Manager, Executive Communications

About the role

Canadian Blood Services is looking for a regular full-time Manager, Executive Communications to join our dynamic Communications team in our Donor Engagement and Corporate Reputation (DECR) division.

The Communications team empowers and motivates individuals to join Canada’s Lifeline by creating engaging content, building brand affinity, and preserving confidence in Canadian Blood Services.

In this role, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Management team (EMT), Board Chair, Board of Directors, Marketing and Strategy teams, to produce compelling executive-level content for both internal and external audiences. You will serve as a trusted communications adviser, analyzing situations/challenges, identifying gaps/opportunities, providing recommended courses of action, and developing and executing effective communications in support of business priorities.

You will also manage and contribute to high priority files or projects supporting the CEO, other executive team members and board chair, and ensure planning, management and execution of communications products in support of corporate goals, programs and projects, for all audiences. Additionally, you will be responsible for the planning, management, development and implementation of public-facing corporate publications including the annual report, strategic plan and sustainability report.

Formula for success

• Develop strong relationships with the CEO and communications subject matter experts across the organizations to identify and develop executive content, including speeches, aligned to Canadian Blood Services strategy and priorities.
• Elevate executive’s internal and external messaging to help them connect in a meaningful, and memorable way. While written word will be a primary vehicle for messaging, this role will use visual and audio storytelling capabilities to help bring messaging alive through a range of channels.
• Develop targeted executive communications plan for both internal and external audiences and metrics for success.
• Maintain the executive communications editorial calendar.
• Establish major message themes/topics; research and write speeches for public appearances; write and/or edit remarks from other writers, when necessary; develop a voice consistent with the aspirations and priorities of the organization; proofread and fact-checks to ensure that information is accurate; and provide final set of eyes on all written communication for the CEO.
• Act as an internal and external champion for strong corporate reputation; identify, flag, and prioritize issues that have companywide reputational implications (positive and negative).
• Identify and build network and relationships with key internal stakeholders on strategic issues and in collaboration with business partners, create integrated strategic plan to effectively build, manage, and maintain the CEO’s and the organization’s reputation among both internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define company’s position on different issues and proactively pre-empt and mitigate risks to the company’s reputation. Help others integrate reputation management into communication channels and messaging platforms.
• In collaboration with the other departments and offices that drive portions of CEO’s communications, develop, maintain, and share as appropriate a master trigger calendar outlining major communications deadlines and timelines for completion.
• Participate in other department planning meetings and contribute ideas to strengthen the internal and external communications; and work with other areas to develop high-impact content to inform and engage the varied audiences.
• Collaborate with the communications team to present unified messages on all media and social media channels, both internal and external. Assist in developing features, stories, and appearances in national, regional, and local media outlets, both print and web based.
• Executive and board member change communications including updating website with new biographies and video introductions coordinating photoshoots, updating presentations for board orientations, ensuring the governance section of the website and Connect are up to date.
• Oversee the management and production of written and creative content in support of corporate publications including the annual report, and the annual report to financial donors, strategic plan, corporate plan and sustainability report and other corporate assignments.
• With a dotted line to the manager, crisis communications, the executive business writer and the manager, executive communications office are closely affiliated with this work and maintaining reputation, advising when CEO or EMT spokesmanship is required and which voice is most appropriate for any given scenario.
• Ensure communications during a crisis flow strategically to the board when and where necessary and that the CEO or any executive voices are consistent, on-brand and supportive of the goals. 

Desired education and skills

• Post-secondary level education in a relevant discipline from a recognized academic institution is essential, preferably in Public Relations, Journalism or Communications.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in professional writing, and/or corporate communications.
• Experience collaborating directly with senior-level administrators or executives.
• Extensive experience researching, speech-writing, and editing of communications content in a higher education institution, public relations agency or closely related field.
• Proven research and writing skills under pressure and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Exceptional written, verbal and social communication skills.
• Knowledgeable about the principles, methods and techniques of social and traditional media, video, speech writing, content workflow, publication management process and brand and graphic design standards.
• Knowledge about web writing best practices and user-centered approach.
• Knowledge about media monitoring and distribution services.
• Knowledge about push/pull communications methods and Web 2.0 and 3.0.
• Self-starter with a natural curiosity to investigate details and drive deliverables to completion.
• Healthcare and/or biopharma experience is an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

What we offer you

• 4 weeks' vacation
• Annual performance award up to 10%
• Comprehensive group health, dental and vision benefits for you and your family
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources

What you can expect

• This role will work in a hybrid environment with requirements to be onsite at Canadian Blood Services location 40% of the time/2 days of the week.
• You will work Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day.
• You may be expected to travel quarterly for this role, and as required.