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Job Summary:

The Vice President, Communications and Community Relations plans and implements the company's communications / public relations strategies and messages with ownership, club President of Business Operations and senior management executives while serving as the club’s spokesperson. The VP also serves as the interdepartmental facilitator for needs and objectives relative to the overall public mission of the club. The VP supervises the organization’s Communications (hockey and business), Community Outreach, Community Foundation and Broadcast Sales departments. The VP also serves as the executive editor for all club publications. The position also assists in the negotiations and fulfillment of the local television, radio (general market & French) and broadcaster contracts. The VP shall oversee the club’s relationship with the Senators Community Foundation and Alumni Association.

Reports to: President of Business Operations

Direct Reports: Director of Communications; Executive Director of Senators Foundation; Director, Fan & Community Development, Broadcasting / Sens TV, Publications and Television media sales.

Main Responsibilities:

Develops the club’s strategies and communications (Media, Community, Ottawa Municipal Affairs) goals with ownership and club executives
Serves as club’s spokesperson on behalf of ownership involving hockey, community, business and Canadian Tire Center events
Club’s primary contact for NHL initiatives: PR, Broadcasting & Community
Regularly briefs ownership, President of Business Operations and club officers on sensitive and/ or controversial issues
Actively participates in annual NHL public relations and broadcast meetings
Overlooks the Ottawa Senators Radio Network operations including affiliate relations
Negotiates general market/ French radio contracts; staff broadcasters and negotiate their contracts
Assists in the negotiation of the RSN television contract
Provides market analysis for media throughout the year for both radio and TV
Overlooks the club’s Community Relations efforts and responsible for all Ottawa Municipal Affairs
Overlooks the three Sensplex business plans & budgets and serves on its board of directors (or Advisory role)
Overlooks the club’s Foundation initiatives and serve on its board of directors (or Advisory role)
Oversees player relations and their participation in club Foundation events/ “Give” Campaigns
Executive editor/ creative consultant for club Publications
Oversees the relationship with the Ottawa Senators Alumni Association and manages their participation in club Sales/ Marketing and Community initiatives
Serves on community/ business board of directors that align with the mission of the club
Manages and executes annual budgets for all the departments; manages capital expense budgets

Requirements:

Over 10 years of experience working with a professional sports team, preferably with one of the four major sports leagues
Extensive experience, preferably at the professional sports level, in communications/ public relations, broadcasting and community foundation/ outreach
Excellent knowledge of local and national sports/ business media contacts
Experience as a senior-level management executive with a proven record as a quality leader and motivator who can communicate information to the media that allows interested parties to form a valid and favorable opinion as to the professional activities of the team, its members and the company as a whole
Outstanding budget-management skills; experience overseeing budgets
Ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple time sensitive obligations in a dynamic environment
Progressive approach toward the current and future landscape of corporate communications, with a strong understanding of technology and social media platforms
Bilingual English and French considered an asset.

Senators Sports & Entertainment supports the goals of Ontario Regulation 191/11 - Integrated Accessibility Standards and is pleased to accommodate applicants who have a disability during the recruitment process. Please inform the Human Resources Department at 613-599-0250 if you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process.

SSE is committed to building an inclusive process that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.

Ottawa Senators