The Union of the Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) is a bilingual association of fifty-six local governments of all sizes, representing over sixty percent of New Brunswick’s population. We are a member-driven organization that is the voice and authority of municipalities in New Brunswick; our mission is to engage and collaborate with all New Brunswick municipalities to build vibrant and sustainable communities via advocacy and the provision of valuable services for members.
UMNB is seeking a dynamic External Relations Manager to advance the organization’s strategic objectives through the planning, development and execution of effective communications and impactful advocacy activities.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the External Relations Manager will work collaboratively with staff, President, the board of directors and members to advance the UMNB’s priorities by:
- Developing and managing communication plans for the organization.
- Planning, coordinating, and executing the advocacy activities of the UMNB.
- Preparing effective materials and messaging for the President and the Executive Director.
- Acting as liaison to the Urban Municipal Caucus.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications:
- Communications planning: develop and execute strategic communications plans and policies to achieve the goals of UMNB.
- Media Relations: be a point of contact for media, prepare briefings and coordinate interviews, identify proactive media opportunities, and evaluate coverage.
- Prepare internal and external messaging for the President and Executive Director.
- Collateral development: create key messages, news releases, press kits and other communications materials for UMNB Staff and Board members.
- Issues management: proactively monitor media, digital and government information sources to ensure relevant information is flagged to UMNB.
Advocacy
- Work in collaboration with the Policy and Research Officer to prepare policy briefs, fact sheets, correspondence and other collateral for government officials and stakeholders.
- Provide administrative and advocacy support to UMNB’s Urban Municipal Caucus.
- Develop and maintain contacts with government officials. Represent the Organization at meetings, calls, conferences and other events in support of government relations.
- Work collaboratively with association partners and members to advance strategic priorities.
- Monitor activities pending or taken by decisionmakers affecting UMNB, including legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives.
- Represent the organization at government meetings.
- Participate in calls/conferences related to government relations.
- Organize meetings and conduct government outreach.
- Government procedures navigation.
Competencies:
- Strong collaborator and superior relationship builder, ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders, experience working with diverse individuals.
- Strong writing and editing skills; demonstrated ability to develop accurate, engaging, stylistically sound content consistent with the organization’s brand and messaging.
- Effective advocacy skills and abilities; ability to champion, influence and orchestrate change.
- Demonstrated success in government and external relations.
- Computer skills with proficiency in MS Office programs, Adobe, G-Suite, and Canva.
- Problem solver, ability to provide leadership on complex files.
- The ability to translate complex issues into a level appropriate for the general population and policymakers.
- Experience analyzing and reporting on communications data, evaluating impact, and suggesting ways to adjust course to improve results.
- Attention to detail, strong follow-through.
- Time management: ability to remain organized and responsive to multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
- Critical and creative thinking skills, sound judgement.
Qualifications:
- 5-10 years professional experience in communications and advocacy.
- Bilingualism-Written and spoken competence in English and French are required.
- Post-secondary education in a discipline relevant to communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience may be considered.
Why work with us: The UMNB is a growing team with a lot of exciting opportunities in the year ahead. If you want the opportunity to work with municipalities across the province to make a positive difference in the lives of your community members, then this is the job for you!
UMNB offers a competitive compensation package that includes health and dental benefits, a flexible work environment and a fun team. The salary range for this position is $60,000-65,000
Interested applicants are invited to send a cover letter and resume to hr-rh@umnb.ca
Deadline to receive applications is March 21st, 2024.
We thank all applicants for your interest in this opportunity.