Director, External Relations (Permanent, Full-Time)

ABOUT THE POSITIONWe are currently looking for one (1) Director, External Relations for a permanent, full-time role.
The Director, External Relations provides strategic leadership to enhance awareness, visibility, and understanding of SkilledTradesBC’s mandate, programs, and initiatives. This role maintains deep knowledge of the organization’s business strategies, operating environment, and lines of business to effectively position SkilledTradesBC with internal and external stakeholders. The Director builds and strengthens relationships with community leaders, industry partners, employers, and all levels of government to elevate SkilledTradesBC’s profile and to advance key priorities. Serving as a spokesperson for public affairs and community engagement, the Director identifies and cultivates partnerships that reinforce the organizational mandate. The role also leads the development of strategic opportunities to engage employers and industry stakeholders, promoting the value and benefits of sponsoring apprentices.
RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIESMarketing and Communications Operations:
The Director leads the development of an annual strategic communications and resource plan, including budgeting, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the communications department. Responsibilities include designing and executing media relations plans for current and targeted audiences;
managing relationships with external public relation agencies and industry partners;
and providing oversightof all digital communications activities, social media platforms, and both internal and external corporate websites.
The Director also ensures the effective implementation of crisis communications protocols and oversees the development of a broad range of marketing and communications initiatives—including events, newsletters, internal web content, email campaigns, and advertising. In addition, the role is accountable for establishing key performance metrics to measure and demonstrate the value and impact of departmental activities.
Public Media and Government Relations:
The Director serves as a strategic advisor to the executive team and other members of SkilledTradesBC, helping to proactively elevate the organization’s profile and ensure timely, effective responses to media inquiries. The role is responsible for securing appropriate media coverage for programs, events, and announcements, while also identifying opportunities for collaboration that strengthen organizational visibility. The Director will work closely with BC’s Government Communications and Public Engagement team and oversee the development and production of all Crown corporation publications.
Stakeholder Relations:
The Director leads the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-faceted stakeholder engagement strategy, including oversight of the Sector Advisory Group structure. The role ensures SkilledTradesBC builds and maintains strong relationships with industry representatives, associations, employers, sponsors, apprentices, and other key stakeholders to support SkilledTradesBC’s mandate and priorities. The Director ensures that the executive and senior leadership teams are regularly informed of emerging industry trends and are equipped with the insights needed to understand stakeholder needs and respond effectively.
Functional Advice and Capacity Building:
The Director develops clear, consistent key messages for internal and external audiences. Works with all departments to ensure communications are coordinated, brandaligned, and support corporate strategy. The Director shapes and leads SkilledTradesBC’s internal communication strategy that strengthens alignment to the organization’s culture and priorities. The Director also maintains communications policies, procedures, and brand guidelines;
manages vendors;
measures and reports on communications effectiveness and oversees event presence.
Team Leadership:
The Director collaborates with the management team to ensure effective deployment of resources;
provides clear direction and feedback to staff, including supporting development and training. The role establishes succession plans for both self and managers and ensures development plans are in place for all team members. The Director inspires and holds the team accountable for contributing to SkilledTradesBC’s strategic goals, role models collaborative communication and innovation, and actively fosters a positive, engaging work environment.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
A post-secondary degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field is required;
combination of education and work experience will be considered
10+ years’ experience in a management role, working within government organizations
Business acumen and strong financial management background is required
Understanding of MAR/COM principles, strategies, and techniques is required
Development and execution of strategies and plans to support business strategies
5+ years in marketing, corporate communications, digital communications, branding, public and media relations
Leading a Communications/Marketing team is desired
A knowledge of BC’s trades training and apprenticeship system would be an asset
COMPENSATIONSalary Band G: $136,030 - $184,042
SkilledTradesBC offers a highly competitive benefits package and perks which include:
Hybrid work schedule, flex days, and a 37.50-hour work week,
Eligible for pension contributions,
Lifestyle Spending Account, on-site gym,
Extensive Extended Health and Dental Plans that are 100% employer paid.
Posting Closing Date: Monday, November 16th, 2026
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