PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST

We are looking for an organized, collaborative and communicative professional who is enthusiastic about making an impact on Winnipeg and its future. If you believe in our city, have a passion for people and process, and are interested in helping our organization operate at its best, consider joining our dynamic and growing team!

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director, Corporate Communications, the Partner Communications & Media Relations Specialist leads Winnipeg EDT's partner communications portfolio and manages the day-to-day corporate media relations program. The role develops and delivers strategic communications, messaging and media materials, provides communications advice, leads partner communications and manages routine corporate media relations activities to support consistent, effective communications and partner engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS

Partner Communications

• Develop and manage the annual partner communications plan, coordinating communications activities across Winnipeg EDT to support partner engagement, partnership benefits and corporate announcements.
• Lead the development and delivery of partner-facing communications, including newsletters, corporate reporting, executive messaging, event communications, social media content, partnership benefit communications and related supporting materials.
• Manage the review, approval, distribution and workback schedules for partner communications, ensuring content is accurate, relevant and aligned with Winnipeg EDT’s communications objectives and brand standards.
• Manage the review, approval, distribution and workback schedules for partner communications, ensuring communications are coordinated, approved and delivered on schedule.
• Provide strategic communications advice and recommendations on messaging, content, timing and communications channels to strengthen partner engagement.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of partner communications, recommending opportunities for continuous improvement.

Media Relations

• Lead the day-to-day management of Winnipeg EDT's corporate media relations program, including triaging media inquiries, coordinating interviews and supporting media opportunities.
• Develop media responses, key messages, quotes and briefing materials supporting Winnipeg EDT's initiatives and announcements.
• Build and maintain relationships with local media and external communications contacts to support media engagement and strengthen awareness of Winnipeg EDT's work.
• Manage and maintain media relations tools and resources, including the media contact database, ensuring information remains accurate and up to date.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on earned media coverage, identifying trends, measuring performance and recommending opportunities to strengthen media relations performance.
• Coordinate media engagement for events and announcements, including media logistics, interview coordination and on-site support, as required.
• Escalate sensitive or reputational media issues to the Director of Corporate Communications and provide communications support, as required.

Other Duties

· Perform other communications-related duties as assigned in support of Winnipeg EDT’s organizational goals.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, media relations or public affairs.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing strategic communications initiatives that support organizational priorities.
• Demonstrated experience managing day-to-day corporate media relations, including triaging media inquiries, coordinating interviews, developing media responses and supporting organizational spokespersons.
• Experience coordinating with senior leaders and executives on messaging, event communications and public-facing content.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic communications advice on messaging, communications planning and audience engagement.
• Experience managing communications workbacks and coordinating cross-functional communications projects is preferred.
• Skilled at translating data and insights into clear, compelling communications and storytelling.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Outlook, Teams and PowerPoint) is required.
• Experience using media monitoring tools to track, analyze and report on earned media coverage is considered an asset.
• Experience using Pardot (or similar email marketing platforms) to build and distribute newsletters and stakeholder communications is preferred.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce), Monday.com (project management software) and Beautiful.ai (presentation software) is considered an asset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive messaging for diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and represent Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism with professionalism.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage concurrent projects, meet tight deadlines, and oversee communications timelines and workbacks.
• Proactive, resourceful and solutions-oriented, with the ability to work independently and take initiative within established strategic frameworks.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments with changing priorities.
• Strong preference will be given to candidates who are bilingual in French and English. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset.

WORK CONDITIONS

• This is a full-time position based in Winnipeg EDT’s corporate office and follows standard business hours. The role is primarily office-based and does not include any physical requirements beyond typical desk-based work. Some flexibility may occasionally be required to accommodate deadlines or corporate events. No regular travel, driving or lifting duties are associated with this position.

DIVERSE TEAMS CREATE BETTER IDEAS AND GROWTH IN OUR CITY!

A strong connector between business, industry, educational institutions and governments, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism knows the most diverse teams bring about the best results when it comes to innovation, growth, and impact on a community.

Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism values team members who are diverse in age, gender identity, race and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities. Diverse voices are critical in the next chapter of Winnipeg’s economic growth and contribute to our city’s success.

HOW TO APPLY

Option One:

• Step 1: Visit https://workinmanitoba.ca/ and click "Connect with employers now". Then follow the steps to create or log into your account.
• Step 2: Search for Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism in the Work in Manitoba job portal.
• Step 3: Submit your resume and cover letter through the portal.

Option Two:

• Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

We are happy to provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process. Requests will be handled confidentially and will not impact your application status. If you require any accommodations, please contact [email protected].

We thank all applicants for your interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The posting will remain open until the position is filled.