Manager, Communications & Media Relations

About the Calgary Stampede!

The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures, and community spirit. Exemplifying the theme, We're Greatest Together, the Stampede is one of the most respected volunteer-based organizations in the world governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with thousands of passionate volunteers and year-round employees.

The Calgary Stampede is a world-class, year-round gathering place that welcomes guests from Calgary, southern Alberta, and around the world. Building on a proud history, we are committed to strengthening our role as a purpose-driven, trusted organization reflective of diverse communities. The Stampede is dedicated to creating a safe, fair, and equitable environment, delivering inclusive and welcoming programs, and ongoing engagement with our communities as we align and celebrate different perspectives and our western heritage and culture.

Position Summary

The Manager, Communications and Media Relations is a member of the Corporate Communications team, reporting to the Vice President, Communications and Volunteer Services. The position is responsible for leading the centre of expertise for Calgary Stampede's external communications that enable the Stampede to achieve its strategic objectives and vision.

The position will partner with both internal and external stakeholders to develop relationships, creating and implementing external communications that foster the delivery of consistent, on-brand messaging through various media channels. As designated, the role will serve as spokesperson with respect to publicity, media relations, and issues management, in both reactive and proactive circumstances.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute the Calgary Stampede's communication plans and programs that span across the organization including positioning and key messages. This includes the development and implementation of animal welfare communication strategies.
• Develop and implement strategic, integrated and earned media initiatives and activities that are aligned across the organization, ensuring engagement strategies positively influence public perception of the Stampede.
• Build awareness and support for outreach priorities.
• Provide counsel and support for the Executive Management Team and the President & Chair of the Board with respect to publicity, media-related matters and issues management, working with subject matter experts to develop key messaging for the organization.
• As designated, act as the primary spokesperson for matters related to issues management, both proactive and reactive.
• Recognize and monitor the risks related to public issues striving to ensure effective and appropriate focus on issues management and crisis preparedness.
• Provide media training to the organization's leadership.
• Monitor and measure the Stampede's external communications to ensureeffectiveness and continuous improvement, designing appropriate strategies, tools and processes aligned with Stampede's strategic direction.
• Manage budget(s), including tracking, analyzing opportunities to reduce costs and increase profitability, produce reports.
• Provide coaching, leadership and guidance to the communications team, fostering a collaborative working environment and ensuring team members are focused on achieving both strategic goals and short-term operational results.
• Ensure the appropriate communications expertise for publicity, media and issues management is cultivated and available to the Stampede at all times through both internal and external resources.
• Serve as staff liaison, participating in committee executive meetings and playing an active role in cooperatively leading decisions, planning, and budgeting.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related field.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in a similar role, including 5 years' experience working directly in issues management.
• Remain up to date on industry trends and media best practices.
• Experience writing and speaking for broad and targeted audiences.
• Exceptionally strong writer who can translate technical information into clear captivating stories.
• Tactical understanding of primary social media platforms.
• Proactive with the ability to multi-task and handle tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to manage and execute last-minute media conferences.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Solid industry reputation with both media and stakeholders.
• Ability to anticipate and manage change recommending solutions using clear processes and methodologies.
• Experience working both independently and in a team-orientated, collaborative environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Executive presence and professional demeanour required.
• The successful candidate must be available to work some irregular hours to support volunteer meetings and events.

Benefits

The Calgary Stampede offers a unique and exciting work environment, an excellent total compensation package and the opportunity for advancement and employee training.

To Apply

To apply, please submit your resume.

All applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.