EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies around the world. In Canada, the Public Relations (PR) team — within Brand, Marketing and Communications (BMC) — is responsible for enhancing EY’s brand and reputation in the market. The PR team works closely with all BMC functions, as well as the firm’s senior leaders to promote the main functions of the organization, with a focus on industry sectors and service lines, as well as larger corporate programs.

The PR Specialist will proactively support, promote and enhance EY’s external identity by developing and executing strategic media plans consistent with the national marketing goals of the firm. This position will have a particular focus on Western Canada and the region’s energy and mining and metals industries.

The incumbent must be an excellent writer, editor and confident relationship builder. S/he must be a self-starter who can communicate creatively and effectively about EY with business reporters, editors, news directors, television and radio producers, magazines, trade publications and Internet outlets in a targeted and timely manner, using best practices. The candidate will need to translate business-development strategy into results-oriented, measurable media-relations tactics aligned with EY’s over-arching marketing and business goals. S/he must also be confident working independently as part of a cross-country team, where many projects and leaders are based in different physical offices.

Specialist, Public Relations – Vancouver or Calgary

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies around the world. In Canada, the Public Relations (PR) team — within Brand, Marketing and Communications (BMC) — is responsible for enhancing EY’s brand and reputation in the market. The PR team works closely with all BMC functions, as well as the firm’s senior leaders to promote the main functions of the organization, with a focus on industry sectors and service lines, as well as larger corporate programs.

The PR Specialist will proactively support, promote and enhance EY’s external identity by developing and executing strategic media plans consistent with the national marketing goals of the firm. This position will have a particular focus on Western Canada and the region’s energy and mining and metals industries.

The incumbent must be an excellent writer, editor and confident relationship builder. S/he must be a self-starter who can communicate creatively and effectively about EY with business reporters, editors, news directors, television and radio producers, magazines, trade publications and Internet outlets in a targeted and timely manner, using best practices. The candidate will need to translate business-development strategy into results-oriented, measurable media-relations tactics aligned with EY’s over-arching marketing and business goals. S/he must also be confident working independently as part of a cross-country team, where many projects and leaders are based in different physical offices.

Responsibilities:

• Provides interview prep/media training and strategic advice to leaders and spokespeople, clearly connecting PR goals to business goals, as well as the broader objectives of the national BMC team.
• Leads the development of industry-focused PR content to promote specific industry and firm priorities, with a focus on generating media coverage in key national, regional and trade publications.
• Drafts for review and edits press releases, key messages, briefing documents, talking points, statements, FAQs, by-lined articles, blogs and more — including creating Canadian versions of global materials.
• Proactively works with internal clients to draft robust media and social media plans and materials for key industries, service lines, events, sponsorships and other initiatives.
• Develops and leverages relationships with media contacts at national, local and trade publications and strategic alliances, as well as key social media influencers in order to effectively execute the national PR strategy, and build EY’s brand in the market.
• Assesses the value of interview requests from the media, sources appropriate spokespeople and coordinates interviews.
• Assists in management of EY Canada’s social media platforms, including developing content and monitoring conversations.
• Prepares media tracking reports and analyses.
• Develops and manages database of media contacts; builds targeted media lists for various initiatives.
• Develops and leads formal media and social media training for identified internal spokespeople.
• Provides strategic advice and writing/editing support in corporate-development situations (i.e., mergers, direct-admit partners, etc.) including internal communications.
• As required, assists the PR Leader in communications planning to manage crisis response and issues-based inquiries.

Education:

• Post secondary education in communications, public/media relations, journalism or related field (post-grad certificate in PR preferred)

Experience:

• Minimum five years’ experience in a related field
• Excellent news judgement
• Outstanding written, oral, and presentation skills
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to plan and manage events and briefings
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment
• Ability to work well with all levels of the organization, particularly leadership
• Strong creative, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Strong relationship building skills
• Knowledge of and experience in the professional services, energy and/or resources industries is an asset