VP of Strategic Communications

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada’s largest single-industry associations, representing more than 160,000 REALTORS® across the country. CREA advocates on behalf of its members at the federal level, sets professional standards, and delivers tools, programs, and services that support REALTORS® and the Canadian real estate ecosystem. With Canada’s No. 1 real estate platform, REALTOR.ca, now operating as a separate wholly owned subsidiary, its role is clearer than ever: CREA exists, first and foremost, to advocate for REALTORS®, and for federal policies that make homeownership more attainable in Canada. Through trusted brands, national advocacy, and industry leadership, CREA plays a critical role in protecting the interests of REALTORS® and strengthening public confidence in real estate. CREA is guided by its social purpose: opening doors to thriving futures for all, beginning with home. Highlights: CREA’s membership includes more than 160,000 real estate brokers and salespeople working through 61 real estate boards and associations across Canada. Advocate for federal policies that make housing more affordable, homeownership more achievable, and recognize REALTORS® as key community builders. Empower REALTORS® to thrive amid changing markets and emerging industry trends. Build trust in REALTORS® by showcasing their value, sharing their unique stories, and raising the bar for professional standards nationally. Not all real estate salespeople are REALTORS®. To be a REALTOR®, the agent must be a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and adhere to its strict standards and REALTOR® Code of Ethics. CREA opens doors to thriving futures for all, beginning with home. About the Role: The Vice President of Strategic Communications & Brand will integrate marketing, communications, brand, and creative services into a single, high-impact function that drives alignment, efficiency, and measurable results across the organization. This is a rare opportunity to lead a major functional transformation within a national association, shaping how Canada’s real estate industry is represented to members, government, media, and the public. Strategic Leadership: Lead CREA’s strategic communications and brand strategy, aligning brand vision and mission with organizational transformation and future business needs. Elevate CREA's marketing and communications through enhanced collaboration, integration, and a high-performing, client-service business-partner approach. Brand Stewardship and Marketing Execution: Own the brand and marketing strategy for CREA and the REALTOR® trademark. Lead national campaigns, digital engagement, and promotional initiatives to support advocacy priorities, member programs, and REALTOR® value. Communications and Public Affairs: Drive internal and external communications, including media relations, executive messaging, crisis communications, and advocacy support. Ensuring alignment between member-facing communications and policy messaging. Member and Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthen engagement with REALTORS®, boards, associations, government partners, and media. Lead communications and marketing for national events, programs, and initiatives to increase member participation and influence. Operational Excellence: Streamline processes, improve speed and responsiveness, and implement scalable systems. Define roles, responsibilities, and ways of working that support agility, collaboration, and accountability. Team Leadership and Culture: Recruit, retain, and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team across marketing, communications, digital, creative, PR, and production. Measurement and Performance: Establish KPIs and performance metrics for brand health, engagement, advocacy reach, and campaign effectiveness. Provide reporting and insights to the CEO and leadership team, and oversee budgets and resource allocation to ensure efficiency and impact. About You: University degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field (master’s degree or MBA preferred). 10+ years of senior leadership experience in marketing, communications, brand, or public affairs. Proven experience leading complex organizational change and integrating previously siloed teams. Track record of leading national campaigns, brand strategy, media relations, and stakeholder communications. Experience in membership-based, nonprofit, regulated, or advocacy-driven environments strongly preferred. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; strong PR and media relations expertise. Strategic, decisive leader with a collaborative and empathetic change-management approach. Ability to simplify complexity, accelerate decision-making, and drive execution. Strong understanding of digital communications, data-driven marketing, and modern engagement tools. Comfortable operating at the executive level with boards, senior leaders, and external stakeholders. Bilingualism (English/French) is a strong asset. The Extras that Matter: This position is based in Ottawa, Ontario, and is part of CREA’s executive leadership team. You will work closely with the senior leadership team, the Board of Directors, and external partners to ensure CREA’s advocacy, brand, and marketing efforts are fully aligned and mutually reinforcing. Lead one of the most significant functional transformations within CREA. Shape how Canada’s real estate industry is represented to members, government, media, and the public. Build a modern, integrated communications and brand function with national impact. Join a values-driven organization at a pivotal moment of change and opportunity. CREA is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in its association and industry. We’re committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, we’ll work with you to ensure equitable access at every stage. #J-18808-Ljbffr