Senior Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management

at  TransLink

MARKETING STATEMENT

A career at TransLink and our family of companies means working with people with a wide range of skills and perspectives, all teaming up towards a common goal: preserving and enhancing the region’s world-envied quality of life. Together, we connect the region and enhance its livability by providing a sustainable transit and transportation network, embraced by our communities and people.
At TransLink we are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace, recognizing the unique value and skills every individual brings.
Looking for a great place to work where your contributions are valued and you can make a difference in a vibrant city? At TransLink, one of BC’s Top Employers, you’ll help make Metro Vancouver a better place to live, built on transportation excellence. Put your future in motion!

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Provides input to corporate strategic planning and leads media strategies and plans for TransLink, to ensure alignment to TransLink’s over-arching communication strategy for the enterprise.
Acts as TransLink’s primary contact and chief spokesperson for media and maintains the brand image of the company by disseminating information to members of the press or other media representatives. Assists departments and other stakeholders with developing internal/ external media communications and handles all media relations issues while ensuring social media campaigns’ messaging is aligned.
Develops strategies and plans for TransLink’s issues management program, media relations and social content, collaborating with Director to ensure alignment to TransLink’s communications strategy.
Oversees and supports reputational and operational crisis/issues management by working with the Senior Media Relations Advisor and other Communications staff to create and execute on coordinated and consistent messaging aligned to company objectives and issues management strategies and plans.
Develops short and long-term goals and business plans and strategies to minimize risk and build TransLink’s corporate reputation. Works with the executive team on the development of media relations and issues management and promotes consistent and strong relationships with the media partners.
Directs media relations and issues management projects and programs of high risk, impact and sensitivity ensuring positive reputation and brand elevation. Researches, recommends and produces high level reports upon which TransLink’s decisions may be based. Collaborates with other stakeholders and business partners in providing issues management services (news releases, public service announcements etc.) ensuring positive reputation and brand elevation.
Proactively works with executives and department leaders across the enterprise to identify public relations issues as they emerge. Provides training and support to key TransLink spokespersons and Subject Matter Experts in advance of external events and media interviews.
Provides guidance, advice and mentoring to the staff including selection, training, coaching, development, performance management and all other people management practices.
Oversees the social media team and content creation for online platforms and as required for corporate needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The requirements for this job are acquired through a university degree in communications, public relations or a related discipline, and eight (8) years of progressive communication management experience, including solid experience in media relations & issues management.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Advanced knowledge of the concepts, principles, practices and techniques pertaining to communications and issues management with prior experience of dealing with news media.
Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated written and oral communications skills
Solid interpersonal and relationship skills with the ability to recognize and manage key internal and external relationships with stakeholders, customers, employees, the media, and the general public.
Advanced planning and organizational skills to develop and lead communications strategies, plans, and programs. Highly collaborative, to ensure alignment across internal and external audiences
Advanced presentation skills with the ability to build reputation, motivate, and influence communications outcomes for key internal and external audiences
Solid problem solving, mediation and decision-making skills to carry out a key role in media relations & issues management, and to act decisively and independently in high pressure, time sensitive situations
Advanced knowledge of social media platforms and video content creation, skilled in influencer marketing.
Solid analytical skills and leadership skills.
Demonstrates flexibility in providing media services on an on-call/after work hour basis, as well as demonstrating sound judgement when dealing with issues that may impact public confidence in the TransLink.
Provides 24/7 guidance, advice and oversight on media monitoring and percolating issues that may impact the organizations brand value and reputation.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Provides senior level of counsel and advice for media relations, social media and issues management services ensuring alignment to TransLink’s corporate objectives. Develops short and long-term goals and business plans and strategies to minimize risk and build TransLink’s corporate reputation.