Title: Senior Communications Specialist, Media Relations
Employee Working Location: Partially Virtual / Hybrid (Canada)
Employment Status: Permanent Full-time

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

The Senior Communications Specialist, Media Relations provides strategic media relations expertise for Canadian Red Cross programs, services, and initiatives. Working with internal and external stakeholders, you will help to strengthen relationships and enhance the organization's reputation through effective media relations strategies and support and identify key audiences, craft compelling messaging, and ensure consistency across all communication channels to support the organization's goals and objectives.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and implement communications plans for media relations that align with organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with colleagues on media relations efforts, including drafting news releases and supporting materials, coordinating interviews, and managing media inquiries.
• Prepare spokespeople and provide expert advice on communication strategies, messaging, and tactics to leaders and program managers.
• Act as a spokesperson, representing the organization at media engagements and public events, as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including members of the media, donors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Provide media training and coaching for spokespeople to strengthen internal capacity.
• Stay informed on industry trends and best practices to enhance communication effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities for and develop engaging and compelling content, both written and visual, for various communication channels while ensuring consistency with the organization's brand voice and messaging.
• Assist with media monitoring, metrics tracking, and evaluation of communication efforts.
• 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 4-7 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 communications role, with proven expertise in:
  • understanding the needs of television, print, online, and radio media at national, regional, and local levels;
  • developing, writing or editing media materials, support for news conferences, as well as managing general media inquiries in a fast-paced environment;
  • media training, preparing spokespeople for interviews, and being a spokesperson.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including CP Style, with the ability to write compelling content for a range of audiences and communication channels. French is an asset.
• Ability to create compelling and engaging content for diverse audiences and communication channels, including social media, and website content, as part of a holistic approach to media relations.
• Interpersonal skills to gather perspectives, understand needs, and present information to reach consensus, often in somewhat sensitive situations Communication and influencing skills to synthesize diverse perspectives and find mutually beneficial solutions, often in sensitive or complex situations.
• 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 judgement, with a balance of confidence, maturity, professionalism, and energy.
  Proficiency in standard computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite).

Working Conditions:

• The majority of the work is performed 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).

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

Posting will close on September 11th at midnight.