders.
• Collaborates with MNBC's leadership and staff to identify key communication priorities and messaging.
• Develops annual, short, and long-range communication plans and briefing materials that increase MNBC’s presence and stakeholder awareness in alignment with MNBC's vision, mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with key stakeholders, including media outlets, government officials, community partners, and industry associations.
• Leads a team of communication professionals, and provides mentorship, guidance, and support to team members.
• Develops internal publications such as newsletters, email announcements, planned publications, online, intranet, video, and special projects or other assignments as needed.
• Develops and implements communication plans for major initiatives, events, programs, and campaigns.

Media Relations and Social Media

• Develops relationships with media and manages all external communications, to ensure timely and accurate delivery of messages.
• Responds to media inquiries and works closely with senior leadership on appropriate media responses.
• Works to continuously advance the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) position for MNBC.
• Identifies and plans media announcements and events for MNBC in alignment with MNBC’s strategic priorities.
• Monitors trends in social media and leverages platforms to advance and promote MNBC’s mandate.
• Proactively seeks out opportunities with media to inform and educate stakeholders about MNBC and key issues of the Nation.
• Maximizes use of social media platforms to advance the communication strategies of MNBC.
• Tracks and reports out on media stories of significant interest to MNBC.

Issues Management

• Proactively identifies potential issues for MNBC and develops strategies to mitigate risks.
• Communicates internally to ensure all staff are aware of issues and how MNBC is addressing them.
• Develops an issues management plan in partnership with senior leadership to proactively manage issues as they arise.
• Works closely with the Intergovernmental Relations team to develop materials for issues raised by federal, provincial, and local governments, the media, or through correspondence.

Internal Communications

• Oversees communications related to ministry/department programs and services, ensuring consistency and alignment to MNBC’s strategic plan.
• Collaborates with key staff to develop internal messages that are consistent and align with MNBC’s goals and objectives.
• Maintains and improves the existing communications tools used to effectively inform MNBC staff on key internal and external issues.
• Develops and implements an annual communications calendar for internal communications.

Community Relations

• Directs staff in meeting with local contacts to ensure a positive image for MNBC and the Chartered Communities.
• Supports senior management and Chartered Communities in all communication efforts by developing a community relations strategy to assist with activities at a local level and oversees the development of media plans for local projects and initiatives.
• Oversees logistical and organizational requirements for major MNBC events.
• Leverages social media platforms to help advance communication of key messages for Chartered Communities and related stakeholders.

Administration and Finance

• Leads the development of the communications department operating budget and ensures financial integrity is maintained.
• Manages external vendors such as designers, graphic ad communications consultants, artists, photographers, printers, and distribution and mailing campaigns.
• Manages and oversees the hiring and training of staff within the communications department.
• Provides subject matter expertise to senior management and the Board to ensure communication strategies and plans are consistent with MNBC’s vision and strategic priorities.
• Actively participates as a critical member of the MNBC Senior Management Team to create solutions that advance the successful, efficient, and effective delivery of MNBC programs and services.
• Liaises with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that communications and informational objectives are met.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Experience in managing and building relationships with the local, regional, and national media.
• Knowledge of current and emerging communications issues and trends.
• Knowledge of strategic communications concepts, principles, and methodologies including social media, content management systems, and multimedia software.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing communications strategies and, formulating policies and programs, preferably in a non-profit, government, or Indigenous organization.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience in managing and mentoring teams.
• Strong oral, writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Extensive experience in issues management, preferably in a non-profit, government, or Indigenous organization as well as developing messages for large and diverse audiences.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, history, and issues affecting Métis people in British Columbia
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including MNBC's Board, senior leadership, staff, government officials, media outlets, and community partners.
• Experience developing social media presence to promote programs, services, or other initiatives.

OTHER COMMENTS

Completes work within regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, although longer hours may be required when facing deadlines or dealing with urgent public relations issues.

• May be required to attend social and community-based events after hours to represent MNBC.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed to help ensure the efficient operation of MNBC.
• Will be required to travel to other MNBC regional offices or to promotional events.
• Ability to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

The above requirements are what MNBC is seeking in the ideal incumbent at the time of posting and are subject to change based on needs.

Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nation, Métis or Inuit). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

PLEASE NOTE THAT CANDIDATES MUST APPLY using “Director of Communications - #23-044” in the subject line of the email.

Please send your resume and cover letter to:

Russell Brewer

Chief Public Affairs Officer

Métis Nation British Columbia

Email: [email protected]