Director, Communications & Public Relations – Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba

Description:

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) is currently seeking a Director, Communications & Public Relations to join the leadership team. The ideal candidate will be a senior-level professional with multiple years of progressive management experience in Communications & Public Relations interested in leading a team of experienced communications professionals;  has a broad range of expertise in communication programs, public relations, media relations, brand integrity, and social marketing; and wants to use superior communication skills to serve as the public face of an organization and to be a brand ambassador.

Under the leadership of the Vice President, Human Resources & Strategy, the Director, Communications & Public Relations provides strategic and operational level leadership to the WCB’s Communications department. The Director leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive communications programs and public relations strategies aimed at supporting strategic initiatives including the promotion of WCB’s brands and reputation. This position acts as the organization’s chief spokesperson, leads media relations, public and government relations as well as social marketing and public awareness programs.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for internal and external communications, public and media relations, speech writing for the executive management team, serves as the public face of the organization in interviews, acts as the point person leading press releases/conferences and other forums as required.
• Manages media relations and public relations, acting as the official WCB spokesperson for media inquiries and press releases.
• Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of public relations strategies and communications programs aimed at supporting the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Develops and implements stakeholder engagement strategies to build partnerships that support strategic initiatives and the brand integrity of the organization. Protects and promotes WCB’s reputation and supports WCB brands by seeking opportunities for positive attention and anticipating issues and managing them as they arise.
• Ensures customer-centred communication is a focus for all internal and external stakeholders and customers.
• Provides broad oversight to WCB’s social marketing and public awareness programs, and other marketing programs to ensure messaging is consistent and accurately reflects the organization’s values and objectives.
• Provides management, leadership, direction, guidance, and support to the Communications department. This includes responsibility for hiring, performance management, providing coaching & mentoring, administering progressive discipline as required, and supporting professional development and training plans.
• Manages and provides oversight on content and design for the organization’s intranet and external websites.
• Manages the organization’s corporate communications crisis plan and provides counsel in crisis management situations to the executive and the security team.
• Liaises with other Communications professionals and professional associations, government, and other key stakeholder groups to further the objectives and goals of the WCB.
• Maintains active membership in relevant professional organizations. Pursues professional and personal development through continuing education and training, workshops, seminars, and other opportunities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• University degree with a major in communications.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive management experience in communications
• Broad depth of experience and expertise in areas encompassing: public relations, media relations, and social marketing.
• Experience in a government or public sector environment would be an asset.
• Advanced proficiency in the use of a personal computer and software (Word/PowerPoint/Excel) in a Windows environment.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills including the ability to develop and deliver communications to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to utilize tact, discretion, integrity, and professionalism in dealing with sensitive issues and confidential information.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, initiative, and independent decision-making skills.
• Ability to develop and manage operating budgets.
• Ability to lead, manage, mentor, and motivate staff.
• Ability to manage, promote and lead organizational change.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba is a mutual workplace injury and disability statutory corporation funded by employer premiums. It is here to insure and support safe and healthy work and workplaces. It puts workers and employers at the centre of all we do. It provides them with valued services for insurance, prevention, compensation, and return to work while maintaining the integrity of the system.

The WCB recognizes that individuals may face barriers that hinder their full and equal participation in the workplace and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all employees and candidates who are or may be disabled by one or more barriers in the workplace. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

The ability to communicate proficiently in both official languages (English & French) is an asset.

A satisfactory criminal record check and verification of education will be required for the successful candidate.

You may be asked to demonstrate your ability through competency-based interviewing and/or testing.

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba continues to be listed as a Top Manitoba Employer and places a strategic focus on attracting talented professionals to join our organization. It is committed to investing in the future growth and development of people.

If you are interested in working at a senior level to build positive relationships and ensure WCB’s strategic priorities include a customer-centered communications focus please apply for this exciting opportunity.

To apply and view a full description of the role, please apply here and submit your application by February 13, 2022.