Communications Manager

Are you looking to make a difference using your strategic communications skills?

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is seeking a creative, innovative and strategic Communications Manager with a passion for social justice, government advocacy and community building.

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Communications and Partnerships, the Communications Manager is responsible for guiding and executing S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s overarching strategic vision for communications. This role holds both internal responsibilities for managing employee communications and external responsibilities for managing government relations and community advocacy.

The Communications Manager will be instrumental in building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders and implementing and evaluating S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s employee, government advocacy and community relations strategies and activities in order to advance S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s mandate and priorities.

Founded in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service agencies in Canada. Our multicultural, non-profit charitable organization offers a wide range of programs and services that promote the belonging, wellness, and independence of people at all stages of their Canadian journey. Programs and services are offered in the areas of newcomer settlement, English language training, employment and entrepreneurship, family, youth and seniors programming, health education, community development, seniors care and affordable housing. Learn more at successbc.ca.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Together with the Director, oversees and guides the development and implementation of the organization’s internal communications plan, policies and practices, including measuring the effectiveness of activities on employee engagement and managing editorial for annual reports and employee newsletters
• Together with the Director, oversees and guides the development and implementation of the organization’s government advocacy and community relations plan, including measuring the effectiveness of activities, as aligned with S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s mandate and priorities
• Coordinates and supports community relations initiatives and activities, including preparation of communication plans, correspondences, policy papers, briefing notes, fact sheets, speaking notes, event presentations, and evaluation of these tactics
• Facilitates professional knowledge of internal communications and external community relations among staff and provides consultation, guidance and planning for leaders to ensure effective and impactful stakeholder relations, including advising for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation
• Prioritizes data-driven evaluation in designing and measuring communication outcomes to demonstrate behavior change; and conducts analysis of business communication initiatives to meet and measure KPIs and prove results
• Develops and oversees the use of print and digital communication tools, resources, messaging, guidelines, best practices, and processes following brand guidelines and incorporating storytelling and brand journalism in supporting the organization’s internal communications, government advocacy and community relations strategies
• Builds, fosters, and sustains positive relationships and awareness with a wide range of community stakeholders and partners, including media, government and non-profits, in order to advance S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s mandate and support its programs and services
• Supports the organization with the prevention, mitigation, and management of risks and issues related to employee and community relations opportunities
• Engages and supervises staff, contractors, and/or volunteers in the implementation of the organization’s employee communications, advocacy and community relations strategies and activities
• Collaborates with the Content Specialist in developing brand-compliant internal and external communications materials and campaigns to advance strategic goals

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Community Engagement, or equivalent discipline
• Minimum of 5 years’ work experience in communications, government or community relations
• Professional accreditation or certification is an asset
• Experience developing communication strategies
• Experience implementing and evaluating communication plans
• Experience guiding advocacy and community relations initiatives
• Experience in community and/or public relations, promotion and marketing
• Experience with graphic design and photography is an asset
• Knowledge of intercultural and social issues
• Knowledge of culturally-safe service practices
• Knowledge of human rights-based approach and principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
• Knowledge of social services sector in the British Columbia and national context

JOB SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy in situations
• Ability to manage complex and challenging situations
• Ability to handle private and confidential information
• Ability to take initiative and proactive action
• Excellent management and leadership skills
• Excellent project planning, presentation and consulting skills
• Excellent critical thinking, attention to detail and commitment to deliver outcomes
• Excellent time management, organization, and prioritization skills
• Excellent technical skills in MS Office, Sharepoint, WordPress, Google Analytics, Envoke and other web-based applications
• Additional languages are considered an asset

COMPETENCIES

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Business Acumen
• Decision Making
• Influence & Impact
• Inspirational Leadership
• Strategic Thinking

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position is responsible for the supervision of indirect reports and assists in performance management and hiring of staff within the communications, advocacy & community relations department.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Salary range: $63,700 -$70,980, commensurate with experience.
• Criminal Record Check required
• Able to work flexible schedule
• Able to travel to multiple locations as required

Please send resume and cover letter to Elaine O'Connor, Director, Strategic Communications and Partnerships at elaine.oconnor@success.bc.ca.