Canada’s 8,000 co-operative and mutual enterprises offer a unique value proposition that drives domestic and international trade, supports communities, and makes life more affordable for Canadians. Our goal at Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) is to see the co-operative and mutual enterprise model grow even stronger than its current 3.4% of GDP and nearly 200,000 jobs. 

CMC is at a pivotal moment in its growth as a national member-driven association. With a new strategic plan to be implemented in 2021, we are looking for a strong communications leader to develop and execute a communications strategy to support CMC as well as the growth and sustainability of the co-operative and mutual enterprise sector.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a results-oriented team player who believes in the values of the co-operative and mutual enterprise sector and wants to make a major contribution to its advancement.

PROFILE 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the incumbent will collaborate with a dynamic group of results-oriented professionals, will lead one direct report, as well as manage external service providers. 

The Communications Manager develops the national communications strategy and manages its on-going implementation and evolution. As a key point of contact at CMC, the Communications Manager actively provides the Executive Director, internal colleagues, and members with communications advice and support that is consistent with current practices of excellence. Major areas of responsibilities include communications, media relations, and event management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a new communications strategy to support the strategic plan, vision, and mission,  as well as goals and objectives for the next 3 years and beyond. 
• Execute the new communications strategy to advance CMC’s objectives. Core elements of the new strategy include (but are not limited to):
  • oversee the branding strategy
  • design, and launch a new website
  • develop and implement a national social media strategy
  • align the social media strategy to drive traffic to CMC's new website
• Support the execution of the strategic plan by leading communications initiatives to support member engagement, member recruitment, government relations, strategic partnerships, and others as required
• In collaboration with internal colleagues, apply the communications strategy to enhance the successful promotion of new programs and resources available to members.
• Lead the delivery of CMC’s Annual Congress and virtual events
• Validate and promote CMC sponsored research reports 
• Coordinate and produce press releases, media conferences, communiqués, Op-Eds
• Establish and cultivate relationships with communications professionals within member organizations, parliamentarians, government administration, and media organizations
• Define key messages for external communications, ensuring consistency/clarity of messaging and quality of content in both French and English.
• Managing one direct report
• As part of a small team, the communications manager may be asked to take on additional tasks to support the delivery of CMC’s mission and vision.

QUALIFICATIONS   

If you are a team player, have a proven track record, and have the following competencies, please send us your cover letter and resume.

• A relevant diploma or bachelor's degree
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent writing/editing skills
• A minimum of five to eight years of relevant communications experience
• Experience in planning, delivering, and measuring the success of large-scale events
• Experience in forecasting and budget management
• Understanding of federal/provincial government jurisdictions and government relations is an asset 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build long-term professional relationships with a national community of stakeholders 
• Bilingual (English and French), oral and written, is an asset
• Working knowledge of the co-operative economy, member-based organizations and/or the not-for-profit sector is an asset

WORKING CONDITIONS – Some domestic travel is required. 

COMPENSATION                                                                                                                           

A competitive salary, benefits package, and retirement savings matching program are available to the right candidate to assume this permanent position located in downtown Ottawa.

Application Process and Deadline 

Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. November 13, 2020. Late submissions will not be accepted. 
Applicants must include a cover letter and resume. 
Please reference the job title ‘Communications Manager’ in the email subject line and submit your resume and cover letter in confidence to grobinson@canada.coop.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted!

COVID-19 – In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and to protect our candidates’ and interviewers’ health and wellbeing, we will be conducting all interviews virtually for the foreseeable future. This circumstance may also cause application delays, as such, we will reassess the situation over the coming months to determine if an extension to the deadline for submission is required.  

SOURCE: Charity Village