Description
Position Overview:
Working in accordance with the organization’s strategic vision, core values and leadership competencies and reporting to the Director, Communications, this position is responsible to provide leadership in the effective management of FortisBC’s reputation. This includes execution of corporate communications, issues management; media relations; crisis communications and emergency response.
Responsibilities:
Provides strategic leadership in the identification and management of potential risks or issues pertaining to FortisBC’s reputation or business interests. Actively engages with the FBC Executive Leadership Team (ELT); senior FBC departmental leadership (directors); external parties and the media in order to develop and implement successful issues management plan. Develop briefing notes and strategies for publicly addressing sensitive issues and public relations challenges for FortisBC. Actively, updates the status of issues and advises the ELT on a weekly basis.
Develop and implement media relations strategies. Identify news stories and assign writing and distribution through news channels. The position manages a team that is required to deliver on an annual earned media target, supporting the proactive promotion of FortisBC business deliverables as set out the annual business plan. Takes responsibility for all media analysis using analytics and metrics to measure FortisBC’s earned media value. Ensure all FortisBC events have appropriate media coverage.
Provides direction for the effective development and execution of FortisBC crisis communications plan enacted, as needed, to address a variety of corporate issues. During the crisis, serves as the key spokesperson and contributes to the management of the communications and staff to ensure various stakeholder groups have accurate and timely information.
The role is also responsible to ensure the FortisBC Public Affairs emergency Plan is updated on an annual basis and leads the message development and media relations response in this cross-functional plan which includes team members from Communications, External Relations, Energy Solutions; Energy Efficiency and Conservation and Market Research. Manages a cross-functional team that provides 24/7 coverage for the FortisBC media line for emergency response. Shifts are managed on a weekly basis where a team member is on call and can expect to work approximately 10 hours at any time, outside of business hours, to support public affairs response for operational issues regarding our systems or services such as LNG and natural gas for transportation.
Leads the corporate writing and strategic development of messaging for media relations as well as speeches and presentations for executive; FortisBC’s annual Corporate report and co-ordinates messaging and tone with the Senior Manager, Customer Communications.
Provides direction to staff utilizing effective management techniques; maintain the quality of creative ideas, design, copywriting, proofing, and editing activities and graphics production to ensure accurate and timely delivery of all communication.
Coordinate and delegate work assignments to meet operational demands and stakeholder needs. Oversee the development and coordination of project requirements including timelines and resources. Promotes improved performance through counseling, coaching, training and regular assessment.
Requirements:
Bachelors’ degree with specialization in political science, public relations, business, communications, or a related discipline from a recognized program plus 8 to 12 years recent, relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Energy industry experience would be highly desirable. Some experience in a regulated environment preferred.
Knowledge of the British Columbia utility regulatory environment an asset.
Knowledge of organizational goals and external operating environment
