Communications & Brand Manager

The Communications and Brand Manager is responsible for the development and execution of a marketing and communications strategy for FortWhyte Alive. Working closely with the Communications and Social Media Coordinator and Management Team, this position oversees all functions of the department, including brand management, digital marketing, advertising and public relations (including acting as a primary PR contact), while working collaboratively to establish goals, priorities and work plans to support marketing and promotional needs across the organization.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Develop, implement, and evaluate communications strategy to complement and fulfill the organizational goals as outlined by the FortWhyte Alive Strategic Plan
- Develop and direct efforts to increase the value and performance of a FortWhyte Alive’s brand identity. Ensuring the creation of consistent, powerful brand messages and visual experiences
- Collaborate with department managers to establish goals and priorities, create annual planning documents to develop content for various communications channels and work plans to support communications needs, and update as needed
- Support the ongoing communications needs of the President/CEO and Management Team
- Provide copywriting and editing for major fundraiser and event communications, membership communications, educational pieces
- Provide counsel to staff on marketing, communications and public relations, including the development and refinement of marketing goals, product content, and pricing strategies
- Act as lead for primary components of organizational brand, including developing key messaging, design, and production of all FortWhyte publications
- Develop and/or direct all graphic design work to ensure it aligns with FortWhyte Alive’s Visual Identity Guidelines
- Supervise and direct the workflow of department and program marketing, advertising, or public relations efforts by assigning job tasks, facilitating interdepartmental communications and managing external communications
- Develop and execute annual content strategy for FWAs website that integrates with and supports the Organization’s short and long term goals
- Create governance structure for website content and collaborate with other departments to ensure timely and accurate content updates
- Act as lead contact for sales representatives and consider/explore new advertising and partnership opportunities
- Act as primary media contact, developing partnerships with key media and film agencies to secure and grow earned media in alignment with organizational goals
- As required act as the organization’s representative with the media, and/or coordinate appearances with appropriate staff and prepare speaking notes and key messages when needed
- Develop Public Relations strategy and support the Management Team during issues and crises, both internally and externally
- Collaborate with the Vice-President and Accountant to develop and monitor annual operating budget and attend quarterly financial update meetings
- Other duties as assigned

**Essential Qualifications**:

- Degree or diploma in marketing, communications, public relations, graphic design or a related field, or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of Managerial experience
- Excellent communication skills with an aptitude for creative storytelling and a detailed eye for editing
- Experience in Adobe Creative Suite
- Strong applied knowledge of typography, colour, texture, photographic image and shape
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing successful social media strategies across a variety of platforms, including advertising
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven ability to work cooperatively with other team members to accomplish shared goals
- Ability to work independently
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines
- Experience in website content management using WordPress
- Experience in advertising and promotion through social media
- Photography, drawing/illustration, HTML/CSS and/or digital video editing experience are considered assets

FortWhyte Alive is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors, stakeholders, and the community. FortWhyte Alive requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, in a manner that is approved by Health Canada, as a condition of employment. Accommodations will be made for those who are exempt from receiving the vaccine due to legitimate, established reasons in accordance with The Human Rights Code of Manitoba. In these cases, appropriate supporting documentation will be required.

FortWhyte Alive is devoted to developing a work environment and recruitment processes that are inclusive and barrier-free. Please let us know if an accommodation is needed at any stage of the recruitment process.

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