Senior Communications Advisor, Media Relations

CEPA represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies, which transport 97 per cent of Canada’s natural gas and onshore crude oil production from producing regions to markets throughout Canada and the United States.

This position, reporting to the VP, Business Environment and under the direction of the Director, Communications, is responsible for developing and executing on a variety of external communications projects as they relate to CEPA member companies and the pipeline industry. The primary focus of this role is strategic media relations, executive communications and proactive issues management.

Profile

The ideal candidate is an individual with a post-secondary education in communications, public relations or journalism. The candidate must demonstrate first-rate writing and editing skills, honed through a minimum of seven years’ related experience.

Specific tasks will include:

• Act as the media relations lead, positioning CEPA as a credible voice for the pipeline industry.
• Develop and successfully execute a media relations strategy for CEPA.
• Track and manage all CEPA media requests and interviews.
• Coach and prepare CEPA spokespeople for media interviews.
• Create media content, including news releases, media statements, backgrounders, key message documents, media kits, magazine articles, etc.
• Write and pitch op-eds and coordinate editorial board meetings for CEPA executives when appropriate.
• Monitor traditional media coverage of pipeline issues and produce a daily report for CEPA employees.
• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists covering pipelines and energy across Canada.
• Coordinate and develop annual media training for senior leaders.
• Manage and enhance CEPA’s issues management program, which identifies and prioritizes emerging issues in the pipeline industry.
• Build relationships and liaise regularly with CEPA member company media contacts and other industry association media relations professionals to ensure coordination of messaging.
• Develop presentations and write speeches for CEPA executives.
• Assist in the development and launch of CEPA’s annual industry performance report.
• Assist with CEPA advertising, sponsorships, member communications, digital communications and other activities as required.

Qualifications and technical capabilities

• Communications-related degree (communications, public relations and/or journalism).
• A minimum of seven years’ communications experience with proven media relations expertise.
• First-rate writing and editing skills, including executive-level communications. Candidates being considered for the role will be asked to produce a writing sample as part of the interview process.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Proven issues management skills and experience.
• Experience working with Microsoft PowerPoint and media monitoring software.
• A background in oil and gas or pipeline sector is preferred, including a strong understanding of issues related to safety and performance, regulatory matters and market access.

To apply for the position please submit your resume to HR@cepa.com. No phone calls please.

Salary and benefits package will be commensurate with experience.

We thank all candidates for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For additional information about CEPA, please visit www.cepa.com.

Closing date: September 22, 2019 (11:59 pm)