Title: Senior Manager, Media Relations

Employee Working Location: Partially Virtual / Hybrid (Canada)

Employment Status: Permanent Full-time

The Canadian Red Cross - an inspirational not for profit humanitarian organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As one of Canada's Best Employers 2024, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

The Senior Manager, Media Relations is an essential member of the Canadian Red Cross communications team, providing strategic media relations guidance across Canadian Red Cross programs, services, and initiatives. Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, your primary role will be to manage the national English media relations team, as well as the development and implementation of effective proactive and reactive strategies to engage stakeholders, strengthen relationships, and enhance the organization's reputation.

In this role, you will:

• Manage the national English media relations team and multiple projects, as needed, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Develop and implement strategic media relations solutions in alignment with broader Canadian Red Cross communications strategies and annual plans, including social media, website content, and other communication channels.
• Gain and maintain an understanding of Canadian Red Cross service lines and key stakeholders, including their objectives, challenges and opportunities in order to ensure proactive communications strategies aligned with service line needs and priorities.
• Investigate, advise and collaborate with senior leadership and other departments on complex and multifaceted communications matters, including crisis communications, issues management, and strategic messaging.
• Manage or support the development, production and promotion of key communications related to issues management and crisis management, as required.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, key stakeholders, and partners to enhance the organization's visibility and help ensure accurate and positive media coverage.
• Develop or contribute to the implementation of high-quality communication materials, including press releases, and written or visual communications, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding.
• Prepare spokespeople or serve as a spokesperson for the organization, representing the Canadian Red Cross in media interviews, public events, and other forums, as needed.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and issues in communications and public relations, and provide strategic guidance to the organization accordingly.
• Develop and manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including collaboration with government agencies, partners, and other organizations, to further the communications objectives of Canadian Red Cross.
• Set team performance and development objectives, establish work plans, monitor performance, resolve conflicts, and provide coaching and feedback.
• Contribute to unit operational, budget and workforce planning and support ongoing monitoring and reporting.
• Participate in workforce planning, talent acquisition, and succession planning initiatives to ensure a robust pipeline of talent.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, and manage risks within your area of responsibility.
• Work with vendors and/or partners, ensuring expectations are met and outcomes are achieved to budget and on time, as required.
• Contribute as part of a larger communications team. Additional responsibilities or duties may be assigned to ensure the overall success of organizational objectives or initiatives.

What we are looking for:

• Qualifications include a minimum of 6-9 years of experience and a college diploma or university degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. A professional certification, or designation is an asset.
• Proactive and reactive media relations expertise in a senior communications role, with proven expertise in:
  • managing media relations strategies and campaigns, along with an understanding of interconnections between internal processes and business units;
  • understanding the needs of television, print, online, and radio media at national, regional, and local levels;
  • developing, writing or editing media materials, managing news conferences and related tools, as well as managing general media inquiries in a fast-paced environment; and,
  • media training, preparing spokespeople for interviews, and being a spokesperson.
• Leadership and team management skills with the ability to resolve conflicts and inspire, motivate and engage teams to achieve objectives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills in English, including knowledge of CP Style. French is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work with employees and volunteers at all levels within the organization and across the country.
• Proficiency in leveraging analytics to create data-informed communication strategies.
• Solid understanding of communications and public relations principles.
• Proficiency in standard computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite), social media platforms, digital communications, and emerging communication trends.
• Ability to identify complex problems, conduct deep analysis in unfamiliar areas, predict outcomes, and develop innovative, collaborative solutions by balancing technical inputs with strategic objectives.
• Communication and influencing skills to synthesize diverse perspectives and find mutually beneficial solutions, often in sensitive or complex situations.
• Ability to create compelling and engaging content for diverse audiences and communication channels.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to participate in the on-call media schedule, including evening and weekend coverage.
• Ability to work non-traditional and longer hours often on short notice, especially during times of emergency response.
• Outstanding judgment, with a balance of confidence, maturity, professionalism, and energy.

Please note that a cover letter is required when applying for this position.

Working Conditions:

• The majority of the work is performed in Eastern Time and the successful candidate must be able to work in that time zone even if they are not based in Eastern Canada.
• Work will be conducted from a remote home office and/or from a Canadian Red Cross office, as required.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.
• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).

  Posting will close: 11:59 EST pm August 12