Marketing Communications Manager

Position

: Marketing & Communications Manager 

Employer

: The ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) 

Location:

In-office, ByWard Market District (Ottawa, ON) 

Salary

: $70,000-$85,000 

Job Type:

Full Time + Benefits  

Direct reports:

Communications Coordinator(s) 

Languages:

Bilingualism is required (French/English)  

The Marketing & Communications Manager is responsible for leading BMDA's marketing and communications strategy across the district, supporting organizational priorities in tourism development, public engagement, and signature programming. 

This role oversees a creative and results-driven communications team and is responsible for elevating the ByWard Market brand, increasing visitation, supporting local business success, and advancing a cohesive narrative for the district, especially through the planning and delivery of the ByWard Market 200th Anniversary This role serves as BMDA's primary day-to-day lead with the organization's Agency of Record, stewarding external marketing, advertising, and creative initiatives while ensuring alignment with BMDA's strategic priorities, brand standards, timelines, and public-sector context. 

The successful candidate is both strategic and hands-on: able to build long-term campaigns and brand frameworks, while also executing strong day-to-day communications, content creation direction, stakeholder messaging, and rapid-response communications when needed. 

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

1) District Marketing & Brand Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of BMDA's annual marketing and communications plan, aligned with organizational priorities and key seasons.
• Strengthen and maintain the ByWard Market brand and voice across all platforms and stakeholder communications.
• Build destination marketing campaigns that attract residents, regional visitors, and tourists while supporting district businesses.
• Ensure marketing initiatives reflect BMDA values including equity, accessibility, safety, inclusion, and placemaking.
• Act as BMDA's internal lead for the organization's Agency of Record, providing clear direction, briefs, feedback, and approvals across campaigns, creative assets, paid media, and brand initiatives.

2) 200th Anniversary Strategy and Signature Programming Support

• Serve as marketing and communications lead for BMDA's 200th anniversary initiatives including: brand identity and storytelling framework, promotional campaign development and roll-out, communications planning for legacy projects, cultural programming, and special events, partner-facing communications and sponsorship materials
• Collaborate with internal departments (tourism, events, operations, public realm, property) to ensure integrated storytelling and coordinated public-facing messaging.

3) Team Leadership & Creative Direction

• Directly manage the Communications Coordinator(s) and Content Creators (internal and/or contracted).
• Provide creative direction and editorial oversight across: photography/videography priorities, content calendar planning, website updates and user experience, campaigns, brand assets, and print materials
• Build a high-performing team culture focused on accountability, creative excellence, service orientation, and continuous improvement.

4) Content Strategy, Digital Communications & Social Media

• Own BMDA's content strategy to ensure the district is promoted effectively to both local and global audiences.
• Oversee BMDA's digital channels including website, social platforms, newsletters, and other outbound communications.
• Ensure consistent scheduling and publishing of content, with clear goals for engagement, reach, and conversion.
• Lead community management approach, tone, responsiveness, issue escalation, and public engagement.

5) Media Relations, Stakeholder Communications & Public Messaging

• Act as a key communications lead for external messaging including media inquiries, announcements, and reputation management.
• Draft and oversee all public-facing written materials including: press releases and media advisories, key messages and briefing notes, stakeholder updates, partner and sponsor materials
• Support internal leadership with communications planning related to district operations, construction impacts, public safety initiatives, and public realm projects.
• Maintain strong working relationships with partners such as City of Ottawa teams, Ottawa Tourism, NCC, BIAs, community associations, and cultural organizations.
• Plan and support PR-driven events and moments including press calls, media walk-throughs, photo ops, and announcement events tied to district initiatives and major programming.
• Work with leadership and agency partners to identify proactive media opportunities that elevate the ByWard Market locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Prepare spokespeople with key messages, briefing notes, and event-specific communications support.

6) Campaign Planning, Measurement & Reporting 

• Establish measurable objectives for marketing efforts (visitation, engagement, business amplification, event conversion, newsletter growth, etc.).
• Track results through analytics and reporting and use data to refine campaigns and improve performance.
• Manage marketing budgets effectively; coordinate vendors, contractors, and procurement as required.

Summary of Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years progressive experience in marketing/communications, including campaign planning and digital strategy.
• Minimum 2 years' experience managing staff and/or leading creative teams.
• Demonstrated experience in destination marketing, tourism, placemaking, or major event marketing is a strong asset.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to deliver high volumes of work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with an external agency or creative partners to deliver integrated marketing or communications campaigns is an asset.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with excellent judgment, editorial instincts, and strong organizational discipline.
• Strong writing and storytelling ability, confident developing messaging for diverse audiences.
• Proactive and calm under pressure; capable of managing time-sensitive communications.
• Comfortable collaborating across teams, representing the organization externally, and working with public partners.
• Strong understanding of social media best practices, content performance, and creative execution.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is required.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of Canada's most iconic neighbourhoods at a pivotal moment, leading into the Market's 200th anniversary. BMDA offers meaningful work rooted in community, culture, and destination-building, with the ability to create tangible impact across Ottawa's downtown core. 

If you possess a combination of the above skills, knowledge, attitudes, and experience, please submit a resume and cover letter and any supplemental documents (portfolio, website etc) to 

 no later than February 17,

The BMDA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All candidates are encouraged to apply and please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss the position with us.