POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice-President, Communications & Strategic Engagement, the Communications Specialist plays a key role in advancing the organization’s communications plans. This position is responsible for creating clear, engaging, and audience-appropriate messaging that meets both corporate and consumer needs. The role includes writing, editing and producing communication materials, coordinating media and stakeholder activities, and managing photo and video projects.

Position Overview

• Supports the implementation of the organization’s annual communications plan and develops plans and tactics to support specific corporate projects and initiatives.
• Manages quarterly media reporting, assessing the impact of proactive and reactive earned media activities.
• Serves as a spokesperson and a media contact for Travel Manitoba, coordinating timely and accurate responses to media inquiries.
• Leads the planning and delivery of media events and assists with the planning and delivery of other strategic stakeholder events as required.
• Plans, researches, writes, edits, proofs, and fact checks a wide range of marketing and communications materials.
• Conveys Travel Manitoba’s story effectively across multiple platforms.
• Contributes to proactive issues management.
• Manages the development and production of the organization’s consumer travel publication, including copywriting and editing, and develops direct mail marketing materials to support other marketing objectives.
• Produces high-quality writing and copyediting, ensuring communication and marketing materials are clear, accurate, and aligned with brand standards.
• Partners with the Senior Graphic Designer and Asset & Design Coordinators to manage and deliver design requests.
• Manages project timelines and assigned budgets to ensure all assigned projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Contributes to the organization’s digital asset management strategy, overseeing photography and video assets, licensing agreements, and identifying asset gaps, while planning and coordinating projects to address those gaps.
• Prepares presentations and speaking notes for Executive Management, as required.
• Leads, supports, and contributes to organizational initiatives as required.
• Provides backup support to the other Communications Specialist.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of post-secondary education in communications, public relations or journalism. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of five years’ progressive experience in communications, public relations, media relations or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, accurate, and engaging written and verbal communications, tailored for diverse audiences and platforms.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Experience developing communication materials, including media advisories, news releases, and pitches.
• Experience planning and coordinating media events or stakeholder engagement activities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all communications.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with creative disciplines such as video production, event support, or audio/visual communications is an asset.
• Familiarity with design and content tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
• Knowledge of the tourism industry, including current issues and opportunities.
• Bilingualism (English/French) or proficiency in additional languages.
• A valid Manitoba driver’s license and abity to travel occasionally, if required.