Manager, Communication Services is responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of all aspects of ASEBP’s internal and external communication functions to meet the goals and objectives of ASEBP. This role is responsible for overseeing the development of the organization’s publications, including stakeholder materials. The Manager, Communication Services is also responsible for overseeing and providing effective leadership to the Communications team. This role reports to the Director, Member & Client Experience.

I led a dynamic communications, marketing and visual design team of nine and oversaw the development and execution of more than 500 communication and marketing initiatives per year in support of the Strategic and Corporate Business Plans. I also provided strategic communications advice and issues management support to Mayor & Council, Executive and extended leadership team. I was actively Involved with Corporate Strategic Planning and budget planning, including developing and managing a budget of $1.5 million for the department.

I led a team of four communications staff that provided communications, graphic design and sponsorship support to AFSC offices across Alberta, including the head office in Lacombe. I provided strategic advice and support to the Executive Leadership team, Office of the Premier, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Agriculture and Forestry communications team and stakeholder groups. Oversaw the development, planning and administration of the $950,000 Communications budget.

I was responsible for the development and implementation of various communications strategies and products while providing support to two direct reports based in Lacombe. I also provide direct support to the Chief Financial Officer and the Operations & Sales department related to day-to-day operations, media relations & training and internal communications. Additionally, I provided advice and counsel to the Senior Management Operations & Sales team and other managers and staff on communications and marketing, media inquiries and emerging issues, as well as reviewing various communications products created by staff.

In this role I had six public affairs officers reporting to me. I developed, monitored and maintained systems, processes, and policies to ensure that communications services were delivered efficiently and effectively and met Public Affairs Bureau and ministry objectives and requirements. Also responsible for HR functions and financial sign-offs. I provided advice and counsel to Deputy Ministers and other department managers and executive staff on media inquiries and emerging issues and reviewed various communications products created by public affairs officers.

In this position, I had four public affairs officers reporting to me. I was the primary point of contact inside the department and for media on emerging issues. I would provide verbal and written briefings to senior managers, executives, Deputy Minister and Minister, as well as create messaging to be used by them and front-line staff. I also assisted with media training and reviewing various communications products created by public affairs officers. During the flooding in Southern Alberta during the summer I was one of a handful of managers dedicated to emergency response in the Provincial Operations Centre. I was also the Communications Lead in High River for a period of time where I coordinated the Government of Alberta communications response, provided support to Ministers Rick Fraser and Doug Griffiths and oversaw the work of the public affairs staff on-site.

I monitored emerging issues that were breaking in the news media across the province, social media and websites. I also coordinated the morning news clipping package as well as a day end media and social media summary. Worked with other ministries to manage any emerging issues that were not yet public. Assistance was provided in the form of key messages, reviewing documentation, assisting in formulating best approach strategies for dealing with the issue publicly via media and social media. Worked closely with Caucus to ensure that they had the necessary information for Question Period when the Alberta Legislature was in session.Other duties included writing messages and letters for the Premier, monitoring and analyzing media coverage, handled media inquiries that came into the Premier’s Communications Office, writing other communications materials, as required.

In this role, I provided strategic communications counsel and professional communications support to senior management and assigned program areas, based on the branch business plan, to support the ministry. I provided effective, pro-active issues management support through the Communications Director to the Minister, Premier’s office, and senior department staff in accordance with the branch and Ministry business plan; identifies and monitored emerging issues; and developed effective and timely strategies and key messages to proactively. I was also the Acting Assistant Director when they were on vacation or out of the office.

In this position, I prepared and implemented a variety of strategic communications plans for different initiatives in the department, measured and evaluated effectiveness of the plans; identified emerging issues and managed as appropriate; and, oversaw production of all communications products including news releases, newsletters, brochures, speeches, event planning, presentations, etc. I also coordinated media relations activities on behalf of the branch and responded to daily media inquiries and to major incidents in a 24-hour on-call capacity by acting as on-scene media relations support.

I was responsible for writing newsletters, intranet, speeches, presentations, news releases, memos, letters, and brochures. I also developed and implemented communications tactics and tools and was responsible for all special events, media events, publications and display units. I also assisted in all ongoing communications planning and counsel to the CCRMH Chief Operating Officer and management teams.

I was responsible for coordination of all communication activities in the Centre, including media relations, public relations and internal and external customer relations. I also was a key resource to all departments to ensure communication activities were consistent with organizational policies, principles and strategic direction. As the primary local spokesperson for the media, I was responsible for coordinating media activities and maintaining effective media relations for the Centre. I also provided media training to front-line staff and senior managers.In this role, I developed communications materials and correspondence for customers including donors, hospitals and staff. Additionally, I secured opportunities for the Centre to heighten awareness of our activities and assisted in the development and implementation of local and national marketing strategies designed to increase awareness of the need for blood donors. (Achieved the highest level of media coverage seen at CBS in Edmonton over 2.5 years).I also developed and gave presentations to community groups and organizations, as well as produced presentation materials for other CBS representatives. I also wrote, edited and designed local newsletters for staff and donors and wrote articles for the national CBS staff and donor newsletters.