Director, Polytech and Public Relations

RRC Polytech; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Group Life insurance

Defined Benefits Pension Plan

Paid vacation and December Break

Professional development support

Job summary

RRC Polytech is Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, committed to accessible employment practices and a diverse workforce. The Director, Polytech and Public Relations leads the communications portfolio, advancing the institution’s priorities and reputation through strategic plans, media relations, and government relations.

The role oversees events and stakeholder engagement, guiding a team to deliver clear communications across internal and external audiences, while

Qualifications

• Experience developing and implementing communications plans based on research in a large dynamic environment.
• Excellent issue management skills.
• Strong understanding of marketing and communications at a strategic level.

Responsibilities

• Set the vision, planning, and lead all aspects of the communications strategy and operations.
• Oversee media relations, government relations, community relations, and events strategy.
• Build relationships with government stakeholders and provide strategic advice impacting organizational priorities.

Skills

Senior leadership

Public relations

Strategic planning

Media relations

Government relations

Crisis management

Education

Post secondary education in communications or public relations

Experience in a senior public relations role

Management experience

Job description

RRC Polytech is Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 150 full- and part-time degrees, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on and online learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare our students to become leaders in their fields – while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands and contribute to the province’s economic growth.

Accessibility and Accommodations

RRC Polytech is committed to accessible employment and to ensuring that our hiring processes are barrier free. If you require information in an alternate format, or if you require an accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Director, Polytech and Public Relations

Advancement

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time Position Available

RRC Polytech reserves the right to modify work arrangements in alignment with operational and organizational needs.

EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union

For the purposes of this job posting, internal applicants and applicants from MITT will be given preference over external applicants.

At RRC Polytech we aspire to have a workforce that is representative of the diversity within our communities. For this hiring process, a preference hiring practice will be applied. Consideration will be given to applicants who self-identify within their application as one or more of the following equity-deserving group(s): Women, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Racialized Persons, Persons of the 2SLGBTQlA+ Community. For more information about our hiring practices, please visit: www.rrc.ca/hr/work/hiring-process/.

Employment support is available to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) seeking employment at Red River College Polytechnic. For guidance on the application process, interview preparation, or to discuss accommodation needs, applicants are invited to contact our Indigenous Recruitment Consultant at [e-mail].

TALENT POOL: This competition may be used to establish a 12-month talent pool of qualified candidates for future vacancies. Even if you do not meet all of the listed qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Communications and Public Relations team supports the development and delivery of strategic communications, government relations, media relations, issues management, and institutional events for RRC Polytech. Working closely with leaders across the organization, the team helps advance institutional priorities, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, and support informed decision-making through clear, effective communication and engagement. The team includes experienced communications, government relations, and events professionals who work collaboratively across the Polytech.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Director, Polytech and Public Relations is accountable for setting the vision, planning, leading, and implementing all aspects of RRC Polytech’s communications strategy and operations, including media relations, government relations, community relations, internal and external communications, issues management, and event strategy and delivery. The role is responsible for ensuring all communications and stakeholder engagement activities support the Polytech’s Strategic Plan, Academic Plan, institutional priorities, and organization-wide change management initiatives.

The Director provides strategic leadership for the Polytech’s communications portfolio, with primary responsibility for advancing and protecting the institution’s reputation through effective internal and external communications. The role also leads the development and execution of comprehensive government relations strategies, building and maintaining relationships with government stakeholders and providing strategic advice on matters that impact the Polytech’s priorities and objectives. In addition, the Director oversees the institution’s events function, including leadership of the Manager, Events, to ensure the successful planning and execution of institutional, community, donor, government, and stakeholder events that advance the Polytech’s strategic goals.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Post Secondary education in communications or public relations
• Several years’ experience in a senior public relations role
• Significant experience working at a management level
• Experience developing and implementing communications plans based on research in a large dynamic environment
• Excellent issue management skills
• Proven knowledge of the trends and practices in strategy development, research and planning, communications and government relations
• Strong understanding of communications and public relations on a strategic level
• Exceptional creative, organizational and project management skills
• Exceptional human relations and communication skills with the ability to build relationships and relate effectively with confidence, interest and understanding
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - demonstrated capacity to work with people from a wide range of public, private sector and nonprofit organizations
• In-depth understanding of marketing and communications
• Ability to foster a respectful working environment that nurtures and encourages maximum performance, creativity and accountability
• Proficiency in developing and delivering presentations to multiple audiences
• Ability to express views, ideas and facts effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast paced and complex environment and adapt quickly to changing needs
• Experience building a respectful workplace culture that promotes diversity, learning and continuous improvement

NICE TO HAVE

• Current or prior experience working in Manitoba’s post-secondary or public sector
• Accredited in Public Relations (APR)

WHY WORK WITH US

At RRC Polytech, we believe our people are our greatest assets. We offer supportive, inclusive workplace where you can grow, contribute and thrive.

• Salary Range for this position: $124,693 - $166,917 per annum
• Generous Paid Vacation: full-time employees accumulate a minimum of 15-days vacation per year, increasing to 30 days with service, while full-time Instructors accumulate 44 days per year. Information on casual and part-time vacation accrual is outlined in the Collective Agreement or the Terms and Conditions for Excluded Employees as applicable
• December Break: employees receive time off with pay during the period between Boxing Day and New Year's Day
• Defined Benefits Pension Plan: Employer and Employee contributions to future retirement benefits
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including Health and Group Life insurance, Long Term Disability, employee & family assistance program, mental health support up to $1,000, and a robust Health Care Spending Account
• Inclusive Leave Programs: Wellness, maternity, adoptive, and parental leave, as well as ceremonial, cultural, religious and spiritual leave
• Growth and Recognition: Professional development, professional licensing and fees coverage, and severance pay on retirement

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• This position may be required to work evenings and/or weekends
• May be required to work at various RRC Polytech campuses

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg's clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.