Public Relations Leader; Assistant Director 14-month contract

The opportunity

The Public Relations Leader sits within the Communications & Engagement pillar of EY Canada’s Brand, Marketing and Communications (BMC) team. In this role, you’ll lead a team of PR professionals to develop thoughtful, integrated and forward-thinking PR strategies, approaches and materials to drive media coverage and engagement around a variety of business priorities. You’ll also work closely with peers across the Communications & Engagement leadership team to share ideas, connect dots and help drive the overall team vision forward.

We’re looking for a natural-born communicator with a passion for writing and relationship building, a can-do attitude, curiosity and the confidence to encourage and pursue bold ideas. If status quo isn’t in your vocabulary, and you’re interested in being challenged, stretching your knowledge of market and industry trends, ready for a fast-paced and collaborative team environment, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to know if this opportunity might be for you:  

Your key responsibilities

• Connect PR initiatives to business goals and broader objectives of the national BMC team.
• Manage a national budget and agency support to deliver high impact results.
• Provide interview prep/media training and strategic advice to leaders and spokespeople.
• Lead, coach and develop a national team of PR specialists.
• Edit and advise on approach and copy for press releases, key messages, briefing documents, talking points, statements, bylined articles, blogs and more.
• Develop and leverage relationships with national, local and trade media.
• Proactively work with internal clients to draft robust media plans and materials for key industries, service lines, events, sponsorships and other initiatives.
• Follow news cycles and market trends to identify proactive opportunities for EY content and spokespeople. 
• Distill complex, technical material into compelling, newsworthy content with unique points of view and line of sight into content whitespace areas in the market.
• Work collaboratively with Communications and Marketing team members to maximize impact.
• Play a critical role in issues/crisis management strategy development and execution.

Skills and attributes for success

• Ability to translate complex business topics into compelling and engaging communications that are fit for the respective audience and channel.
• A strategic and innovative mindset focused on generating new ideas to elevate the EY brand.
• Talent for identifying compelling story angles that support strategic objectives.
• A strong understanding of the Canadian media landscape and ability to develop and maintain journalist and reporter relationships.
• Actively consumes Canadian media in all its forms (TV, print, radio, podcasts,) and is able to help shape the way we collaborate with each form individually.
• Readiness to work in a fast-paced, complex, yet dynamic work environment and able to multitask on a variety of different projects, while operating with a sense of urgency.
• A team-player with a strong desire to learn and collaborate as part of a broader, integrated brand, marketing and communications team.
• Extensive experience advising and supporting executive leadership on personal brand opportunities.
• Experience within the PR industry to be able to leverage the latest tools and make bold storytelling moves.
• Experience using media monitoring tools, such as Cision and/or Meltwater. 
• Experience managing external agencies to deliver high impact results.
• Organized and articulate, with impeccable attention to detail.

To qualify for the role you must have

• Post-secondary education in communications, public/media relations, journalism or related field (post-grad certificate in PR preferred).
• Proficiency in English; French is a preferred asset but not required.
• Minimum 7-10 years’ experience in a related field.
• Outstanding written, oral and presentation skills.
• Existing relationships with Canadian media.
• Previous digital channel or social media copy development experience is considered an asset.
• Experience with issues or crisis management.
• Agency experience an asset but not required
• This role involves interaction with internal and external clients and professionals nationally and globally. Professional competency in the English language is therefore a requirement of this role. Bilingualism in both French and English is considered an asset.

What we offer

At EY, our Total Rewards package supports our commitment to creating a leading people culture - built on high-performance teaming - where everyone can achieve their potential and contribute to building a better working world for our people, our clients and our communities. It's one of the many reasons we repeatedly win awards for being a great place to work.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. Plus, we offer:

• Support, coaching and feedback from some of the most engaging colleagues around
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
• The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that’s right for you

Diversity and Inclusion at EY

Diversity and inclusiveness are at the heart of who we are and how we work. We’re committed to fostering an environment where differences are valued, policies and practices are equitable, and our people feel a sense of belonging. We embrace diversity and are committed to combating systemic racism, advancing gender equity and women in leadership, advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, promoting our neuroinclusion and accessibility initiatives, and are dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) nationally as we strive towards reconciliation. Our diverse experiences, abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives make our people unique and help guide us. Because when people feel free to be their authentic selves at work, they bring their best and are empowered to build a better working world.