Manager, Corporate Communications

At VIA HFR, we are re-imagining passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada Our goal is to create a new sustainable train network that that will run faster, more often and will be more reliable between Toronto and Québec City. The HFR project is Canada's largest infrastructure project in generations.

Are you ready to take on a stimulating and impactful challenge? Look no further: VIA HFR is looking for a Manager, Corporate Communications.

**The role**

Reporting to the Vice-President, Communications and Branding, the **Manager, Corporate Communications** is responsible for defining and deploying the organization internal and external communications strategy. In collaboration with other departments, the person develops action plans to ensure that the rapid train project between Quebec City and Toronto is understood and visible to a wide range of audiences.

The Manager is responsible for developing an integrated communications plan. This person defines key messages according to project phases and target audiences, coordinates communication activities between teams, and validates proposed tactics and activities.

On a day-to-day basis, the Manager and his/her team put in place the conditions needed to increase public support for the project, preserve the organization's reputation and mobilize employees.

**The responsibilities**
- Define and implement internal and external communications strategy.
- Collaborate with other units and the private partner to develop an integrated communications plan and effective action plans.
- Define key messages according to project phases and target audiences.
- Validate tactics and activities proposed by the private partner.
- Manage a team responsible for advising and developing communication strategies for the organization's various units.
- Contribute to the planning and design of content for the organization's various communication channels.
- Preserve the organization's reputation.
- Create and implement communications tools to improve impact and results.
- Mobilize employees around communications initiatives.
- Prepare briefings and progress reports for senior management.
- Work closely with members of other teams within the company to support their communications needs (e.g. environment, real estate, engineering, human resources).
- Contribute to the development of his/her team and actively manages it.

**The requirements**
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or other relevant discipline.
- Minimum 8 years experience in corporate communications, more specifically in crisis communications, management of reputational issues, executive support, internal communications management and content management.
- Experience in team management.
- Knowledge of the mass transit and rail sectors and their specific issues.
- Ability to remain calm in the face of intense situations and adversity.
- Ability to popularize complex concepts and communicate clearly.
- Bilingualism (French and English), spoken and written.
- Experience working on a linear infrastructure development project or major commercial or industrial development project (a strong asset).
- Understanding of the specific realities of Indigenous communities in Canada (a strong asset).
- Knowledge of issues related to regulatory processes, Indigenous relations and social acceptability (an asset).
- Proficiency in technological and office automation tools (particularly Microsoft Suite).

**Why join our innovative team?**
- Group insurance that is fully paid for you and your family, including medical, dental, life, disability, etc.
- A pension plan and saving options (RRSP and TFSA)
- Flexible benefits: access to wellness and health accounts to support your lifestyle
- Vacation based on experience, available as soon as you're hired
- Incentive bonus program
- Work in flexible hybrid mode
- A work environment that encourages initiative, innovation and forward-thinking solutions
- A unique opportunity to craft the future of transportation in Canada

**We strive to create strong and diverse teams**

At VIA HFR, we believe in the strength of diverse teams. We aspire to offer an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone can develop and flourish. We therefore invite all qualified individuals, regardless of their identity or differences, to apply. You can learn more about the whole project on our VIA HFR webpage.

Please let us know if you require any accommodation during the recruitment process. We will do our utmost to provide you with a fair and pleasant experience, while keeping any accommodation confidential.