Job Description

Position Title:

Director, Communications and Public Affairs

Location:

Branch Office (Burnaby)/Hybrid

Terms:

Contract, full-time

Start date:

November 2025

Salary:

$90,000 - $105,000 per annum + benefits

Work Schedule:

35 hrs/week (Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30)

Nature & Scope

The Lifesaving Society, BC and Yukon seeks an experienced and strategic Director, Communications and Public Affairs to lead and manage external and internal communications, media relations, brand positioning, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. This individual will play a critical role in shaping the voice of the organization, driving public perception, and managing relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, media, community leaders, and the public. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with a strong background in strategic communications, public relations, and advocacy. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and works in synergy with the senior leadership team.

About Us

The Lifesaving Society is a charitable organization committed to the prevention of drowning and aquatic-related injury through water safety education. In addition to providing swim lessons, lifesaving courses, lifeguarding courses, and first aid/CPR training throughout BC and Yukon, the Lifesaving Society is a leader in offering expertise and guidance to ensure safe operation of any water-related setting through safety management services. We offer a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive professional culture focused on growth and continuous improvement.

Strategic & Operational Leadership

Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and public affairs strategy aligned with organizational priorities and goals

Provide senior oversight for all internal and external communications, ensuring consistency in our voice and brand across all communication channels

Serve as a senior advisor to the Executive Director on communications, government relations, and public policy issues

Lead a strong, cohesive communications and public affairs staff team

Represent the Lifesaving Society in a positive and professional manner

Media Relations

Build and manage proactive media relation strategies to increase visibility, trust, and public engagement

Develop strong relationships with media outlets, journalist, and influencers

Oversee the development of materials and key messaging for press releases, interviews, and public statements

Internal & External Communications

Develop internal communication strategies to inform, engage, and align employees and volunteers

Collaborate with all departments to maximize success

Oversee brand management, including visual identity and messaging consistency across platforms and departments

Develop external communication strategies to engage with members, external stakeholders, and the public

Manage crisis communication plans to protect the organization's reputation

Public Affairs

Provide senior leadership to public education and awareness initiatives, events, and campaigns including:

o Swim to Survive

o WaterWise

o National Drowning Prevention Week

o Commonwealth Honour & Rescue Awards Ceremony

o Water safety programs for at-risk groups

Develop and expand public education campaigns and opportunities serving the Lifesaving Society's mission

Build partnerships with community groups and agencies whose mandates complement our mission

Lead Branch fundraising efforts, including grant applications, to support Swim to Survive and other initiatives

Government Relations & Advocacy

Develop and execute government relations strategies at all levels of government aligned with Lifesaving Society objectives

Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, agencies, and advocacy groups

Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the organization

Identify opportunities to improve advocacy initiatives, monitoring public opinion, industry best practices and emerging trends, and presenting recommendations for executive approval

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications and public relations

Post-secondary education in a related field or equivalent work experience

Exceptional verbal, written, listening, and presentation skills

Outstanding interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop positive public relations with a diverse population

Demonstrated decision-making skills and strategic/anticipatory thinking ability related to current and potential challenges and opportunities

Demonstrated ability to apply change, conflict resolution, risk, and resource management skills

Experience in government relations and non-profit advocacy is an asset

Proficiency in MS Office required; Adobe Creative Suite and other software are assets

Knowledge of Lifesaving Society programs and/or the aquatics industry is an asset

Ability to travel within BC, Yukon, and Canada for events and meetings

Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Reference Check/Vulnerable Sector Search issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date

TO APPLY:

Submit resume with cover letter to Lenea Grace, Executive Director, at leneag@lifesaving.bc.ca by October 14, 2025. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $90,000.00-$105,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

Burnaby, BC V5C 6P8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Are you legally eligible to work in Canada?
Language:

English (required)
Work Location: In person