Senior Director of Communications

About the Company

At UFCW 1518, we believe that we are stronger together. Everyone deserves safe and respectful working conditions and a healthy community. By continuing to win fights for fairness, organize workers in diverse industries, and support causes that benefit communities, we work together to improve the quality of life for all British Columbians.

We are a democratic, member-driven union that is built on a foundation of integrity and respect. We are committed to working hard for our members, fighting for higher wages, better benefits, job security, and fair treatment. We also use our voice to speak up on issues that impact our communities, such as implementing a living wage and standing against discrimination.

About the Role

The Senior Director, Communications & Events at UFCW 1518 serves as a key advisor and operational leader, responsible for shaping how UFCW 1518 and its work are understood and perceived across relevant audiences, in collaboration and alignment with internal union leadership.

You will be accountable for ensuring the communications team can deliver on that direction in practice, and responsible for the overall quality, alignment, delivery, and consistency of the union's communications. This role bridges strategic vision with hands-on implementation, and will be ideal for a collaborative leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and is looking to step up in their career. You will provide guidance to union leadership while also overseeing day-to-day operations. In a small-team environment, this includes staying closely connected to execution and stepping in as needed.

Keeping our members informed and engaged is an integral part of our core member services. The Communications Department functions as a shared service across the organization, and the Senior Director is responsible for ensuring that the department can function predictably, sustainably and cross-functionally when needed.

In addition, the Senior Director plays a lead role in planning and coordinating mass engagement initiatives, particularly in areas such as digital member engagement and digital organizing. Finally, the Senior Director also oversees and supports the successful execution of member events, by managing an Events Representative and ensuring events are aligned with the union's engagement goals and approach.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Advisory & Operational Oversight

• Provide strategic communications advice to managing directors & union leadership.
• Under the leadership of the Managing Director of Engagement & Growth, participate in the development of annual plans for the division. Bridge the gap between strategy and execution.
• Track progress towards annual departmental goals. Monitor communications and event budget.

2. Department Management & Collaboration

• Oversee how communications support is requested, prioritized, and delivered across competing organizational needs. Provide a hands-on approach when needed.
• Build standard operating processes, workflows and maintain best communications & project management practices.
• Oversee and manage team performance, onboarding, and succession planning.
• Facilitate team's collaboration with Representation and Organizing departments on strategic priorities requiring communications/mass engagement support.

3. Mass Engagement & Quality Control

• Oversee and manage UFCW 1518's content strategy (in particular: member email communications, organic & paid social media, as well as editorial content). Proactively engage with other departments to gather content.
• Oversee the planning & execution of member engagement events in accordance with a set calendar and budget.
• Lead digital engagement campaigns that bring member voices into union communications.
• Hold accountability for the overall quality, alignment, consistency, and effectiveness of the union's communications.
• Manage media and stakeholder relationships related to engagement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-10 years of progressive communication experience, preferably within a labour or advocacy organization.
• A proven track record of running successful communications campaigns. to mobilize audiences. Ability to manage effective communication plans through a range of media (particularly mass email communications, social media & narrative content).
• Event planning and coordination experience with successful outcomes. Experience leading projects.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is required, an advanced degree is preferred.
• Pro-active leader, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans. Comfortable operating at a high level while remaining hands-on when circumstances require.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a solutions-oriented mindset. Comfortable working cross-functionally and in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management and digital skills, with experience using project management software, CMS builders and content scheduling tools (at UFCW 1518 we use: Asana, WordPress, Mailchimp and Later.)
• Strong writing skills. Extensive writing and editing experience across print and online communications and campaigns with a portfolio. Adept and engaged on social media platforms.
• Progressive values, with a commitment to social, racial, gender and economic justice. Political acumen & sensitivity.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License, ability to commute to New Westminster.

The role requires discretion, political judgement, and a broad understanding of the labour movement in British Columbia.

Languages other than English is a desirable skill.

Pay range and compensation package

UFCW 1518 values our team's meaningful contributions and unmatched expertise that are integral to achieving our ambitious goals. As a member of our team, you can expect:

• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience
• Salary range $120,000-130,000 annually
• Extended health, dental, group life, LTD and ADD plans that values the well-being of you and your family
• Eligibility for our Pension Plan to ensure financial security down the road
• Generous paid time-off, starting with 20 vacation days, accrued personal time off, and statutory holidays to prioritize work-life balance

If this sounds like what you're looking for in your next opportunity, we want to hear from you Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to today.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UFCW 1518 is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. BIPOC, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ people are encouraged to apply.