Title: Director of Canada Communications

Department: Communications

Reporting to: Head of Communications

Compensation: 127K - 161K CAD

Location: Remote - Canada (Candidates based in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, or willing to relocate)

About the Opportunity:

The Director of Canada Communications will have primary responsibility for external communications in Canada. You will serve as a thought partner to the Canada Leadership Team and provide bespoke, informed, creative counsel, including to the Managing Director, by understanding WES' goals, organizational context, and by being totally dialed in to the external landscape and WES' desired positioning within it. This role is equal parts strategist and roll-up-your-sleeves operator, well-suited for someone who can design and implement with equal enthusiasm to advance WES' priorities and grow its influence. In addition, you will serve as a member of the WES Communications Leadership Team, where you will collaborate to ensure alignment of communications across WES as well as manage one direct report.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and implement clear and compelling communications strategies in support of influence and public affairs goals in Canada.
• In partnership with the Managing Director's Office, develop and drive the influence strategy for WES in Canada, in collaboration with other departments such as Philanthropy and Community and Career Pathways.
• Lead the framing and development of key messaging and narratives that engage external partners and communities in Canada.
• Lead thought leadership planning and implementation for MDO, coordinating closely with the AD of Executive Communications on talking points and remarks for public events.
• Coordinate with the Managing Director's Office in ensuring communications complementarities with external agencies.
• Collaborate with the specialist teams within the communications department to ensure timely and effective delivery of content, campaigns, events, insights and analytics in support of plans and priorities.
• Track and report on success against metrics to support continuous improvement of communications strategies and programs.
• Guide the Communications team to build understanding of the context within Canada, particularly around the external landscape, as well as nurturing and developing talent across the Communications function.
• Manage media relations within the region, build relationships in support of the organization's external influence goals and strengthen the profile and positioning of WES.
• In partnership with the Head of Communications and the Issues Management Team, implement issues management plans in Canada, as needed.
• Stay up to date on industry trends, emerging technologies and best practices in Communications.

Your Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of experience in senior communications roles within Canada.
• Proven ability as a trusted advisor to business leaders and other influencers at all organizational levels, based on subject matter expertise and collaborative leadership style.
• Superlative writing and listening skills, with the ability to tailor written and verbal communications to a wide range of audiences.
• Experience developing and executing communications strategies in a global organization.
• Proven ability to craft strategic communications, public affairs, and policy-related messaging for diverse audiences across government, public sector, and private sector environments.
• Proven track record and deep experience of broad thinking and using innovative approaches to achieve influence goals.
• Understands and has strong experience of implementing strategies, processes and frameworks that leverage the connective and influential power of communications across organizations, systems, and networks.
• Experience in managing external vendors and agencies.
• Experience managing a team of communications professionals.
• Deep interest in WES' work and understanding of the external landscape in which WES works.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with proven knowledge of managing and delivering influence strategies in organizations operating across community organizations, governmental or higher education institutions.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in interactions with internal and external partners, and to effectively and appropriately challenge to drive the most effective outcomes while being flexible and adaptable, seeking alternative solutions and pathways.
• Strong leadership, team and relationship building, influencing and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work both strategically and hands-on to deliver results, acting with a sense of urgency.
• Strategic and forward-thinking with strong business acumen and the ability to identify and proactively address enablers and derailers of major change and transformation initiatives.

Desired:

• Public affairs agency experience at a senior level.
• MA or higher degree in a social science or subject that is related to WES' work, or equivalent level experience.
• Functionally bilingual in French and English.

What We Offer:

Joining our team at WES means embarking on a purpose-driven career with a global impact, where you contribute daily to making a tangible difference in the lives of people worldwide. You'll thrive in an employee-centric environment, with access to learning opportunities, pathways for personal and professional development, and recognition of your achievements. Our inclusive, mission-driven culture values employees and focuses on investing in our people through our culture, people framework, and programming while offering the flexibility of remote work options.

• Work-Life Harmony: We believe that success is all about maintaining balance. Enjoy the freedom of remote work and flexible scheduling, paired with generous time-off policies designed to assist you in maintaining a healthy equilibrium between your personal and professional commitments. Our comprehensive wellness programs and work environment are focused on fostering your well-being.
• Rewards and Recognition: Your dedication and achievements are the cornerstone of our success. We recognize the importance of valuing your hard work, which is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and tangible rewards to celebrate your contributions.
• Professional Growth and Development: We are committed to nurturing growth within our team, recognizing that growth is essential to providing opportunities for career advancement and ongoing professional development. To prioritize your learning and success, we invest in comprehensive training programs and offer tuition reimbursement opportunities. We promote a culture of continuous learning that empowers you to thrive and evolve in your career.
• Innovation and Impact: Engage in work that directly transforms lives and empowers individuals and communities by expanding access to global educational and professional pathways. Join us in fostering a culture that values innovation, embraces new approaches, and leverages transformation to implement and drive impactful change.
• Community and Connection: Our team is made up of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds who have varying perspectives and ideas. Our diverse workforce reflects the global community we serve, and we take pride in it. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Experience the power of connection by participating in a range of activities, including employee-led resource groups, town halls, collaborative team events, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that promote equity, celebrate diversity, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging within our organization.

Values:

• Opportunity - We open doors so people can build better futures.
• Inclusion - We become stronger, more creative, and more resilient when we embrace diversity.
• Equity - We uphold fairness and justice in our work and actions.
• Enterprising - We are resourceful, inventive, and driven.

Inclusive Recruitment Process:

We welcome all applicants, irrespective of their experience perfectly fitting the job description, as we value diverse and innovative viewpoints. At our organization, individuals who thrive in a culture of continuous learning and inclusive teamwork excel. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.

This position is an existing vacancy and is currently open for hire.