JOB POSTING Title: Director of Communications Department: Communications Reports to: Executive Director Supervises: Press Officers (2), Communications Officers (2), Digital Communications Officer, and others working on special projects as identified Position status (FT, PT, CASUAL): Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, 3-year definite term contract, with the possibility to extend for a further 3 years Location: Toronto Salary: $89,493 Anticipated Start Date: June 2014 POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Director of Communications plans, creates, coordinates, and guides communication strategies and activities for. Guiding the communications department in supporting others within MSF Canada, the Director ensures the development and delivery of coherent and clear public messages linked to MSF s field activities and the humanitarian principles that underpin them. This includes preparing talking points and providing guidance to MSF colleagues for media interviews and speaking engagements. The Director of Communications also participates in international MSF working groups and frequently interacts with communications networks and international offices to assist in the implementation of MSF s international communication strategies and activities. As a member of s senior management team, the Director participates in setting organizational policies under the guidance of the Executive Director. BACKGROUND: (optional) Through the multiple channels of media, print, digital publications, public events, conferences and etc., the Communications Department is responsible for raising awareness around the work of MSF, ensuring that the public understands our advocacy messages related to field operations and the Access Campaign, and promotes fundraising and recruitment initiatives, etc. within Canada, and where requested, internationally. 1
DUTIES AND REPONSIBILITIES: Media Participates in strategic planning and oversees staff in media relations. This includes collaborating in the implementation of media activities that target Canadian audiences and Canadian-based media with an international focus with messages that support MSF field activities and our advocacy messages. Actively works with Press Officers to expand media outreach beyond mainstream media and to broaden coverage in Quebec media. Oversees staff who are fielding media-related inquiries. Reviews media requests as needed and oversees the selection of appropriate venues, specific opportunities and choice of the best MSF representative for a particular message and/or outlet. When delegated by the Executive Director, on a case-by-case basis, may act as media spokesperson for the organization. Monitors public awareness of in the media and amongst the Canadian public by carrying out periodic market research and advises the Management team accordingly. Ensures that s brand identity is safeguarded and that all external communications materials and activities are representative of MSF s mandate and image. Handles reputation management issues, drafts talking points and takes the lead on providing guidance to the organization on public messaging around sensitive issues. Participates in the crisis team to oversee communications strategy for Canada if a critical incident involving a Canadian field worker should ever occur. Public Events and Outreach Directs and oversees the planning (including the development of themes and selecting target audiences in Canada) for speaking events and/or special exhibits and conferences to increase awareness of and support for MSF s work in Canada. Fosters collaboration between communications staff with the Fundraising, Programs and Human Resources Departments to coordinate events and outreach activities and develop communication tools that support the goals of fundraising, recruiting qualified field personnel, and positioning MSF as a humanitarian thought leader in Canada. Overseas the strategy, design, execution and evaluation of major public awareness campaigns (e.g. Refugee Camp in the Heart of the City) to help increase name recognition for MSF in Canada. Publications/Content/Web Management Directs and oversees editorial activities and staff responsible for selecting and preparing material for print and electronic publication in MSF newsletters, annual reports, website and related publications in English and French. Directs and oversees staff responsible for content, architecture, implementation, visual design and functionality of www.msf.ca. Directs and overseas social media presence and staff responsible for engaging new online audiences and encouraging supporters to speak out on humanitarian issues with MSF in Canada. Reviews quality of final print or electronic product before release to ensure quality control and consistency of messaging. Keeps management team informed of media outreach, publications and events produced by, and for, other departments, especially Fundraising, Programs Unit, and Field HR and identifies opportunities for collaboration. 2
Communications Support to Field Operations and Advocacy Collaborates with the Executive Director, Program Manager, Humanitarian Affairs Advisor and international colleagues to design and carry out communications strategies and activities aimed at garnering public understanding of MSF s field activities, operational concerns, and advocacy and Access Campaign messages. Works closely with the Humanitarian Affairs Advisor and the MSF Access Campaign teams in New York and Geneva to develop strategy and plan advocacy initiatives that are relevant to a Canadian audience (e.g. around Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement talks). Supports communications strategies for specific field operations and campaigns and may be called upon to coordinate MSF s international communications sometimes from the field or other MSF offices. International Communications Shares information and liaise with other MSF sections re: communications