Hybrid Director, External Relations & Strategic Communications

The Blood Connection, Incorporated; Richmond; Hybrid; CAD 136,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Pension contributions

Lifestyle Spending Account

Employer-paid health plans

Job summary

SkilledTradesBC is seeking a Director, External Relations to lead strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs.

The role focuses on elevating the organization’s profile, building partnerships with government, industry, and employers, and guiding communications strategy across departments.

The ideal candidate has a degree in marketing/communications and over a decade in management within government contexts, with strong budgeting and leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
• 10+ years in a management role within government organizations.
• Strong financial management background.
• Understanding of MAR/COM principles, strategies, and techniques.
• Development and execution of strategies to support business strategies.
• 5+ years in marketing, corporate communications, digital communications, branding, public and media relations.
• Leading a Communications/Marketing team is desired.
• Knowledge of BC’s trades training and apprenticeship system would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of an annual strategic communications and resource plan, including budgeting, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the communications department.
• Design and execute media relations plans for current and targeted audiences; manage relationships with external public relations agencies and industry partners; oversee digital communications activities.
• Advise the executive team on public affairs and community engagement; secure media coverage for programs, events, and announcements; identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy, including oversight of Sector Advisory Group structure; build relationships with industry representatives, associations, employers, sponsors, apprentices and other stakeholders.
• Develop clear, consistent key messages; coordinate communications across departments; shape internal communications strategy; manage policies, vendors, and measures of effectiveness.
• Lead the team deployment of resources; provide direction and feedback; establish succession plans and foster a positive work environment.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Public relations

Media relations

Strategic leadership

Budgeting / financial management

Crisis communications

Education

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

10+ years in a management role within government organizations

Strong financial management background

Understanding of MAR/COM principles, strategies, and techniques

5+ years in marketing, corporate communications, digital communications, branding, public and media relations

Leading a Communications/Marketing team is desired

Knowledge of BC’s trades training and apprenticeship system asset

Job description

SkilledTradesBC is seeking a Director, External Relations to lead strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs.

The role focuses on elevating the organization’s profile, building partnerships with government, industry, and employers, and guiding communications strategy across departments.

The ideal candidate has a degree in marketing/communications and over a decade in management within government contexts, with strong budgeting and leadership experience.