Director, External Relations

SkilledTradesBC; Richmond; Hybrid; CAD 132,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading crown agency in Canada seeks a Director of External Relations for strategic leadership in visibility and advocacy. This role is accountable for elevating organizational profiles and engaging diverse stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and crisis management. The ideal candidate will possess a post-secondary degree, extensive experience in public relations, and a strong understanding of government operations. This position also offers a hybrid work schedule and is critical for advancing the agency's strategic objectives.

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule

Pension contributions

Lifestyle Spending Account

100% employer-paid extended health and dental plans

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in a management role within government organizations.
• Understanding of MAR/COM principles, strategies, and techniques.
• 5+ years in marketing, corporate communications, or public relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead strategic communications and resource plans.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive team.
• Lead stakeholder engagement strategies for industry allies.

Skills

Leadership skills

Strategic communication

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Education

Post-secondary degree in Marketing, Communications, or Public Relations

Job description

Overview

Director, External Relations (Permanent, Full-Time)

Posted Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Join SkilledTradesBC and be part of a highly engaged organization that is named one of BC’s Top Employers and certified Great Place to Work!

About the Position

The Director, External Relations provides strategic leadership to enhance awareness, visibility, and understanding of SkilledTradesBC’s mandate, programs, and initiatives. This role maintains deep knowledge of the organization’s business strategies, operating environment, and lines of business to effectively position SkilledTradesBC with internal and external stakeholders. The Director builds and strengthens relationships with community leaders, industry partners, employers, and all levels of government to elevate SkilledTradesBC’s profile and to advance key priorities. Serving as a spokesperson for public affairs and community engagement, the Director identifies and cultivates partnerships that reinforce the organizational mandate. The role also leads the development of strategic opportunities to engage employers and industry stakeholders, promoting the value and benefits of sponsoring apprentices. This role will report to the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO).

Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• The Director leads the development of an annual strategic communications and resource plan, including budgeting, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the communications department. Responsibilities include designing and executing media relations plans for current and targeted audiences; managing relationships with external public relation agencies and industry partners; and providing oversight of all digital communications activities, social media platforms, and both internal and external corporate websites.
• The Director also ensures the effective implementation of crisis communications protocols and oversees the development of a broad range of marketing and communications initiatives—including events, newsletters, internal web content, email campaigns, and advertising. In addition, the role is accountable for establishing key performance metrics to measure and demonstrate the value and impact of departmental activities.

• The Director serves as a strategic advisor to the executive team and other members of SkilledTradesBC, helping to proactively elevate the organization’s profile and ensure timely, effective responses to media inquiries. The role is responsible for securing appropriate media coverage for programs, events, and announcements, while also identifying opportunities for collaboration that strengthen organizational visibility. The Director will work closely with BC’s Government Communications and Public Engagement team and oversee the development and production of all Crown corporation publications.

• The Director leads the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-faceted stakeholder engagement strategy, including oversight of the Sector Advisory Group structure. The role ensures SkilledTradesBC builds and maintains strong relationships with industry representatives, associations, employers, sponsors, apprentices, and other key stakeholders to support SkilledTradesBC’s mandate and priorities. The Director ensures that the executive and senior leadership teams are regularly informed of emerging industry trends and are equipped with the insights needed to understand stakeholder needs and respond effectively.

• The Director develops clear, consistent key messages for internal and external audiences. Works with all departments to ensure communications are coordinated, brand-aligned, and support corporate strategy. The Director shapes and leads SkilledTradesBC’s internal communication strategy that strengthens alignment to the organization’s culture and priorities. The Director also maintains communications policies, procedures, and brand guidelines; manages vendors; measures and reports on communications effectiveness and oversees event presence.
• The Director collaborates with the management team to ensure effective deployment of resources; provides clear direction and feedback to staff, including supporting development and training. The role establishes succession plans for both self and managers and ensures development plans are in place for all team members. The Director inspires and holds the team accountable for contributing to SkilledTradesBC’s strategic goals, role models collaborative communication and innovation, and actively fosters a positive, engaging work environment.

Education / Experience

• A post-secondary degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field is required; combination of education and work experience will be considered
• 10+ years’ experience in a management role, working within government organizations
• Business acumen and strong financial management background is required
• Understanding of MAR/COM principles, strategies, and techniques is required
• Development and execution of strategies and plans to support business strategies
• 5+ years in marketing, corporate communications, digital communications, branding, public and media relations
• Leading a Communications/Marketing team is desired
• A knowledge of BC’s trades training and apprenticeship system would be an asset

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule, floater days, and a 37.50-hour work week
• Eligible for pension contributions
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Extensive Extended Health and Dental Plans that are 100% employer paid

Compensation

Salary Band G: $132,712 - $179,553

About SkilledTradesBC

SkilledTradesBC is a crown agency that is responsible for leading and coordinating the skilled trades training and credentialing system for the province. SkilledTradesBC provides strategic leadership, policy support and customer services to help apprentices, employers and industry. SkilledTradesBC sets program standards, maintains credential records and issues the highly regarded Interprovincial Red Seal and B.C. Certificate of Qualifications (C of Q) credentials.

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we look forward to hearing from you! Submit your cover letter and resume by the closing date.

At SkilledTradesBC, we are committed to diversity and inclusion to ensure that everyone can be their best, authentic self at work. We strive to remove barriers that affect marginalized communities in our recruitment processes. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

Due to the high number of applications the SkilledTradesBC receives, only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

SkilledTradesBC currently operates in a hybrid work environment which encompasses working remotely and in-office.

Job Family External Relations

Pay Type Salary