policies, materials, strategies, events, etc. This includes one or two Communications meetings in Europe per year. Collaborates with other MSF sections when practical, on specific projects, e.g. Production of posters, videos, books, etc. Is available to go to the field when needed as emergency or special assignment press officer. Seeks and develops new strategic opportunities for to be involved in MSF international communications activities, such as campaigns and operational communications support in the field in collaboration with the Program Manager, Humanitarian Affairs Advisor and Executive Director. Represents in any international communications conferences, seminars, if invited or seen necessary by the Executive Director. Internal Communications and Management Participates in weekly management team and general staff meetings Participates in bi-monthly advocacy meetings Participates in the development of organizational objectives, formulating and administering organizational policies, and in making decisions with an organization-wide impact as a member of the Management Team (MT) Leads weekly communications departmental meetings and overseas follow-up on action points Participates in the management team portion of the Board of Directors meetings and presents on results of communications activities. Works with Communications team to prepare six-month and annual departmental reports for the Board and Executive Director. Leads the Communications team to prepare the communications departmental annual plan for the Executive Director. Participates in the development of the strategic plan as an MT member, in collaboration with the Board. Participates in international coordination and strategic planning of communications and advocacy work with colleagues from other MSF offices. Works closely with the MSF Association Coordinator based in Montreal to ensure that Association members and Friends of MSF groups are informed of, and can help to promote, events and activities run by MSF in Canada Leads the Communications department by example, fostering a respectful team environment founded on trust, respect, recognition and mutual accountability in a high performance collaborative environment. Supports and manages a team of six regular staff plus special project personnel, interns, and volunteers. This includes selecting, developing, motivating, and providing regular feedback and 3
performance appraisals for team members. Prepares and administers department budget. Oversees relationships with all departmental vendors. QUALIFICATIONS/JOB REQUIREMENTS Education and experience An advanced degree in a field related to the work of MSF and/or a minimum of 5+ years progressive experience in public affairs, public relations, communications, journalism, public policy or related field, ideally including experience in an international organization, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in designing, managing and implementing public relations strategies for a broad range of initiatives, ideally relating to global health and/or humanitarian issues. Experience in MSF preferred, or at least in the fields of global health and humanitarian relief, within a government, UN, or another non-profit organization Demonstrated experience in successfully leading and managing a diverse team, enhancing motivation, development and performance via constructive feedback and ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals. Skills and competencies Genuine interest in and commitment to the humanitarian principles of MSF. Demonstrated ability to identify, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with high level media contacts and experience as a spokesperson in roles requiring knowledge of a broad range of complex and technical issues. Excellent written and verbal communication skills demonstrated in previous roles that required communication with a broad and diverse set of partners. Demonstrated success in roles requiring good judgment, analytic, systematic thinking while managing multiple priorities. Demonstrated affinity for technological/digital innovation. Experience dealing with crisis situations and reputation management issues. Collaborative team player and excellent team builder. Experience working across departments (e.g. fundraising, external relations). Ability to stay calm under pressure in a fast-paced and highly dynamic environment. English and French language fluency essential. CONTACTS: MSF contacts: management team and Office Staff MSF movement staff related to communications, operational and humanitarian issues. External: Journalists and other media personalities Conference or other speaking engagement organizers Publishers, filmmakers, content producers Canadian NGOs and academic institutions Advertising agencies PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE) 4
Duties require long hours sitting long hours in front of a computer screen Will be required to work evenings or weekends, if necessary Domestic and international travel and jetlag The office environment is open concept and the Communications Director has a separate office space. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Occasional travel to other MSF offices Domestic travel across Canada; including visits to Montreal office Field visit/work once per year Annual Communications Directors meeting, usually in Europe INFORMATION AND APPLICATION: Dynamic candidates with relevant qualifications who are interested to apply may submit a letter of motivation and CV, including 3 professional references, to hr-rh@msf.ca, clearly noting the job title in the subject line. Only electronic applications will be accepted. Applicants will be screened as they apply, and the post will close once filled. Any questions or concerns regarding accommodation and accessibility can be addressed to by email to hrrh@msf.ca or by phoning Kathy Mahinpou at 1-800-982-7903 ext. 3454. We thank you for your interest; kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 5