April 14, 2017 – Be part of building a national brand. Headquartered in Toronto, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to high-performance sports excellence. We are the largest private supporter of high performance sport in Canada and we are responsible for all aspects of Canada’s involvement in the Olympic Movement, including the participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games.

Application Deadline: Apr. 26, 2017
Position: Director, Communications and Media Relations

The Director, Communications and Media Relations is responsible for developing internal and external communication strategies, policies, programs and procedures that are aligned strategically with the COC’s goals and objectives while ensuring that all formal communications are consistent with and represent the organization’s brand and values. The incumbent oversees and provides direction for all communications activities, both internally and externally, in English and French, and is essentially responsible for the “voice” of the COC. As such, this individual will act as the Press Chief for the Olympic Games and will be responsible for all proactive athlete and sport communications and issues management.

This position plays a key role in directing the external image of the COC to multi-stakeholder groups: athletes, national sport federations, Sport Canada and other governments and government agencies, broadcasters and other media. The incumbent will interact with the highest levels of the organization and high profile members of the sport, business and government communities. The nature of the position requires management of numerous scheduled and, at times, unscheduled demands and deadlines.

Key to success is leading a department of 6 employees that work closely with internal and external customers and stakeholders to provide high quality, concise and timely communications. This requires a high level of expertise in strategic planning to effectively plan and manage all departmental activities, including: media relations, external communications for the CEO and Secretary General, the President and the Board of Directors across the sport system and internationally, all communications during the Olympic and Pan Am Games, internal employee communications and translation services for the organization.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIORITIES

– Develop and oversee implementation of innovative internal and external communication strategies, policies, programs and procedures that are aligned with the COC’s strategies, goals and annual objectives.
– Oversee the development, execution and maintenance of all written communications internally and externally, in English and French, that are on brand and reflect our COC values.
– Is the ultimate ‘go to’ person on corporate communications: lead the communications’ response during crisis situations; act as the chief spokesperson for the organization, when required; act as editor in chief for written materials.
– Provide strategic communication advice to internal clients, including the President, CEO and senior leadership team.
– Working with the COC’s Athlete Marketing team and NSFs, develop standard appearance protocols for athletes, instrumental in developing story telling about Canadian athletes and use appropriate media channels to promote athlete success.
– Collaborate with the COC Digital team to optimize all communications, particularly externally.
– Lead and develop a high-performing communications team with clear roles and responsibilities; coach and mentor the team to optimize their performance and personal and professional development.
– Create a team culture that reinforces high levels of client service, efficiency, participation, commitment, excellence and team spirit.
– Develop and manage the communications budget.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

The Director, Communications and Media Relations will bring a blend of professional experience and personal qualities to the role, including:

– University degree in Marketing, Communications or Business required; a master’s degree would be considered an asset
– 7-10 years of specific communications leadership experience, ideally within a media, entertainment, sport-related environment
– A communications innovator who has previously developed and implemented multi-lingual communications strategies for national organizations that breakthrough and demonstrate a strong knowledge of both traditional and non-traditional media
– Extremely strong and credible communicator borne out of a firm grasp and understanding of the business needs, client needs and cultural and financial realities of a not-for-profit and services environment
– Thorough understanding of the current and future media landscape
– Outstanding written and editing ability – must be able to draft and edit key messages, press releases, briefing notes, etc.
– Understands the Canadian regional and cultural differences and how to address these differences through communications
– Proactive and decisive approach to driving new and enhanced internal and external communications programs and procedures
– Strong client service-centric focus within a driven environment
– Highly developed project management and organizational skills
– Creative and strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
– Strong business acumen
– Demonstrates a collaborative leadership approach; counts consensus-building as a strength
– Enjoys people and possesses superb communication and interpersonal skills; is open and approachable, tactful and politically sensitive while willing to take a stand when necessary
– Highly energetic, internally motivated, self-disciplined and driven – a person with presence
– Ideally, fully bilingual in both official languages (English and French – written and verbal)
– Sense of humour
– Demonstrates and embodies the COC values of Accountability, Excellence, Fun, Respect and Bravery

COMPENSATION
Competitive salary based on experience, excellent benefits package.

CONTACT
Please send all cover letters and resumes by April 26, 2017 to applications@olympic.ca, citing the position title in the subject line. No telephone calls please. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Type of Position: Full Time
Employment Type: Employee
Salary Range:

Contact Details
Contact Name: Dayna Maaten
Location: TORONTO
Address:
21 St. Clair Ave E. Suite 900
TORONTO, ON M4T 1L9
Canada
Contact Phone:
Contact Fax:
Web Address: here.