Communications and Public Affairs Lead

TransLink; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 97,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

A public transportation agency in Vancouver is seeking a Communications and Public Affairs Lead to develop and manage communication strategies. The role involves providing senior-level advice to executives, overseeing public relations efforts, and engaging with government stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in communications, strong interpersonal skills, and a relevant degree. This position offers a hybrid work environment with a competitive salary package.

Benefits

Extended Health

Dental

Transit Pass

Public Service Pension Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of six years of experience in communications or public affairs.
• Strong understanding of strategic communications practices.
• Ability to engage with government stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop communication and public affairs strategies.
• Lead communications for corporate initiatives.
• Manage relationships with government stakeholders.

Skills

Advanced written and oral communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

University degree in communications or related field

Tools

Standard office tools

Job description

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Responsibilities

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Leads the development of communications and public affairs project strategies to advance corporate enterprise priorities and initiatives. Develops core messages to communicate and articulate enterprise-wide activities as it relates to TransLink’s strategic plan. Provides senior-level advice and guidance to senior executives and the CEO; develops briefing notes; and acts as TransLink’s subject matter expert in response to inquiries and requests. Builds, manages and maintains relationships with government stakeholders to engage and present communication materials.

Key Accountabilities

Develops communications and public affairs strategies to support consistent, corporate messaging as it relates to enterprise-wide initiatives across TransLink. Ensures adherence to TransLink’s corporate brand standards and best practices in communications.

Conducts research, writes, edits, creates and oversees the production of relevant internal and corporate communications and public affairs materials across various levels. Leads and manages effective and regular communications for all staff through a range of channels, ensuring ease of access.

Oversees the lifecycle of projects and initiatives with medium to large scope and high complexity, including project development, implementation, budget development, timelines, deliverables and stakeholder interactions; presents and reports on project progress, risks, expectations, timelines, milestones and key metrics to the senior leadership team and provides suggestions, advice, guidance and recommendations to mitigate risks and resolve issues.

Acts as a subject matter expert in communications and public affairs strategies related to corporate initiatives and TransLink’s strategic plan. Responds to inquiries and requests for information and provides support to ensure the development of consistent messages.

Provides communications and public affairs guidance to key staff, including executives and CEO, on matters related to enterprise and regional transportation initiatives, advising of risks and opportunities.

Conducts analyses and monitors external environment for changes, trends and funding sources and conducts feasibility studies to formulate recommendations on changes to major programs, systems and services to meet corporate objectives. Develops reports and presentations on recommendations for senior executives.

Monitors and reports on developments in legislation and regulations, policies and processes as they relate to enterprise and regional transportation initiatives and strategies. Identifies risks and develops briefing reports to present recommended approach to senior executives.

Develops and maintains effective communications and public affairs strategies and plans to communicate with TransLink's stakeholders and the public.

Manages the execution of communications and public affairs activities, liaising with staff, contracted public relations / communication resources, and ensuring plans and deliverables integrate corporate strategies.

Supports the development of relevant regional transportation strategies, plans, policies, and reports by providing strategic advice and public affairs support.

Monitors public reaction to issues critical to maintaining confidence in TransLink as a public organization; works with TransLink’s Government Affairs team to ensure issues are addressed with consistent messaging.

Builds and maintains working relationships inside and outside of the enterprise, including government stakeholders representing TransLink interests to or coordinating with local, provincial, national, and international stakeholders and entities.

Develops briefing notes for senior executives and CEO for government meetings and media affairs.

Manages assigned resources, including but not limited to related contractors or consultants; manages relationships with contractors and consultants, providing work direction and overseeing contract compliance.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The competencies for this position would be acquired through successful completion of a university degree in communications, business, environmental studies, or a related field plus a minimum of six (6) years of progressive experience supporting the communication of governmental, non-governmental, or private sector corporate strategies and initiatives, working across organizational portfolios and across technical and non-technical fields.

Other Requirements

Additional skill set required to perform the role.

Advanced written and oral communication skills to develop and implement communication strategies, plans and a variety of communication materials, including web and social media content.

Excellent knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, practices and techniques of strategic communications

Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills with ability to recognize political and other sensitivities, and develop credibility with internal and external stakeholders

Substantial understanding of convening and facilitation best practices, and experience with internal and external stakeholder engagement.

Solid understanding of and experience with strategy, plan, and policy development, and substantial experience creating reports and other documents.

Advanced knowledge of standard office tools including word processing, web-based and presentation software

Excellent project and time management skills

Solid working knowledge of electronic publishing and social media

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Other Information

Recruitment Process : An applicant will be required to demonstrate their suitability for this position by meeting the minimum level of qualifications and experience in order to be invited into the selection process. A standard interview format will be used including general, scenario and behavioural descriptive interview questions.

Work Schedule

37.5 hours per week.

Work Designation

Hybrid

This position offers the flexibility of working both on-site and remotely within B.C.

Rate of Pay

The salary for this position ranges from $97,600 - $146,400 per annum. Actual salary offered will be based on education, experience, skills, and qualifications as they relate to the role.

We aim to provide competitive pay that reflects your professional background and expertise. We want to ensure our offer will align with your strengths considering experience, skills, and internal equity to offer a fair and equitable salary. The Total Compensation Package, which includes Extended Health, Dental, Transit Pass and enrollment in the Public Service Pension Plan as well as other employment offerings will be discussed in detail as your application progresses.

How To Apply

Please click the 'Apply' button at the top right corner of the page or go to http : / / www.translink.ca / careers to apply for this position and view instructions on the process.

INSTRUCTIONS : Please save your (1) cover letter, and your (2) resume as one pdf document prior to uploading your application on-line.

Posting Date : July 3, 2025

Closing Date : Open until filled

Please note that only those short listed will be contacted.

Having trouble applying? Please view the System Requirements & FAQ's by going to http : / / www.translink.ca / careers.

Equal Employment Opportunity

TransLink is committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce, representative of the customers we serve and the many communities in the Metro Vancouver region. We welcome and encourage Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities to apply. Learn more about TransLink's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, simply email us at [e-mail].

Seniority level

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing / Editing

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