Job Title:
Senior Manager, Communications

Reporting Structure:
Reports to Vice President, Communications & Societal Engagement

Job Scope:

Reporting to the Vice-President Communications & Societal Engagement, the Senior Manager, Communications brings vision, creativity, and a spirit for collaboration to Genome BC’s communications and public relations activities. This role leads the co-creation and execution of Genome BC’s communications strategy in support of the organization’s rolling three-year strategic plan. With a goal of enhancing credibility and thought leadership the team is driven to deliver impacts demonstrating the responsible uptake and value of genomic tools. In addition to overseeing their own public relations portfolio, the Senior Manager, Communications will supervise a team of communications staff and contractors who together are responsible for optimizing the credibility and visibility of the impactful work driven by Genome BC.

You are an enthusiastic, organized, highly collaborative and creative leader with passion for “science and innovation” communications. You possess confidence and experience in working with senior executives and aspire to lead a high energy and committed team. You have a demonstrable experience in public and media relations and are passionate about the dynamic communications and engagement space. You are an expert in distilling science into language that excites and engages our key stakeholders and the public. With a keen eye for detail, you also possess creativity and embrace innovative ideas. You can manage up and down and will empower your team to work together in support of the organization. You are committed to quality and can translate the vision and mission of the organization to deliver on its goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement annual communications plans and strategies that align with and support the organization’s strategic plan and corporate priorities
• Develop, implement, and evaluate corporate communication initiatives and projects in digital and social media, media relations, internal and external communications, product development, and advertising for the purpose of supporting specific communication objectives
• Direct and oversee the work of the Communications team; manage and provide coaching to optimize performance; foster ongoing learning and development within the team
• Support the production of publications and editorial services including the organization’s annual report, podcast, and website
• As a primary point of contact, manage media relations that includes ensuring Genome BC stories receive fair representation and coverage; coordinating news conferences and press releases; and undertaking media monitoring and analyses as needed
• Establish and maintain dynamic relationships and solid networks with communications counterparts in the Genome Centres, government, and other key stakeholder groups for the purpose of coordination, creation of synergies, and maximizing communication efforts
• Develop, track and report on metrics as they relate to the impact of Genome BC’s communications efforts
• Prepare briefing notes and/or presentations for the Vice President, Communications & Societal Engagement for purposes of providing input, advice and reporting on strategies, initiatives and approaches related to the assigned communications activities and initiatives
• Plan effective use of the material, financial and human resources available to accomplish the assigned communication initiatives
• Provide and prepare input to the budgeting, accounting, planning, reporting and evaluation initiatives and processes of assigned projects and initiatives
• Undertake other duties, as assigned by the Vice President, Communications & Societal Engagement

Core Competencies:

• Possess strong oral and written communication skills (including strong presentation skills)
• Possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across a broad spectrum of stakeholders
• Possess a growth mindset and a passion for mentorship
• Ability to build effective teams and manage with fairness and empathy; listens well
• Ability to work in high-pressure work environments, with competing priorities, and under tight deadlines
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently with minimal supervision
• Ability to provide critical analysis and recommendations of proposed communications opportunities from a variety of perspectives.

Qualifications:

• University degree or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience in communications, journalism, marketing, or other relevant field of study
• Minimum of 7-10 years relevant work experience in developing and implementing communications plans and strategies
• Demonstrated successful staff management
• Well-versed in all forms of organizational communications, including creative design and printing, social media, branding, marketing, public relations
• Significant familiarity and facility with digital media including video, social media, and web communications
• Experience in managing small and large scale projects (delivery of results on time and on budget) including work planning and coordination

How to apply:

Applicants must include a current CV and cover letter indicating anticipated start date and the names and contact information for at least three references. Please send the application in MS Word or PDF via email to fbf28496@freshgigs.ca

Application deadline: October 17, 2021, or until position is filled

We thank you for your interest in Genome BC. Only those candidates short listed for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls please.

About Us:

Genome British Columbia leads genomics innovation on Canada’s West Coast and facilitates the integration of genomics into society. A recognized catalyst for government and industry, Genome BC invests in research, entrepreneurship, and commercialization in life sciences to address challenges in key sectors such as health, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, agrifood, energy, mining and environment. Genome BC partners with many national and international public and private funding organizations to drive BC’s bioeconomy.

In addition to research, entrepreneurship and commercialization programs, Genome BC is committed to fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among teachers, students and the general public. www.genomebc.ca

At Genome BC, we believe we are made stronger by our unique combination of culture, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or family status, physical or mental disability unrelated to job requirements, genetic information, or age. We are committed to advancing a culture that values diversity and inclusivity, including recruiting and developing a well-qualified and diverse workforce that embraces and encourages different perspectives.

Our Values:

• Integrity is at the core of our decisions and actions
• Empathy is integral to our relationships
• Commitments are honoured with passion and purpose
• Boldness and agility motivate our pursuits
• Curiosity and wonder inspire us