The Organization:

Summit Search Grouphas been retained byManitoba Public Insuranceon the recruitment of their next Media and Public Relations Lead. Established in 1971 to address a private system that was considered expensive, inadequate, and confusing, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) provides universal mandatory basic automobile coverage for drivers and private and commercial vehicles as well as optional insurance products.

Manitoba Public Insurance is dedicated to achieving value for Manitobans, meeting the needs of its customers, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this insurance system.The Board of Directors is working with MPI management to execute an aggressive and proactive fiscal restraint strategy and streamline and enhance its operations to optimize the customer experience. Value is created through affordable insurance (price), comprehensive protection against the cost of collisions (coverage), service where and when you need it (service) and easily attainable coverage and services that do not discriminate (access).

The Position:

Reporting to the Director, Communications, Brand and Marketing, the Media & Public Relations Lead is responsible for managing the Corporations public image by building and maintaining strategic relationships with media and stakeholders and ensuring clear and effective communication with the public.

The Media & Public Relations Lead is the sole point of contact with the media and is the primary public representative of the Corporation. The position manages proactive and reactive media outreach and inquiries while planning, organizing and implementing activities to generate positive earned media support of corporate objectives. This includes preparing and coaching executives and other employees to represent the Corporation in front of media, as required. On an ongoing basis, the incumbent maintains good working relationships with media, actively providing positive and informed context for interactions with the Corporation while mitigating negative coverage across traditional and online media outlets.

This role is also responsible for tracking, measuring and evaluating the quality of media coverage while planning and implementing media and public relations strategies to help shape public perception of the Corporation and improve overall brand health. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to broader strategic corporate communications planning and activities on an as-needed basis.

Job Responsibilities

Media & Public Relations Strategy (50%)

Prepare and distribute media content like news releases and public statements.

Build relationships with Manitoba media and represent MPIs position.

Develop and execute public relations strategies and events.

Monitor and evaluate media coverage and industry trends.

Analyze public opinion data and collaborate with internal teams to maintain MPIs brand consistency.

Media & Public Relations Communications (35%)

Act as the spokesperson in media interviews and press conferences, or prepare representatives.

Coordinate timely responses to media inquiries with research and analysis.

Develop outward-facing communications for sensitive issues and draft responses to media coverage.

Produce communication materials for various formats and write/edit copy for the website and publications.

Leadership Support (15%)

Advise divisions and senior management on communication strategies.

Write and edit materials for senior management, such as news releases and speeches.

Provide media training for executives as needed.

Qualifications:

• Diploma or Degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• 7 years of experience in leading complex journalism, public relations, and communication projects, including proactive and reactive media management.
• Proven experience overseeing a media relations function.
• Experience in a high-performance media relations role is highly preferred.
• Experience as a reporter is an asset.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in English; French is a plus but not required.
• Ability to communicate calmly and persuasively during interviews and confrontational situations.
• Deep understanding of traditional and online media, journalism principles, news cycles, and interview techniques.
• Ability to research, analyze, and manage sensitive and complex communication issues.
• Skill in creating and drafting corporate narratives aligned with business priorities.
• Proficiency in writing clear, engaging, and error-free copy for various communication materials.
• Capability to manage multiple issues and projects in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• High level of professionalism and comfort in interacting with senior executives and officials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and consulting skills.
• Knowledge of communication planning and evaluation techniques.

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to identify innovative technology solutions that enhance public relations strategies, streamline media processes, and leverage data to drive effective communication. This experience should be complemented by strong research and analysis skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and communicate it clearly and concisely.

For more information, or to submit your resume, please reach out to Jessica Willis ([email protected]) orMatt Erhard([email protected]) at Summit Search Group.

Summit Search Group has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. We strive for continuous development, modeling, inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias throughout our process.