POSITION SUMMARY

As a member of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) Senior Leadership Team, the Director, Communications contributes to the efficiency of the CCES by playing a leadership role in developing and implementing strategic communications and public relations plans to achieve the CCES’s strategic objectives. The Director shall provide effective leadership for media relations, content creation and management across multiple channels, as well as crisis communications. The Director shall collaborate with colleagues across the organization to ensure cohesive communication efforts that reflect the CCES brand and enhance its reputation. The Director will lead the communications team and manage the communications budget to ensure the goals and desired outcomes are realized.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications
  • Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive strategic communications plan aligned with the organization’s mission, corporate commitments and strategic plan;
  • Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive strategic communications plan aligned with the organization’s mission, corporate commitments and strategic plan;
  • Revise communication strategies in response to changing circumstances, trends and/or stakeholder feedback;
  • Implement and manage communications strategies across various channels to increase the visibility of the CCES's work and build trust in the brand and services;
  • Manage crisis communications and develop proactive strategies to mitigate potential crises;
  • Assist CCES project teams across all strategic priority areas with communications efforts to increase the reach and impact of the CCES’s offerings and ensure the sport community is aware of and engaged in our work;
  • Develop a coherent brand message and maintain brand integrity across all platforms;
  • Liaise with external professionals in communication, marketing, and design;
  • Oversee the creation of digital, video, audio, and print content.
Media Relations
  • Implement a proactive media relations strategy that includes assisting CCES spokespeople with key messages as well as identify timing, topic and targets for the CCES’s media messages;
  • Establish and maintain positive relationships with Canadian media, key sector leaders and senior communications officials; 
  • Serve as a spokesperson for French media and English media as required;
  • Provide information and support to all press, media advisors, press officers, and other stakeholder groups;
  • Manage responses to high-profile issues, providing input to the CEO and Executive Team on options to manage external messaging and work with program staff to implement messaging accordingly.
Communications Team Leadership and Oversight
  • Manage the day-to-day administration of the communications team through the development of an annual operational plan;
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to staff working on communications related responsibilities;
  • Conduct performance reviews and recommend training and development opportunities for direct reports;
  • Oversee the communications team budget.
Senior Leadership Team
  • Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team;
  • Assist with team planning, policy development, decision making, and problem solving;
  • Assist with securing and maintaining financial, human, and operational resources;
  • Help ensure proper administration and financial management of day-to-day operations;
  • Help ensure the CCES’s mandate is being achieved;
  • Assist with providing support to Board of Directors and other committees as required;
  • Develop and maintain existing and new partnerships relevant to the CCES’s mandate;
  • Represent the CCES with funders and stakeholders as required;
  • Represent the CCES at meetings, conferences, and events as required.
CCES Quality Management System
  • Support and promote the implementation of the Quality Management System;
  • Comply with relevant quality system processes and recommend process changes/revisions as appropriate;
  • Identify potential risks and help identify and manage risk mitigation strategies;
  • Log stakeholder feedback/comments in the Quality Database for tracking and appropriate follow up.
General Responsibilities
  • Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Corporate Services and/or the CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Mastery of French and English (written and spoken);
  • Excellent writing and editing skills in either language, preferably English;
  • Demonstrated knowledge and mastery of communication practices and channels;
  • Ability to adapt communication style to reach various target audiences;
  • Ability to write for various audiences and draft narratives that demonstrate storytelling skills;
  • Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or another relevant field;
  • A minimum of 7 years of experience in a similar role;
  • Excellent knowledge of social media platforms and social media marketing;
  • Knowledge of the amateur sport system in Canada is considered as an asset;
  • Exemplary organizational and time-management skills with a keen attention to detail.

Applications for this position should be submitted electronically on Bamboo HR by July 31, 2024, at https://cces.bamboohr.com/careers/47 We thank all applicants for their interest but only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Throughout its recruitment process, the CCES is committed to Canada’s linguistic duality and diversity of its people. We welcome expressions of interest from all qualified applicants including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, and all gender identities and sexual orientations. Upon request, accommodation will be provided during the hiring process.