Communications Lead

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Canada.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement Swimming Canada’s yearly communications strategy.

• Narrate the stories of athletes and the high-performance program.

• Enhance the organization’s reputation and boost external engagement.

• Provide strategic communications advice to executive leadership.

• Lead communication planning for initiatives, programs, announcements, events, and organizational changes.

• Establish communication goals, KPIs, and measurement frameworks.

• Set objectives for the team, performance expectations, and professional development plans.

• Lead, coach, and mentor the Communications team.

• Manage communications budgets, work plans, and resource allocation.

• Supervise the Manager, Communications and Manager, Translation.

• Oversee external communications professionals and contractors.

• Create communication processes, standards, workflows, editorial calendars, and content approval protocols.

• Ensure adherence to accessibility standards, language requirements, policies, and best practices.

• Oversee translation services.

• Draft executive communications, speeches, presentations, messages, and briefing materials.

• Lead planning and response for crisis communications.

• Act as the primary media contact and spokesperson as needed.

• Develop media strategies, key messages, releases, advisories, briefing materials, and speaking points.

• Coordinate interviews, media events, and press conferences.

• Monitor media coverage and identify visibility and thought-leadership opportunities.

• Provide media training to athletes, coaches, staff, board members, and other groups.

• Serve as the national team media attaché at major championships and Games.

• Oversee writers, photographers, videographers, and other content creators.

• Act as the lead writer and editor-in-chief for Swimming Canada content.

• Manage website content best practices in collaboration with the Marketing team.

• Lead external communication plans, including the Annual Report.

• Oversee content across digital, print, social media, video, and multimedia channels.

• Collaborate with Marketing on campaigns and consistent messaging.

• Guide storytelling initiatives that highlight organizational impact and success stories.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in corporate and crisis communications, content management, and media operations.

• A post-secondary education in communications, public relations, or a related discipline is preferred.

• Strong organizational and planning abilities.

• Experience in managing employees and contractors, including conflict resolution, performance feedback, and coaching/mentoring.

• Capability to lead, collaborate with, motivate, and influence diverse groups.

• Ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations.

• Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation abilities.

• Excellent verbal and writing proficiency in English is required.

• Fluency in French is a significant asset.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications.

• Strong proficiency with media, communications, and content management platforms and technologies.

• Currently legally authorized to work in Canada.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally on a regular basis.

• A valid driver’s license with eligibility to drive a rental vehicle both domestically and internationally is an asset.

• Experience within the national sport sector is a strong asset.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits package.

• Group RRSP matching plan.

• Annual wellness benefits.

• Home office benefits.

• Annual salary increases.

• Accommodations available during the hiring process.