Position title: External Communications Manager
Department: Canada Impact
Position band: Consultant (Global Grade 3)
Reports to: Senior Manager, External Campaigns and Programs
Type of position: Full-time, Permanent
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Senior Manager, External Communications, Canada Impact team, you will be responsible for creating and overseeing compelling communication and engagement plans that build and protect the Brand’s reputation within Canada. As a key partner to the McDonald’s Canada business, your mission is to protect and enhance the reputation of one of the country’s most well-known brands, while working in tandem with strategic communications, government and public affairs and sustainability specialists in our regional offices in Canada and our global office in Chicago.
Your role is critical to supporting the implementation of proactive and reactive communications strategics across a variety of channels to drive trust with Canadians, while supporting business growth.
What’s in it for you?
This is an unparalleled opportunity to join a winning organization where you will have exposure across all levels of the organization, from your team members to executives and cross functional business units. You are looking for a company with a winning culture where you can grow in depth and breadth while making a tangible impact on central initiatives. In addition to leading proactive external communications campaigns and activations, you will also support in the mitigation and management of external issues and crises.
Principal Accountabilities
In addition to following McDonald’s policies and procedures, principal accountabilities include, but are not limited to:
- Develop, lead and manage proactive, integrated external communication strategies that drive positive awareness of the McDonald’s brand
- Provide strategic counsel to leadership and key departments regarding external announcements, engagements, message development etc.
- Support in managing McDonald’s PR Agency to ensure delivery of plan
- Build and maintain relationships with journalists, influencers, and key internal stakeholders
- Collaborate closely with the broader Canada Impact Team, as well as the North American Impact Team, to ensure integration of all external communications activities
- Manage and respond to media inquiries for McDonald’s Canada, acting as a spokesperson where required
- Implement communications processes to measure campaign effectiveness and year-end reporting purposes
- Triage and manage media response strategy on restaurant-level as well as national brand media issues
- Support the Canada Impact Team and McDonald’s Canada business on issues/ crises management files where required
- McDonald’s brand fan
- Bachelor's degree or postgraduate certificate in communications-related field
- Minimum 6+ years’ experience in communications with a focus on external communications
- In-depth knowledge of the fast-paced media landscape, including a strong understanding of the influence of social media and digital platforms
- Well organized, strong project management skills; ability to prioritize and manage competing deadlines
- Ability to influence and collaborate with senior leadership and cross functional teams
- Excellent oral and written communication skills combined with an in-depth understanding of public relations principles and practices
- Expertise in crafting communication materials into relevant, timely and engaging story narratives.
- On the record media relations experience and experiencing managing agency (or similar) partners
- Adept at navigating media issues and crises for brands
- Experience with modern methods for measuring communications impact
- A team player with a good attitude and a desire to collaborate as part of an integrated team, while also being independent.
- Ability to travel within Canada, when required (approx. <15%)
- Ability to read and write in French would be an asset
McDonald’s Canada and Owner/Operators are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace for all. Our workplaces have a long-standing policy of providing fair, equitable, and accessible opportunities for all employees and prospective employees. Accommodations during the application process are available upon request.
