Supervisor of Communications and Marketing - Grand River Conservation Authority

Overview of the Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education, the Supervisor of Communications and Marketing is responsible for developing, recommending and implementing corporate communications and marketing plans for GRCA program areas. This role will work with the departments across the organization to continually seek opportunities to help achieve business outcomes while advancing and protecting the GRCA brand and reputation. Areas of focus include leading flood response communications, issues management, interest holder engagement, media relations and high-profile communications strategy. The Supervisor serves a critical role in communicating with the public and the media, as well as municipalities during flood emergencies. Participation in the development of organizational communication strategies involves access to highly confidential information. As a corporate spokesperson with the media, the Supervisor of Communications and Marketing represents management at the GRCA. The Supervisor provides direct supervision to a professional team responsible for strategic communications and marketing.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide direct supervision and coaching for Communications and Marketing staff.

  • Provide high-quality strategic communication and marketing services to departments within the GRCA, gain in-depth understanding of their needs and align them with GRCA priorities.

  • Lead the GRCA’s day-to-day media relations, including building and maintaining professional working relationships with local media, supporting and preparing spokespeople, monitoring and reporting coverage, flagging issues or concerns.

  • Lead in the development, monitoring and management of the GRCA’s online communications and marketing channels. Provide guidance and oversight for team members on website management and social media management activities, including appropriate responses to inquiries and comments.

  • Provide support to the Manager of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education in issues management and/or crisis communications activities as needed.

  • Work with the Flood Operations and Water Infrastructure departments to develop communications plans and support activities related to the flood warning and response program.

  • Develop and distribute reports based on communications data and outcomes analysis to inform and enhance communications and marketing plans, goals and outcomes. Assist with the development of surveys and other research tools.

  • Work with the Manager of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education and other staff to plan and implement engagement activities, such as public meetings, open houses, displays and special events.

  • Review, edit, write and/or approve communications and marketing content, in consultation with the Manager of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education.

  • Other duties as assigned by the Manager of Strategic Communications and Environmental

Education

  • Degree or diploma in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or other related discipline – equivalencies that consist of an acceptable combination of education and experience may be considered.

  • IABC, CPRS or equivalent accreditation or certification would be considered an asset.

Experience

  • Minimum six (6) years of more complex communications experience. Experience supervising staff in a unionized environment is considered an asset. Prior experience in a public sector organization is preferred.

  • Strong and effective interpersonal communications skills to coach and supervise staff.

  • Ability to liaise and negotiate with many different clients and groups.

  • Demonstrated effective public speaking abilities and oral presentation skills.

  • Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of new media and communication tools, including websites, blogs and social media platforms, and the use of related analytical components that inform and contribute to overall communications planning and strategy.

  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the watershed.

  • Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

Competencies:

  • Professional Judgement

  • Integrity/Ethics

  • Goal/Action Oriented

  • Teamwork

  • Customer Focus

To Apply: Please send a resume, cover letter and resume to careers@grandriver.ca in MS Word or PDF format and quote “Supervisor of Communication & Marketing” in the subject line.

Deadline for Applications: 4:00pm February 21, 2025

Approximate Start Date: March 2025

Compensation and Benefits

  • Annual salary pay range $76,514 to $93,091

  • Comprehensive benefits package with mental health services and preventative care

  • Tuition reimbursement, and computer purchase loans.

  • Gold-standard Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension fund with 100% employer matching contributions.

  • Free year-round access to GRCA and Conservation Ontario conservation areas (parks).

IABC Waterloo