Senior Manager, Corporate Communications – Canadian Cancer Society

File number: COMM-15-03

Posted: March 26, 2015

Closing: April 10, 2015

Status: Regular, full time

Location: National Office – Toronto

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of the position is to develop and implement communications programs and initiatives that support the achievement of the Society’s overall strategic goals. Working closely with senior leaders, members of the National office communications team and communications staff across the Divisions, the senior manager corporate communications plays a key role in the planning and implementation of the Society’s communications plans as they relate to increased awareness of strategic direction, organizational change, organizational efficiency, philanthropy and senior leadership profile. The role is responsible for providing communications knowledge and expertise, and identifying opportunities to advance objectives through targeted communications activities. The role will lead and execute simultaneous projects and assignments, and is responsible for developing a cohesive suite of communication products and materials across the organization, presenting a clear, consistent voice aligned to our brand, vision, values and objectives. This is a mid-level position which requires the incumbent to provide both strategic and tactical support.

Primary Duties:

• Creates, enhances and manages an appropriate mix of communication’s programs, channels and messaging, to drive awareness and understanding of Canadian Cancer Society strategic plans through the voice of the CEO and Senior Leadership
• Develops and delivers effective communications based on advice and guidance from Human Resources that explain, align and mobilize staff and volunteers in support of new structures, processes and initiatives
• Manages support for senior leadership profile including meetings/events, executive briefings, scripting, content development and project team coordination.  Working with Public Issues and Philanthropy teams, leverages opportunities and information to support building of the profile
• Fosters strong and collaborative divisional relationships aimed at greater integration of communications activities and processes. Provides National office staff and Divisions with guidance, training and education related to communications, in support of organizational change and new strategic initiatives
• Prepares communication materials including but not limited to planning documents, fact sheets, website content, presentations, and change management messaging and resources
• Creates strategy and execute communication plans in collaboration with Philanthropy team as it relates to major gifts and donor relations, including media activities where required
• Lead the Daffodil and Relay communications teams to develop nationwide communication strategies aligned with branding and strategic direction of these events
• Establishes metrics and measures communication effectiveness for key external programs
• Serves as backup to the Manager Communications/Media Relations
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Staff management responsibilities
• Health and Safety responsibilities

Qualifications:

• A university or post graduate degree in journalism, communications or related discipline plus 8-10 years of progressively senior experience in all aspects of communications, with an emphasis on developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies, risk management and change management communications and key message development
• Excellent writing, editing and proof-reading skills and extensive experience in a wide variety of communications vehicles and styles
• Experience developing communications strategies for large multi-dimensional teams and projects
• Experience engaging a broad range of stakeholders to support various strategies
• Demonstrates ability to take ownership of own work, doing what is needed without being asked, following through
• Demonstrated ability at being helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment
• Ability to distil and explain complex issues in everyday language
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflicting priorities and to deliver multiple projects to tight timelines
• Highly motivated and results-driven
• Experience and high level of comfort dealing with all levels of management in a large multi-level organization
• Good understanding of emerging communications mediums
• Bilingualism an asset

Working Conditions:

• Will lead teams, make decisions, set direction and assign tasks – without additional approvals from their own manager
• Frequent meetings with both internal and external stakeholders
• Interdepartmental interaction and cooperation required
• Intermittent evening and weekend work, some overtime required
• Intense and stressful periods requiring immediate response to media or public inquiry issues that could harm the reputation of the Society
• May sit for extended periods
• Will involve significant computer use

Direct Reports: Senior Internal Communications Specialist

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Canadian Cancer Society is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.
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