General Manager of Marketing and Communications

**COMPANY DESCRIPTION**

The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) represents Alberta’s 69 counties and municipal districts as an independent association. Since 1909, the association has helped rural municipalities achieve strong, effective, local government. The RMA provides advocacy, insurance, and business services, including cooperative procurement through the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada.

The RMA is seeking a General Manager of Marketing and Communications.

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

Under the general direction of the CEO of RMA Group of Companies, the General Manager of Marketing and Communications provides functional leadership to the Marketing and Communications department and supports the Board of Directors on media relations.

The General Manager of Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing and implementing proactive and creative marketing and communications strategies for RMA while working collaboratively with department leads. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of the Marketing and Communications operations plans and department budget.

As part of the management team, this position will lead the creation and implementation of creative strategies and campaigns that span media relations, graphic design and digital media. This includes providing proactive marketing and communications advice from both a business and media relations perspective and approaching opportunities creatively to reflect the RMA and Canoe brands.

This position directly supervises four staff and is tasked with creating a collaborative and efficient culture. This position will work collaboratively with several internal General Managers and their teams.

The General Manager of Marketing and Communications will have access to highly confidential member and association information, and it is expected and required information be held in the strictest confidence.

**This is a full-time, permanent position.** The position will be working directly from the RMA offices in Nisku, AB, with some travel required.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Developing and implementing the Marketing and Communications operations plans and department budget.
- Manage and administer Marketing and Communications projects and staff.
- Assist in setting and implementing the organizations strategic goals.
- Lead the development of creative and new marketing materials in alignment with branding guidelines.
- Provide creative advice and devise new marketing communications strategies and campaigns that feature members and vendors, attract new members, and grow the Business Services customer base.
- Provide advice on marketing and growth strategies for Canoe and RMA Insurance.
- Maximize awareness of the RMA and Canoe Procurement Group of Canada brands within Alberta and nationally.
- Supervise the implementation of Canoe marketing programs and campaigns.
- Ensure that RMA has an effective overall marketing communications strategy to address both long-term business objectives and emerging opportunities.
- Serve as the primary media liaison between the RMA spokesperson and media outlets.
- Keep abreast of and make recommendations regarding new and emerging marketing and communication trends from business and media relations perspectives.
- Recruit, hire, train, motivate, and evaluate personnel.
- Develop a corporate culture that support staff development, positive mental health, and entrepreneurial spirit.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Minimum 5 years of multi-sector marketing/communications experience.
- Managerial experience and/or training.
- Strong leadership, customer-orientation, communication, strategic, business-sense, analytical, financial, and personal management, results-orientated and politically astute.
- Post-secondary degree in business, public relations, communications, marketing, or similar field.
- Professional credential such as an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), Accredited Business Communicators (ABC) or Communications Management Professional (CMP) is an asset.
- Applicants with an MBA will be considered an asset

**Leadership**

A leader, motivator, and team player. Reassures and encourages others. Has presence, energy, and genuine passion. Able to influence others to a desired outcome and demonstrates how a course of action is effectively related to customer interests.

**Customer-Oriented**

Understands the value of the customer to the business. Encourages and supports subordinates to add value to the customer. Searches for alternative solutions to help satisfy customer needs. Relates to colleagues, members and customers in a positive, friendly manner.

**Communication**

An active listener. Possesses well-developed presentation skills and has the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas. Possesses well-developed written communication skills. Strives for effective communication with team members.

**Strategic Business Sense**

Sees the big picture. Actively researches current competitive develop