Director of Communications - Bilingual French/ English

The Director, Communications is a dynamic and influential leader who brings together public safety, communications, stakeholder engagement, and government relations to create meaningful national impact. Comfortable navigating complex and highly visible environments, they help organizations build trust, strengthen their reputation, and inspire action among diverse audiences. Their ability to connect strategy with purpose allows them to advance important safety priorities while fostering strong relationships with governments, regulators, industry partners, emergency services, media, and the public.As the organization's lead communicator and safety advocate, they develop and execute a cohesive bilingual communications strategy that informs, engages, and influences. They translate technical and regulatory issues into clear, relatable messages that people can understand and act upon. Through public awareness campaigns, thought leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic advocacy, they elevate battery safety as a national priority while positioning the organization as a trusted source of expertise. Combining big-picture thinking with a hands-on approach, they lead initiatives that build awareness, shape conversations, strengthen partnerships, and help create safer communities across Canada.What you should expect:Strategic Communications LeadershipThe Director is the architect of bold, integrated communication strategies that energize audiences and amplify the organization’s mission across English and French markets. They ensure every message — from digital campaigns to executive announcements — hits with clarity, consistency, and purpose.Media Relations & Public InfluenceThey are a media force — building powerful relationships, shaping narratives, and ensuring the organization is front and centre in national conversations. Whether managing interviews or stepping in as spokesperson, the Director brings confidence, credibility, and charisma.Internal Communications & Culture BuildingThe Director creates internal communication systems that spark engagement, strengthen alignment, and keep employees informed, inspired, and connected. They partner with senior leadership to deliver messaging that drives momentum and fuels organizational pride.High‑Impact Content & Thought LeadershipThey oversee bilingual content that educates, motivates, and captivates — from program materials and sector updates to Board communications and national safety campaigns. Their storytelling elevates the organization’s leadership and shapes public understanding.Crisis & Reputation ManagementThe Director is the steady hand in high‑stakes moments. They design crisis communication plans, lead rapid‑response efforts, and protect the organization’s reputation with precision, speed, and strategic clarity.Stakeholder & Community EngagementThey build meaningful relationships with community groups, industry partners, and external stakeholders. As a confident and compelling representative at events and speaking engagements, the Director strengthens advocacy and expands influence.Safety Leadership & Strategic PartnershipsThis is where the role becomes truly unique — and truly exciting. The Director is a national champion for battery safety, partnering with governments, regulators, fire services, and global safety organizations to advance policy, awareness, and public education. They lead collaborations with UL FSRI, NFPA, provincial fire associations, EUCOBAT, Bebat, and others, driving initiatives that increase safety and collection rates across Canada. They also work with internal teams to build scalable safety training — including a CRM‑integrated e‑learning platform — ensuring collection partners nationwide have the tools they need to operate safely. They identify emerging risks and opportunities and turn them into forward‑thinking strategies that reinforce the organization’s leadership.Team Leadership & Vendor ManagementThe Director inspires a high‑performing communications team, fostering creativity, excellence, and accountability. They manage external agencies and consultants to maximize reach, impact, and innovation.What you will bring:Full bilingual fluency in English and French.Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; Master’s preferred.10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications or public relations.Proven success leading bilingual communication strategies and launching new programs.Experience in regulated environments.Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills in both languages.Strong experience in media relations, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement.Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and vendors.Ability to excel in fast‑paced, high‑visibility environments.Core CompetenciesExceptional relationship‑building and interpersonal skills.Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.High cultural sensitivity across English and French markets.Proactive, results‑driven, detail‑oriented, and highly organized.Inspiring leadership with a collaborative, energizing presence.Please send resumes to terpstra@summitsearchgroup.com