Manager, Media & Issues

MANAGER, MEDIA & ISSUES

Victoria or Lower Mainland

The Opportunity

BC Ferries is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and solutions-focused Manager, Media & Issues to help lead our media relations and issues management function during an exciting period of growth and transformation.

In this role, you'll help the organization anticipate, navigate, and respond to reputational risks while building broad public understanding of BC Ferries' operations, priorities, and strategic initiatives.

Working at the intersection of communications, operations, and public trust, you'll partner closely with executive leaders and colleagues across the organization to provide strategic communications counsel, lead responses to complex and high-profile issues, and deliver proactive communications that strengthen BC Ferries' reputation.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in one of British Columbia's most recognized organizations, helping shape the stories that connect coastal communities while supporting an organization that millions of customers rely on every year.

If you're a confident and strategic communicator, trusted advisor, and people leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

Reporting to the Director, Media & Issues, you will lead BC Ferries' media relations and issues management team, ensuring the organization is well positioned to respond to emerging issues, support operational decision-making, and deliver proactive communications that build public trust.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading BC Ferries' media relations program, including oversight of media inquiries, response coordination, spokesperson support, and proactive media engagement opportunities;
• Developing and implementing strategies, processes, and best practices that strengthen the organization's media relations and issues management capabilities;
• Monitoring the external environment to identify emerging issues, trends, and reputational risks, and providing strategic recommendations to support informed decision-making;
• Directing the development and execution of communications strategies and responses for operational incidents, emerging issues, high-profile initiatives, and other complex or sensitive situations;
• Providing trusted communications counsel to senior leaders on reputational risks, media narratives, stakeholder concerns, and response strategies;
• Coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure timely, aligned, and effective communications during operational incidents and evolving issues;
• Maintaining effective systems and processes to track media inquiries, emerging issues, and response activities;
• Identifying and delivering proactive communications, media opportunities, and storytelling initiatives that advance BC Ferries' strategic priorities and strengthen public understanding of the organization;
• Collaborating with colleagues across Public Affairs and Marketing to ensure media engagement activities align with broader communications, engagement, and brand objectives;
• Coaching, developing, and empowering a high-performing team to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment;
• Serving as a spokesperson for BC Ferries and supporting executive spokesperson preparation, as required;
• Serving as a key communications advisor on corporate initiatives and cross-functional projects while maintaining a strong understanding of BC Ferries' operations, strategic priorities, and regulatory environment;

What you bring to the team

Education & Work Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Corporate Communications, Policy Development, or a related field; a master's degree is preferred
• 8–10 years of experience in media relations, issues management, public affairs, strategic communications, or a related field
• Experience in public service, a Crown corporation, the transportation sector, or another large, complex organization is considered an asset

Knowledge & Competencies:

• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated success advising senior leaders in high-profile, complex, or crisis situations where decisions carry significant reputational, operational, and stakeholder impacts
• Strong expertise in media relations and issues management, including developing communications strategies, assessing emerging issues and reputational risks, and navigating environments subject to public scrutiny, regulatory oversight and stakeholder expectations
• Exceptional written, editing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences
• Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and influencing skills, with the ability to gain support across teams, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and foster alignment on communications priorities
• Sound judgment, creativity, and executive presence, combined with strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive issues, manage competing priorities, and deliver results under pressure

Join us!

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume. This posting will remain open until August 3 at 11:59pm.

Additional information

The target salary range: $125,400 - $156,800 per annum.  The starting salary is determined based on the successful candidate’s knowledge, experience and internal equity.

"We connect communities and customers to people and places important in their lives”

At BC Ferries, our employees are our most important assets in delivering our commitment to customer safety, service and satisfaction. We support employment equity and diversity in the workplace and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.