General Scope of Position:

Responsible for planning, development and implementation of the Organization’s marketing strategies, marketing communications, and public relations activities, both external and internal. Oversees development and implementation of support materials and services in the area of marketing, communications and public relations. Directs the efforts of the marketing, communications and public relations staff and coordinates at the strategic and tactical levels with the other functions of the Organization.

Primary Relationships:

The position reports to the Executive Director and serves as a member of the senior management team. This position participates with the Executive Director and other management team members in charting the direction of the Organization, assuring its accountability to all constituencies, and ensuring its effective operation. Within the Organization, the position has primary working relationships with the Executive Director, senior management team, staff of the Marketing/Communications/P.R. function, and outside service providers.

Principle Accountabilities:

Marketing, communications and public relations

• Responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of a comprehensive marketing, communications and public relations program that will enhance the Organization’s image and position within the marketplace and the general public, and facilitate internal and external communications; and,
• Ensure articulation of Organization’s desired image and position, assure consistent communication of image and position throughout the Organization, and assure communication of image and position to all constituencies, both internal and external.
• Responsible for editorial direction, design, production and distribution of all organization publications.
• Coordinate media interest in the Organization and ensure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.
• Act as the Organization’s representative with the media.
• Coordinate the appearance of all Organization print and electronic materials such as letterhead, use of logo, brochures, etc.
• Ensure that the Organization regularly conducts relevant market research and coordinate and oversee this activity. Monitor trends.
• Leads projects as assigned, such as cause-related marketing and special events.

Planning and Budgeting:

• Responsible for the achievement of marketing/communications/public relations mission, goals and financial objectives. Ensure that evaluation systems are in place related to these goals and objectives and report progress to the Executive Director.
• Develop short- and long-term plans and budgets for the marketing/communications/public relations program and its activities, monitor progress, assure adherence and evaluate performance.
• Recommend short- and long-term Organization goals and objectives to the Executive Director.
• Develop, implement and monitor systems and procedures necessary to the smooth operation of the marketing/communications/public relations function.
• Keep informed of developments in the fields of marketing, communications and public relations, not-for-profit management and governance, and the specific business of the Organization and uses this information to help the Organization operate with initiative and innovation.

Organizational Strategy:

Work with senior staff, other staff and volunteers to:

• develop and maintain a strategic perspective -- based on marketplace and constituent needs and satisfaction -- in organizational direction, program and services, and decision-making; and,
• ensure the overall health and vitality of the Organization.
• Help make sure that the Organization’s philosophy, mission and vision are pertinent and practiced throughout the organization.
• Develop and coordinate means to seek regular input from the Organization’s key constituencies regarding the quality of programs and services and the Organization’s relevance.
• Help formulate and administer policies to ensure the integrity of the Organization.
• Act as an internal consultant to bring attention and solutions to institutional priorities.

Qualifications Required:

• Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications and public relations activities.
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational and personal sales skills.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, and hiring, training, developing, supervising and appraising personnel.
• Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations and negotiating with media.
• Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications.
• Computer literacy in word processing, data base management and page layout.
• Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.
• Strong oral and written communications skills in French/English are a significant asset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.

Other:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in marketing, communications or public relations with demonstrated success, preferably in the not-for-profit or association sector.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations preferred. Graduate degree in a related field is desirable.
• Experience working with volunteers is desirable.

SALARY RANGE
Commensurate with experience.

In addition, Fairtrade Canada offers an excellent benefits package.

To Apply:

Please submit your letter of interest, resume and references to Tom Smith, Executive Director at tom.smith@fairtrade.ca  by end of day, Friday, November 7, 2013.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.  Thank you for your interest.