Communications Manager

Program:  Senior Manager, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office

Reports to: Senior Manager

Accountable to : Environment Office Senior Manager

Terms of Employment: Full-time

Salary: $75,000 to $105,000

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week (some evenings and weekend may be periodically required)

Job Location: Wiarton, Ontario (Not remote work)

Anticipated Start Date: Immediately 

Closing Date: October 10, 2025 

*Priority will be given to qualified Saugeen and Nawash Band members.

The Environment Office Saugeen Ojibway Nation prides itself on being an organization that works daily through our Core Values. These values are tied into all that we do. With WISDOM we can teach. With LOVE we can endure, with RESPECT we can work together even when we don’t agree, with BRAVERY we can achieve, with HONESTY we can act with integrity even when no one is watching, with TRUTH we can trust each other and with HUMILITY we can lift each other up. The Environment Office strives daily to work with our competencies along side these values and they are woven into the fabric of how we work.  

Required Experience: 

• Post-secondary degree in Journalism, Communications or Business Administration plus 5 years’ experience in progressively more responsible positions in a First Nation setting
• OR post-secondary diploma in a Media Relations, Marketing and/related field field plus 7 years’ experience in progressively more responsible positions in a First Nation setting

Recommended  Experience: 

• Experience in the development of legislation, regulations and policy, preferably within a First Nations provincial/territorial organization or First Nations administration; 
• Experience in Media Relations is considered an asset
• Experience in Policy Analysis is considered an asset
• Understanding and appreciation of Anishinaabe culture and values

Core Competencies:

All staff roles at Environment Saugeen Ojibway Nation require the team members to work through our values to deliver the following Core Competencies

Effective Communication:

Provide and receive information using the most effective/efficient/appropriate medium and technology based on what needs to be communicated and to whom. Effectively use different approaches and technologies for different audiences. Communicate effectively and professionally to proponents, work teams, managers, staff and Joint Council. 

Humility and Curiosity:

Being humble by having a respectful, team-focused attitude that values others input and embraces feedback as an opportunity to grow. Having the willingness to learn, admit mistakes and prioritize team success over individual achievements. 

Being curious and having an eagerness to explore, ask questions and seek deeper understanding of yourself and others. Possess and eagerness for continuous learning with a proactive approach to problem solving and innovation. 

Results:

The ability to work in a results oriented culture by achieving goals and staying focused while maintaining a high level of accountability to results. A drive towards outcomes and achieving timelines by prioritizing tasks effectively, taking ownership of challenges and maintaining momentum even when faced with challenges. 

Achieving objectives efficiently and to a high standard while often looking for ways to exceed expectations. Possess a willingness to adapt and find solutions for continuous improvement and measurable success. 

Operations:

Possessing operational competency by executing daily workflows to ensure maximum efficiency and quality. Focus on process improvement, monitor personal performance metrics and ensure compliance with current processes and procedures. Adept at time management and working with  teams to execute plans smoothly while adapting to change well.  

Conflict Resolution:

Possess the ability to handle conflicts constructively and be a part of a positive and collaborative work environment. This requires active listening skills while hearing all perspectives, staying calm under pressure and using diplomacy to address differences. Requires the ability to openly communicate, diffuse tensions and work on practical solutions that align with the team and the Environment Office goals. Having the ability to effectively communicate challenges , promote mutual understanding and build trust that matters will be handled in a professional and courteous way. 

Team Building:

Fostering a cohesive, motivated and connected team through collaboration, trust, and open communication among team members. The ability to recognize strengths and opportunities within oneself and others and create an environment where everyone feels valued. Effectively team building by personal development and promoting a shared sense of purpose. The ability to work as a collective effort towards a common goal. 

Job Description:

Communication Strategy & Implementation

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Communications Strategic Plan for the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Executive Office (SON EO).
• Create and communicate a cohesive communication strategy in collaboration with the team.
• Prepare media packages, releases, and interviews for leadership, specifically relating to the work of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
• Assist leadership and the management team with government communications.
• Support leadership and staff in podcast planning.

Team Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership and mentorship to team members, assigning them to create appropriate materials for diverse audiences across multiple multimedia platforms.
• Attract, hire, and retain talent through equitable practices, talent assessment, strategic team alignment, and performance management.
• Align the Communications team on strategic steps and desired outcomes.
• Set clear goals for the Communications team and maintain accountability for their achievement.
• Drive outcomes by prioritizing tasks and resources to meet timelines.
• Oversee the workflows of the communications team.
• Manage department projects through consistent feedback and updates.
• Responsible for managing budgets and productivity.

Content & Information Management

• Review various government policies and provide briefing notes with recommendations for leadership's consideration on future paths.
• Translate and present technical language for non-specialist audiences.
• Conduct thorough research and documentation.
• Protect confidential and sensitive information.

Audience Engagement & Relations

• Engage diverse audiences on social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube).
• Interact effectively with media personnel, the public, Joint Council, proponents, and government officials.

General Skills & Operations

• Utilize effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Execute standard office procedures and practices efficiently.
• Demonstrate proficient organizational and time management skills.
• Operate proficiently in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).