Director of Communications & Safety Strategy - Bilingual (French/ English)

Job summary

Lead integrated English- and French-language communications, media relations, public affairs, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen the organization’s credibility and advance battery safety across Canada. Build partnerships with governments, regulators, fire services, and safety organizations, while leading the communications team and safety education initiatives.

Job details

The Director of Communications & Safety Strategy is a visionary leader who excels at the intersection of public safety, strategic communications, government relations, and stakeholder engagement. Operating in complex, high-profile environments, this individual brings the strategic insight, creative leadership, and policy acumen required to influence public behavior, strengthen organizational credibility, and advance a national safety agenda. As the architect of a unified bilingual communications strategy, they build and amplify a clear, trusted, and authoritative national voice. Through compelling storytelling, evidence-based advocacy, and strategic stakeholder engagement, they elevate battery safety as a critical public priority while positioning the organization as the foremost source of expertise for Canadians, governments, regulators, fire services, industry partners, and media. This leader transforms complex technical and regulatory issues into clear, actionable messages that resonate with diverse audiences. They drive public awareness campaigns, shape policy conversations, manage reputational risk, and cultivate trusted relationships that enhance organizational influence and national impact. Combining strategic vision with operational execution, the Director leads integrated communications, public affairs, safety advocacy, and stakeholder engagement initiatives that inspire action, build confidence, and deliver measurable results. They are a catalyst for change, ensuring the organization remains the leading authority Canadians rely on to advance safer behaviours, stronger standards, and a safer future.. What you should expect: Strategic Communications Leadership The 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 Influence They 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 Building The 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 Leadership They 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 Management The 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 Engagement They 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 Partnerships This 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 Management The 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 Competencies Exceptional 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

What you’ll do

Lead integrated English- and French-language communications, media relations, public affairs, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen the organization’s credibility and advance battery safety across Canada. Build partnerships with governments, regulators, fire services, and safety organizations, while leading the communications team and safety education initiatives.

Requirements

Requires full fluency in English and French, a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field, and 10 or more years of progressive corporate communications or public relations experience; a master’s degree is preferred. Candidates should bring experience in regulated environments, bilingual communications, media relations, crisis management, stakeholder engagement, and team and vendor leadership.

Listed skills

• Team Leadership · Preferred
• crisis management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Bilingual Communications Strategy
• Strategic Communications
• Media Relations
• Crisis Management
• Reputation Management
• Public Affairs
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Government Relations
• Safety Advocacy
• Policy Advocacy
• Content Strategy
• Storytelling
• Internal Communications
• Team Leadership
• Vendor Management
• Public Speaking

Job areas

• Management & Leadership
• Marketing
• Creative & Media
• Security & Safety
• Government & Public Sector

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