Director of Partner Relations
Closed
The Chapman Group is assisting their client, the Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) in recruiting their next Director of Partner Relations.
The Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) is a national organization representing more than 100 independent companies providing bundled internet, TV, and telephone services to hundreds of thousands of Canadians in communities generally outside urban markets, from coast to coast to coast.
Leveraging the collective buying power of Canada's independent communications companies, CCSA delivers cost savings, advocacy support, and opportunities for knowledge and information exchange to its members. CCSA does this by helping to control members' video programming and other costs, keeping them informed of changes in the industry, and ensuring government and regulatory stakeholders receive the right messages about member's businesses and issues at the right time.
CCSA members are community cooperatives, family businesses, municipalities, and companies owned by Indigenous Peoples that work and invest in their communities. Their connection and relationship to their community isn't just business - they live there.
The Role
CCSA's mission is to influence a favourable business and public policy environment for its members through group purchasing, advocacy, and information sharing. To this end, on behalf of our collective membership, CCSA negotiates Master Agreements with hundreds of Canadian and foreign television programming services for the carriage of signals; and participates, as needed, in any related Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) dispute resolution processes. CCSA is also continually exploring opportunities to negotiate Master Agreements and partnership arrangements for other products or services that benefit or are important to member's business operations.
The Director of Partner Relations plays a key role in supporting CCSA's management team and Board of Directors and works closely with the CEO to lead CCSA's strategic partner relations and group purchasing activities in support of CCSA's mandate and member companies.
Reporting to the CEO and working with CCSA's contracts team, the Director of Partner Relations is responsible for the successful negotiation, conclusion, and administration of current and future Master Agreements, as well as working with the management team on developing and executing future growth strategies for members, partners, and the CCSA.
Core Accountabilities
Management
· Contribute to CCSA's success through the provision of leadership, input, guidance, and participation in organizational strategic planning and implementation.
· Develop and execute departmental activities that deliver on overall strategy within established budgets and time frames.
· Work collaboratively with leadership and cross-functional teams, ensuring maintenance of team culture and morale, productivity, and efficiency.
Partner Relations
· Work closely with the CEO to identify partnership opportunities, new areas for growth and engagement.
· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore new opportunities and, as required, negotiate mutually beneficial agreements for CCSA and its members.
· Work closely with the Director, Legal & Regulatory Affairs to help strengthen the government relations and advocacy activities.
· Lead CCSA's efforts in securing sponsorship commitments for the annual conference and other events.
Group Purchasing - Contract Negotiations
· Develop and maintain a comprehensive group purchasing strategy to reflect member and organization priorities.
· Work with CCSA's leadership team and its Contracts Review Committee (CRC) to plan, develop, implement, and maintain the overall strategy for all CCSA Master Agreements.
· Ensure all concluded agreements reflect member priorities and direction from the CRC and Board of Directors.
· Maintain appropriate systems for the administration of and reporting on Master Agreements.
· Monitor, measure, and report on group purchasing issues, opportunities, development plans, key performance indicators, and achievements within agreed formats and time frames.
· Plan and manage internal, external, and member communications regarding group purchasing issues.
· Manage, train, and motivate direct reporting staff.
· Collaborate and liaise with other CCSA departments and colleagues, to generate understanding and awareness of all necessary group purchasing matters affecting CCSA and its members.
· Liaise and assist members and partners with inquiries and concerns.
· University degree (ideally in Business or Media/Communications or related discipline) and/or an LL.B and/or J.D. from an accredited Canadian Law School; or equivalent education and related experience.
· Minimum of eight (8) years of related experience in similar roles developing and managing strategic partnerships, group purchasing and programming content negotiations.
· Excellent negotiating skills and a strategic understanding of the programming acquisition process, including regulatory and legal requirements.
· Experience successfully resolving disputes through mediation and arbitration processes.
· Strong knowledge of the North American entertainment distribution industry.
· Strong acumen for both business and finance with ability to effectively analyze and interpret financial data and develop business models.
· An analytical, yet innovative thinker, with well-developed strategic reasoning skills.
· Ability to adapt and change directions quickly to keep pace with a rapidly evolving, competitive marketplace.
· Highly developed management, interpersonal and presentation skills, combined with strong oral and written communication skills.
· Collaborative, team player that demonstrates a positive attitude and works effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
· Existing relationships with decision-makers and influencers within the broadcasting distribution industry is an asset.
· Ability to travel.
· Bilingual in both official languages (English and French), verbal and written, is an asset.
Working at the Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA)
CCSA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
· Flexible work location (Remote or Hybrid)
· Salary commensurate with experience
· Medical and dental plan
· Employer-sponsored retirement contributions
· Competitive vacation and holiday time
· Family-friendly sick and personal leave policies
· Professional development
The Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.
We are committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and accessible work environment where all employees have the opportunity to achieve their potential.
Please contact Christine Johnston for more information on this position [email protected]
