Director of Communications & Government Relations

Employee Type:PermanentBecome a changemaker with Islamic Relief Canada! Join our team and work towards our mission to mobilize Canadians to transform more lives around the world in the most trusted manner.About the Department:The Communications and Government Relations team is at the forefront of shaping and sharing the impact of our humanitarian work and advocacy. We foster strong connections with government officials and policymakers to advocate for meaningful change. With an innovative approach to media relations and public engagement, we work to amplify community stories that highlight our humanitarian efforts around the world.Job Purpose:The Director of Comms & GR serves as an essential member of Islamic Relief Canada's senior leadership team (SLT). The successful candidate will be an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting IRC. In partnership with the SLT, this position is responsible for managing Islamic Relief’s external communications. This role leads the strategic delivery of the organization’s communications and government relations portfolios. This involves overseeing all Media Relations, Public Relations, Advocacy, Government Relations, Brand Management, Institutional Funding, Crisis Communications, Issues & Risk Management and Policy & ResearchEssential Duties & Responsibilities:Media and Government RelationsBuild relationships with national and local media institutions in order to achieve media coverage for IRC’s initiativesWork with teams across the IR family to build and develop content for media and governmentBuild relationships with key government officials in order to increase the profile of IRCRespond to all relevant media enquiriesManage media campaignsWork with teams across IRC to coordinate media coverageDevelop and strengthen the messages, profile and recognition of IRC and information on its activities through proactive communications and engagementWork with communication, marketing and programs teams to develop content and materials for PR related activitiesAct as spokesperson for IRC and answer written and oral inquiriesCoordinate special publicity events and promotions for external audiencesResponsible for coordinating writing and publishing op-ed articles and blogsInstitutional Funding/Research/AdvocacyLead on coordinating IRC’s high level engagements, external relations and advocacy workSecuring funding from corporate institutions, governments, UN agencies and community-based organizationsBuild relationships with media institutions (journalists, producers, editors) in order to build the profile of Islamic Relief and achieve media coverage through media interviews, blogs, articles and press coverage.Collaborate with other leading NGOs on projects and programs.StrategyLead on the development and utilization of a consistent, coherent, meaningful and positive IRC image and set of core policy and advocacy messagesSpeak at and learn from conferences and other public forumsEngage and form partnerships with other NGOs and CBOsRepresent IRC and engage meaningfully with institutional donor agencies, umbrella organizations, networks and other key stakeholdersPromote IRC’s mission and values and to act as an IR role model at all times.Provide strategic organizational leadership, inspiration and guidance.Develop IRC’s media and government relations strategyDevelop and deploy IRC crisis communications strategy to combat any negative narratives of IRC presented to the publicStaff ManagementIdentify, develop, and mentor the development teamLine management of department staff, including:Setting objectives and work plansManaging workload and performance through regular one-to-one line management discussionsPlan and implement personal development program for team members in all relevant skillsUndertake annual performance reviewsForecast hiring needs for the departmentQualifications & CompetenciesMinimum four years’ experience in journalism, PR and/or government relations. Experience in a newsroom or senior government office an assetExperience in preparing press releases, engaging with media and preparing for and conducting media interviewsExperience in conducting policy related meetings at all levelsSuperior judgement and risk evaluation skillsExperience of developing and establishing strategies and work plans which help to deliver the wider organisational objectivesProven ability to give direction to Canadian and international staff at senior levels through delegation and authority of tasksStrong financial and resource managementDemonstrated skills in networking which lead to positive relationships with external bodiesResearch and writing experienceSubstantial marketing or media, policy and public communications experience work at a senior levelHybrid Work Policy:IRC has a hybrid model where in-office requirements are based on distance from our Burlington headquarters or a regional office (Surrey, Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa). Depending on where you live, this can range from two days a week to one day a month.Commitment to AccessibilityIslamic Relief Canada is committed to providing inclusive employment opportunities. Accommodation requests are invited at all stages of IRC recruitment, hiring, and employment processes. We make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations in a timely manner. If you have any accommodation requests or questions regarding the hiring process, contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.Starting Salary:$108,000.00Please note: The posted starting salary is intended to provide potential candidates with a general understanding of the compensation associated with the position. The actual salary offered will start at this figure, with adjustments possible based on individual qualifications and other relevant factors. #J-18808-Ljbffr