The Canadian Housing & Renewal Association (CHRA) is a national networking agent for change. It is uniquely positioned in Canada to understand and communicate what is needed to develop and implement a coherent national approach to housing that links the diverse strengths of local providers and housing advocates with the strategic interests of all orders of government.
The CHRA has an immediate requirement to fill the position of Manager of Strategic Marketing and Communications. This is a unique opportunity to take charge of this newly re-defined position and make it your own while providing the strategic and tactical marketing and communications efforts of the CHRA while promoting its values to the community, our partners and our members.
You stand out for your meticulous eye for detail and passion for process and organization, both highly valued qualities in our busy office. The successful incumbent will be highly motivated, dynamic and will have a penchant for creative writing. As a key member of the management team, you will help guide the voice of the CHRA, developing and delivering messages that permeate all aspects of the organization and serve to position the CHRA strategically amongst the full housing continuum.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Strategic Marketing and Communications is responsible for leveraging the full talents and abilities of the CHRA team, Board and volunteers, and will translate strategic vision, business goals, opportunities, threats and trends into an effective communications plan with key messages through all activities, events and products with the goal of appropriately positioning the CHRA within the current and emerging landscape.
As a confident leader, comfortable with multi-levelled stakeholder groups and audiences, you will build and foster relationships across organizations and excel in a dynamic and evolving work environment.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
- based on thorough assessment of the current and emerging environment; develop strategic messages that position the CHRA in line with high level goals, reach appropriate audiences in all forms of communications and respond to real-time events over the course of a year
- plan, create, oversee and implement all tactical activities relating that effectively deliver key messages in support of the strategic mandate of the organization, the varied activities, programs and events of the CHRA and serve to position the organization strategically in an evolving public environment
- coordinate and manage all resources needed to deliver the communications plan, in keeping with budget parameters and shifting organizational priorities
- Develop and infuse the CHRA´s brand through all messaging and media, ensuring consistent look and feel in the promotion of CHRA´s corporate image
- seek, coordinate and implement promotional opportunities, including special events, speaking opportunities, marketing collaterals, web-based products and activities, etc.
- work with and support internal staff, board, volunteers and stakeholder groups in preparing and delivering supporting materials that effectively market and promote the CHRA and all related activities
- Create effective monitoring capabilities so that the results of marketing and communications tools and initiatives can be accurately measured
- Assess and articulate the costs and benefits associated with marketing and communications activities and make appropriate recommendations to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors
- Ensure both internal and external resources are used efficiently to maximize impact and results in managing the marketing and communications activities of the CHRA
- Plan, execute and measure a media relations program for national, regional and local media
- Implement a dynamic, interactive communication environment with distinct components for members and for external publics
- Undertake advocacy support activities, such as grassroots and social media campaigns, scripts, op eds and editorial meetings, etc.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess the following mix of education, experience and skills:
- A university degree in communications or journalism is preferred, coupled with 5 or more years of related management level experience. Candidates who possess an appropriate combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Ideally experience as part of a senior management team and ability to contribute to overall administration of the CHRA,
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing comprehensive marketing and communications programs, products and activities with a strong focus on results and metrics.
- Exceptional writing, editing and presentation skills with very strong attention to detail and specific experience with developing communications products in both print and electronic media.
- Proven ability and experience in writing for NGOs, government and the policy community, preferably in the social housing and community development sectors.
- Experience working with boards, committees and volunteers at the national level.
- Very strong knowledge and experience with the newest communications technologies and tools to engage audiences in the most effective manner.
- Demonstrated ability to think critically and constructively to position an organization, product or idea within the context of a higher-level goal.
- Can clearly and confidently articulate ideas and plans to convey intent and the value of key messages.
- Experience with engaging and managing a network of suppliers and contractors to execute on plans.
- Has demonstrated ability to establish and leverage effective working relationships across multiple and diverse organizations and levels within organizations.
- Has an anticipatory mindset that can perceive and capitalize on opportunities to the benefit of the organization and position it for success.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing environments and multiple deadlines, and to work well under pressure with discretion, tact and good judgement.
- High level of initiative and strong sense of ownership to achieve results for the overall organization.
- High level of proficiency in both English and French, including superior English writing skills.
This position has an annual salary of $60,000, a contribution to a retirement plan and an exceptional benefit plan.
Please send a covering letter and résumé by March 11, 2010 to:
Canadian Housing & Renewal Association
Sébastien Provost, Manager of Corporate Services
130 Slater Street, Suite 310
Ottawa, ON K1P 6E2
Fax: 613-594-9596
E-mail: Human Resources
We thank all applicants for their interest in CHRA. However, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.