relocation to assume this role.
Join the country’s most trusted environmental organization and become a force
for good.
About us:
We find solutions for living within the limits of nature.Through a combination
of sound science and active public engagement, we seek to motivate Canadians to
take action on the environmental challenges we collectively face. Our
Foundation is an independent charity, supported by nearly 30,000 donors from
across Canada and abroad, and we do not accept any direct funding from
governments. With headquarters in Vancouver and offices in Toronto, Ottawa and
Montreal we address issues from coast to coast to coast, in both official
languages. With a goal of achieving sustainability within a generation, we
collaborate widely: with scientists, academics, progressive businesses, governments,
non-governmental organizations and a broad range of communities. Our influence
is also furthered by more than 1,000 volunteers. We seek the best research to
provide innovative solutions that will help build a competitive economy that
does not threaten the natural services that support all life. You can learn more about us at http://www.davidsuzuki.org
.
About you:
You are an excellent communicator, with strong management and media/marketing
skills, and a demonstrated commitment to environmental protection and social
justice.- Your undergraduate (or, ideally, graduate) degree is in journalism,
communications or another related discipline and you have at least five years’
experience in leading communications or marketing teams. - As well, you will have
shown an ability to lead change within organizations through middle management. - And — yes, you are this multi-talented — you have a knack for writing well
within tight deadlines: compelling news releases, blogs and op-eds about
complex environmental issues. - Ideally, you have a good working knowledge of
French.
This is a full-time continuing position, based in Vancouver, reporting to the
Director of Public Affairs and Communications. DSF offers a flexible work week
and competitive compensation and benefits.
Application process:
We welcome your cover letter and resume at jobs@davidsuzuki.org by January 22,
2012. Your cover letter should explain why you are qualified for this job,
outlining both your experience and measurable accounts of your success in
management, communications and marketing. Please quote Job # 12011 in the
subject line and articulate your interest and how you meet the role criteria.
We recognize the importance of a diverse workforce and encourage applications
from Aboriginal people, women, members of a visible minority and people with a
disability.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Communications Manager
Terms:
consider supporting a candidate’s relocation to assume this role.)
Reporting:
Communications Director (“the Director”).
Description: The Communications Manager is a member of the Public Affairs and
Communications Department who works closely with the Director and Public
Engagement Manager on strategic plans and reporting. As well, this individual
manages two teams: Creative Services (digital media, design, etc.) and
Communications Specialists (media/marketing strategists, writers and editors).
This includes helping the teams plan and meet their work objectives as both
communications strategists and providers of excellent services to projects and
other initiatives.
with opportunities for training and career development. The successful
candidate will enjoy strong support from the Director and other members of
department in taking on this challenging new role.
Responsibilities include:
1. Strategic leadership and integrated planning and delivery
• Advises Director on communications strategy in support of both planning and
reporting, to maximize DSF’s short- and long-term impacts;
• Guides and reports on DSF communications strategy in support of planning and
reporting;
• With Director and Public Engagement Manager defines Foundation’s key
audiences, narratives and frames and acquisition and stewardship strategies;
• With the Public Engagement Manager, champions the integration of
communications and public engagement, including strategic planning/reporting,
across all projects and activities.
• Oversees systems for the integration of communications planning and support
across all projects and activities: shared calendar, updates for Program
Coordination Committee, etc.
• With Communications Specialists monitors key media and works with Director to
ensure staff are well briefed about important coverage;
• Vets media requests and provides messaging for DSF staff, CEO and David
Suzuki;
• Coordinates DSF responses to “teachable moments” and other ad-hoc
communications opportunities;
• Monitors and evaluates team impacts, including media impacts, profile of DSF
spokespeople, online community measures, etc.;
• Collects, communicates and applies learning about communications within DSF
to refine approaches;
• Supports Director with fundraising and key stakeholder relationship
management for the department.
2. Team and brand management: Supports and coaches Communications teams,
champions their contributions to planning and builds Foundation’s brand:
• Manages the Communications Specialists: supervises their work planning and
allocation of time; approves communications plans for projects; and evaluates
performance of team.
• Approves communications outputs to further strengthen DSF editorial content
and brand;
• Supervises the Team Lead for Creative Services, setting priorities and
helping resolve competing service demands. Guided by the departmental plan,
supports each team member’s annual work and performance planning.
• Supports Team Leads in developing their annual budgets and in managing their
budgets according to plan.
• “Keeps the door open” to communicate with Communications staff and
provides individual performance feedback monthly.
• Manages team meetings and contributes to departmental Team Lead meetings.
• Monitors and supports good internal communications within department and
across organization.
• Supports effective change management, involving team members in strategic
planning and other organizational processes. Champions team contributions to
organizational development.
• Responsible for the team’s HR records, database management and other
administration.
3. Communications Specialist: Provides strategic counsel and advice in support
of DSF projects and core services, as needed.
4. Other related duties as required.
Qualifications and skills:
Education and experience
An undergraduate (or ideally graduate) degree in communications or equivalent
is required. At least five years’ leadership experience in a communications
function with demonstrated success in leading a communications team. Non-profit
leadership experience preferred.
Skill set and qualities
• Personal values well-aligned with those of Foundation: demonstrated through
work or community involvement;
• Successful communications team management experience required, ideally
including the provision of communications services within a matrix-type
organizational structure; collaborative management style required;
• Ability to lead change: experience navigating and leading change through
middle management. You understand and respect individual work styles and adapt
appropriately to these;
• Excellent communication skills: personal and public. Strengths as negotiator
and facilitator; ability to help resolve conflicts;
• Superb English-language skills, including ability to write quickly, clearly
and strategically, with appropriate styles for different audiences;
• French-language skills a significant asset;
• Solid media knowledge and experience — you understand news and can develop,
write and pitch potential news stories;
• Good team player who thrives in a busy, changing, information-rich work
environment.