Director, Communications and Public Affair
Toronto, Ontario
AC- 18315
Meridia Recruitment Solutions has partnered up with Restaurants Canada (RC) on their search for a Director, Communications & Public Affairs to join their team in Toronto, Ontario. Reporting to the EVP, Government Relations & Public Affairs and working closely with the VP, Marketing and Growth, the Director, Communication & Public Affairs will manage and lead all aspects of media and public relations programs. This includes handling the day-to-day PR requirements of the association to generate
positive earned and / or owned media coverage for the brand and the overall foodservice industry. This role is an excellent opportunity to apply your strong communications skills to work for the betterment of the foodservice industry across Canada.
About Restaurants Canada
Restaurants Canada is dedicated to serving the dynamic and fast-paced restaurant and foodservice industry. As a national not-for-profit association, our mission is to advance the potential of Canada’s foodservice industry through advocacy, research, and innovative programs.
Your Responsibilities :
Campaign Development :
- Create campaigns on key advocacy issues by identifying targets and determining the best way to generate support from elected officials on RC issues.
Media Relations :
Manage the association’s relationships with the media, including developing relationships with reporters, editors, and other key contacts.Write articles for publication about RC advocacy initiatives.Write CEO newsletters, scripts, and advocacy updates to various stakeholders.Prepare press releases and media pitches on advocacy issues, the announcement of new services, or other significant events at RC.Prepare public spokespersons (Regional VPs and CEO) for media interviews with key messaging and support statistics.Ensure all public relations activities are compliant with industry standards and ethical codes.Strategic Communication :
Develop and implement an effective communications strategy that aligns with RC’s overall advocacy objectives.Contribute to the marketing communications strategy with cross-functional teams.Participate in research to determine the effectiveness of specific communication strategies.Event Management :
Plan and run events such as press conferences and new product launches.Media Monitoring :
Conduct daily media monitoring of industry issues, RC coverage, trade associations, and key stakeholders.Present quarterly KPIs for executive / board presentation.Your Requirements :
Bachelor’s degree or diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, or another related field.At least six years of experience in the industry. A combination of similar experience and education will be considered.Strong written and oral communication skills to interact with elected officials, bureaucrats, RC members, suppliers, media, and stakeholders. Convey messaging clearly and persuasively.Strong writing skills to create impactful press releases, articles, comments, and social media posts.Strong understanding of how to utilize digital and social platforms.Strong ability to identify risks to the association, weigh the risks and rewards associated with an issue or position, and mitigate those risks.Comfort representing the business perspective in the public domain.Understanding of marketing to assist RC’s show and marketing teams to develop strategies for promoting events and services.Create effective marketing campaigns that measure their success.Use strategic planning to develop campaigns that further RC’s advocacy objectives and improve RC’s public image.Define goals, strategies, and metrics for campaign success.Build effective relationships with media, colleagues, members, and stakeholders to gain insight into RC’s reputation and how to improve it.Leadership skills to motivate the team, set goals, and encourage everyone to perform at their best.Desire to investigate and understand issues impacting the foodservice industry.Ability to respond and recover quickly from setbacks and pivot to address emerging and changing priorities.
