Strategic Communications Lead: Internal & External

Join Our Team: Communications and Public Relations ManagerLocation:
Thorold |
Full-TimeThis posting is to fill an existing vacancy.Position OverviewThe Communications Manager develops and executes internal and external communications strategies that strengthen CAA Niagara’s brand reputation, engage employees, and support business objectives. This role leads key messaging, content development, media and community relations, communication planning, and oversight of community engagement and event-related activities. Working closely with Marketing & Business Development and cross-functional leaders, the Communications Manager ensures communications, events, sponsorships, and community initiatives are clear, consistent, timely, and aligned with organizational priorities, brand standards, and CAA Niagara’s commitment to the Niagara community.This role offers an annual salary range of $65,000 - $75,000.
Placement within this range will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.Key ResponsibilitiesCorporate Social & Digital Media:Partner with the marketing team to craft messaging for social media (e.G., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), to ensure alignment with brand and campaign priorities.Monitor and respond to social media comments and messages (or triage to appropriate teams), ensuring timely, professional, and on-brand community management.Track performance metrics (reach, engagement, click-throughs, follower growth, sentiment) and provide recommendations to improve outcomes.Support website/intranet content updates as required, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and consistent messaging.Internal Communications & Employee EngagementDevelop and deliver internal communications plans that support business priorities, operational changes, and employee engagement initiatives.Draft and distribute internal communications (email updates, intranet posts, leadership messages, toolkits, FAQs) ensuring clarity, accuracy, and appropriate tone.Support employee engagement programming by promoting events, initiatives, recognition, and culture-building activities in collaboration with HR and leadership.Provide communications support for change management efforts, including stakeholder mapping, message sequencing, and feedback loops.Coordinate town halls and internal meetings by preparing agendas, key messages, presentation support, and post-meeting summaries.Measure and improve internal communications effectiveness (e.G., readership, open rates, engagement) and recommend channel/process improvements.Media Relations & Issue SupportServe as a key point of contact for media inquiries in coordination with the VP, Marketing & Business Development, draft and coordinate approvals for statements, media releases, and backgrounders.Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media;
identify proactive story opportunities that align with brand and community priorities.Prepare spokesperson materials including key messages, Q&As, briefing notes, and interview preparation for leaders and subject-matter experts.Support issues management and crisis communications by developing rapid-response messaging, coordinating stakeholder updates, and monitoring emerging risks.Monitor media coverage and social conversations;
provide summaries, sentiment insights, and recommended actions.Maintain communication protocols, templates, and contact lists to enable timely response to media and reputation-related issues.Community Engagement, Events & Sponsorship OversightOversee community engagement, event coordination, sponsorships, and partner activations to ensure alignment with CAA Niagara’s brand, values, and community priorities.Provide direction and support to the Event Coordinator in the planning, coordination, and execution of Member-exclusive events, community activations, in-branch events, trade shows, and partner events.Ensure event plans, timelines, run-of-show documents, staffing plans, vendor arrangements, and on-site execution meet organizational standards and support a positive Member and community experience.Oversee the review and coordination of sponsorship and donation requests, including budget tracking, fulfillment of deliverables, and relationship management with sponsored organizations and community partners.Collaborate with marketing, communications, operations, and leadership teams to support event-related campaigns, sponsorship activations, content needs, and community initiatives that drive attendance, engagement, and brand visibility.This is not an exhaustive list and other duties may be assigned as permanent or temporary, where needs are required.Education and ExperiencePost-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or related roles.Experience developing communications plans and delivering multi-channel content (internal and external).Experience managing staff and/or agencies/contractors is preferred.Working ConditionsRegular working hours of forty (40) per week, with flexibility based on business needs and key initiatives.Occasional work outside regular hours may be required to support events, media deadlines, or time-sensitive issues communications.Working in an office environment with multiple priorities and frequent collaboration. This role is primarily in-office, based out of Thorold, ON.Attendance at occasional off-site events, partner meetings, or community activities may be required.Some local travel may be required for events and stakeholder engagement.What’s In It For You100% employer-paid premiums for health, dental, vision, life, and travel insuranceVirtual healthcare and nurse navigation supportDefined Contribution Registered Pension PlanGrowth, training, and development opportunitiesGive Where You Live program (community volunteer program)Green and Wellness Reimbursement ProgramPaid personal and vacation hoursInterview ProcessOur process is designed to provide a full picture of how you would contribute to our team:Pre-screening callIn-person interviewAssessment (if applicable)Background and referencesOffer
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