Manager, Communications and Public Affairs

Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch is seeking a Manager, Communications and Public Affairs to lead communications initiatives and organize high-profile events that engage communities across BC & Yukon. You will work with Affiliate members, donors, government partners, and the public to amplify our mission.

As a salaried role, you will develop annual plans, ensure consistent messaging, manage digital content, and supervise a seasonal assistant.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in communications, public relations, and event management
• Post-secondary education in related field or equivalent work experience
• Outstanding interpersonal communications and ability to develop positive public relations with a diverse population
• Exceptional verbal & written English skills
• Strong writing, proofreading, editing, layout and design skills
• Demonstrated experience with planning and coordinating events
• Demonstrated experience managing workflows and compiling analytics/reports
• Proficiency in social media management (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok)

Responsibilities

• Manage Branch communications and event initiatives
• Develop annual communications and events plan
• Ensure consistency in voice, brand, and key messages across all channels
• Manage email and social media platforms, including content creation and analytics
• Create and distribute digital newsletter
• Develop key messages and content for communications, reports, speaking notes, press releases, etc.
• Oversee creation of digital and print Branch documents, such as annual reports, posters, rack cards, workbooks, guides, etc., including writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design
• Manage logistical planning and coordination of various events and campaigns
• Assist with logistical planning and coordination of Lifesaving Sport & Competition events
• Event volunteer tracking and recognition
• Support Branch advocacy efforts
• Supervise seasonal communications assistant
• Collaborate with departments to maximize success
• Participate in Branch or National committees and working groups
• Provide reports and statistics on a regular basis
• Represent Lifesaving Society professionally

Skills

Communications

Public relations

Event management

Interpersonal skills

English writing

Education

Post-secondary education in communications/public relations

Tools

MailChimp

Canva

Eventbrite

WordPress

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Position Title: Manager, Communications and Public Affairs

Location:Branch Office (Burnaby)/Hybrid

Terms: Permanent; full-time

Start Date: November 2026

Salary Range:$60,000 - $75,000 per annum + benefits

Work Schedule: 35 hours/week (typically Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30)

As a salaried employee, there is a requirement for additional evening/weekend work for events; time off in lieu is allowed for these hours.

Nature & Scope

The Lifesaving Society, BC & Yukon Branch is seeking an experienced Manager, Communications and Public Affairs to manage our communications initiatives and organize high-profile events that engage our communities to amplify our mission. We seek a dynamic, creative communicator with an eye for detail to share our story with key audiences in communities across BC & Yukon, including current and prospective Affiliate members, award holders, donors, government leaders, public health agencies, partners, and the general public. This position works as part of the Communications & Public Affairs team and receives project direction from the Senior Advisor, Communications & Public Affairs on assigned communications and public affairs initiatives.

About Us

The Lifesaving Society is a charitable organization committed to the prevention of drowning and aquatic-related injury through water safety education. In addition to providing swim lessons, lifesaving courses, lifeguarding courses, and first aid/CPR training throughout BC and Yukon, the Society is a leader in offering expertise and guidance to ensure safe operation of any water-related setting through safety management services. We offer a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive professional culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Branch communications and event initiatives
• Develop annual communications and events plan
• Ensure consistency in our voice, brand, and key messages across all communication channels
• Manage email and social media platforms, including content creation and analytics
• Create and distribute digital newsletter
• Develop key messages and content for communications, reports, speaking notes, press releases, etc.
• Oversee creation of digital and print Branch documents, such as annual reports, posters, rack cards, workbooks, guides, etc., including writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design
• Manage logistical planning and coordination of various events and campaigns, such as Commonwealth Honour and Rescue Ceremony, National Drowning Prevention Week, AGM, fundraising events, etc.
• Assist with logistical planning and coordination of Lifesaving Sport & Competition events
• Event volunteer tracking and recognition
• Support Branch advocacy efforts
• Supervise seasonal communications assistant
• Collaborate and communicate with various departments to maximize success
• Participate in Branch or National committees, advisory groups, or other working groups as required
• Provide reports and statistics on a regular basis
• Represent Lifesaving Society in a positive and professional manner

Requirements

• 3-5 years experience in communications, public relations, and event management
• Post-secondary education in related field or equivalent work experience
• Outstanding interpersonal communications and ability to develop positive public relations with a diverse population
• Exceptional verbal & written English skills
• Strong writing, proofreading, editing, layout and design skills
• Demonstrated experience with planning and coordinating events
• Demonstrated experience managing workflows and compiling analytics/reports
• Proficiency in social media management (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, MailChimp, Canva, and Eventbrite
• WordPress website content management skills
• Graphic design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite are assets
• Must be able to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends as needed
• Ability to travel to different event locations throughout BC and Yukon is required
• Knowledge of Lifesaving Society programs and/or aquatics industry an asset
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Reference Check/Vulnerable Sector Search issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date