Responsable des communications

Swimming Canada

About The Position

The Communications Lead develops and executes Swimming Canada’s communications strategy to tell the story of its athletes and high-performance program, strengthen the organization’s reputation, increase external engagement, and support organizational priorities. The role provides leadership across media relations, corporate communications, digital and content strategy, crisis management, and communications operations. The Communications Lead directly supervises the Manager, Communications and the Manager, Translation, and oversees external communications professionals such as photographers, content creators, writers, contractors, and consultants. The role serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, ensuring communications are proactive, integrated, responsive, and aligned with organizational goals. The position is full-time and permanent, with frequent travel and an ideal start date of January 5, 2027. The location is flexible within Canada.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressive experience in corporate and crisis communications, content management, and media operations.
Strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects and work in a deadline-driven environment.
People management and leadership experience, including managing employees and contractors, supporting day-to-day needs, managing or mediating conflict, providing performance feedback, and coaching or mentoring.
Ability to lead, collaborate with, motivate, and influence diverse groups, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations.
Creative thinking and problem-solving skills, with a values- and results-oriented mindset.
Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Excellent verbal and writing skills in English.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications and strong proficiency with media, communications, and content management platforms and technologies.
Currently legally eligible to work in Canada.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally on a regular basis.

Nice To Haves

Experience within the national sport sector.
Post-secondary education in communications, public relations, or a related field.
Fluency in French.
A valid driver’s license and eligibility to drive a rental vehicle domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

Advocate for a values-driven, positive culture by championing constructive change, challenging the status quo, and fostering an environment where people can grow and contribute.
Lead development and implementation of the annual communications strategy and targeted initiatives supporting organizational priorities, business objectives, and engagement goals.
Advise executive leadership on emerging issues, opportunities, and reputational risks.
Lead communications planning for major initiatives, programs, announcements, events, and organizational change.
Establish communications objectives, key performance indicators, and measurement frameworks.
Ensure communications align with organizational values, brand standards, and strategic priorities.
Set team goals and performance expectations, create professional development plans, and foster a collaborative, innovative, service-oriented communications culture.
Lead, coach, and mentor the Communications team, including direct reports and external professionals.
Manage communications budgets, work plans, and resource allocation.
Collaborate with senior leaders and department or team leads on their communications needs.
Establish and maintain communications processes, practices, standards, and workflows.
Oversee editorial calendars, content requests, content approvals, and compliance with organizational policies, accessibility standards, language requirements, and communications best practices.
Oversee translation services to ensure communications meet organizational language standards and legislative requirements.
Use communications technologies, analytics tools, and content management systems to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
Monitor communications trends, technologies, and best practices, and advise on strategies that support Swimming Canada’s mandate, messaging, values, and culture.
Write executive and leadership communications, including speeches, presentations, messages, and briefing materials.
Lead crisis communications planning and response; develop crisis frameworks, protocols, and response plans; advise leadership on messaging and reputation management; and coordinate rapid responses and media inquiries.
Serve as the organization’s lead media contact and spokesperson, as appropriate.
Develop media strategies, key messages, media advisories, press and news releases, briefing materials, and speaking points.
Coordinate interview requests, media events, and press conferences; monitor coverage and identify opportunities to increase visibility and thought leadership.
Develop and deliver media training for senior and development athletes, coaches, staff, Integrated Support Team members, Board members, and other groups as required.
Serve as national team media attaché at major championships and Games.
Oversee sourcing and management of external writers, photographers, videographers, and other content providers.
Act as lead writer and editor-in-chief for Swimming Canada content and ensure timely, accurate content is shared across channels.
Lead website content best practices for content owners in collaboration with the Marketing team.
Develop and execute external communications plans that enhance organizational reputation and build trust, including the Annual Report.
Oversee compelling, audience-focused content across digital, print, social media, video, and multimedia channels.
Collaborate with the Marketing team on campaigns to ensure consistent messaging.
Guide storytelling that showcases organizational impact, strategic priorities, and success stories, ensuring content is accessible, inclusive, and consistent with brand standards.