Manager of Marketing and Communications

OVERVIEW: LifeSciences BC (LSBC) is a not-for-profit, member association that supports and represents the life sciences sector of British Columbia through leadership, networking, facilitation of investment, events and partnering and promotion of our world-class science and industry.

POSITION: Manager, Marketing and Communications

REPORTING TO: Director, Business Operations & Programs

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 9, 2021. NOTE: Applications should be sent to wburrows@lifesciencesbc.ca

JOB DESCRIPTION: Manager, Marketing and Communications implements the marketing and communications strategies and plans for the organization, in support of LifeSciences BC overarching strategies and objectives.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To ensure all communications and marketing programs are executed in a timely manner according to best practices and member needs. Leads and manages tactics and actions to maintain brand consistency, raise the profile of the organization and our members, manages its corporate reputation, and tells  our story through print,  social media, newsletters and other tools both virtually and in person (when permitted).

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Owns Corporate Communications
• Manages the LSBC Brand and ensures consistent use of branding across all LSBC platforms and collateral items
• Manages the corporate reputation, communications, and profile of LSBC
• Identifies opportunities to promote the life sciences ecosystem
• Leads the development of and management of key messaging and ensures consistent use across all LSBC communication platforms and collateral items
• Leads the development of LSBC overarching communications and marketing plans for the year, including measurement criteria and recommendations for future initiatives
• Provides quarterly (or as needed) reports/dashboards on status of implementation of the plans
• Develops key internal and external communications materials for LSBC
• Plans and oversees LSBC’s ongoing social media program
• Oversees production of and distributes weekly e-Newsletters
• Markets events and supports the events team
• Leads media relations
• Supports membership profiling, engagement, and recruitment activities including:
  • Keeps current on community/industry activities and announcements
  • Establishes relationships with the communications teams of our sponsors and members
  • Identifies opportunities to profile members and demonstrate value of membership
  • Defines and executes strategies to showcase ecosystem, community, board sponsors and members
  • Liaison with members to help promote their upcoming initiatives
• Overall ownership of the LSBC website, including:
  • Develops the website governance strategy protocol and ensures that the governance protocols are followed/kept up to date
  • Ensures website remains current and innovative while continually providing value to members in connecting the life sciences community
  • Oversees design, content management/implementation of new website
• Acts as managing editor, Annual LSBC Magazine published by Business in Vancouver
  • In collaboration with BIV, develops storyboard for magazine and coordinates with reporters to cover stories
  • Receives federal/provincial ministerial contributions
  • Reviews art direction for cover of magazine and layout
  • Manages approvals
  • Manages distribution of magazine to individuals and organizations that participated in the content/are featured
• Performs other duties, including:
  • Writing papers/articles on member activities
  • Authoring papers and/or reports on life sciences matters as valuable and/or required by members or stakeholder groups including government
  • Manages marketing and communication vendor agreements and licenses
  • Supports staff with all internal/external communication requests as needed
  • Collaborates with other organizations, companies, and partners in supporting their interests and sharing their news/activities
  • Recruits and oversees the communications co-op student as required

Qualifications:

• Seasoned marketer, especially event marketing
• Seasoned communications professional, including experience in corporate communications and media relations with demonstrated history of securing coverage
• Experience overseeing and actively engaging in social media platforms
• Able to build and enhance working relationships and collaborations with an extensive network of stakeholders, sponsors, and members
• Superior business writing skills (formal and informal)
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Must be able to think analytically and strategically
• Capable of working well as part of a team, as well as independently
• Great multitasker and capable of simultaneously managing multiple projects with different deadlines
• Proficient in MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Constant Contact, Canva, WordPress, Google Forms/Survey Monkey (or something similar)
• Able to manage administrative elements of online programs and websites
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to prioritize, multi-task and adapt to change
• Able to work as a team, supporting team decisions and working cooperatively
• Pro-active, organized, and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• A responsible self-starter
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car

Education:

• Post-secondary education. Degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related discipline is an asset but not required
• Degree in a science-related field and or having worked in a life science-related company an asset

Experience: 

• 8+ years related experience in communications and marketing roles
• Experience in a member-based organization or not-for-profit an asset

Competencies:

• Flexibility and agility to pivot quickly as issues arise
• Ability to work within a small team
• Embraces learning new things and taking the lead on new and/or unfamiliar activities
• Identifies and understands communication challenges and opportunities within the organization and the external marketplace
• Strategic thinking and big picture orientation
• Understanding and awareness of broader context
• Responsible decision making
• Excellent relationship building skills