Issues and Crisis Communications Manager

At Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), we’re more than just a workplace; we’re a proud community dedicated to supporting Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families in their daily lives. We carefully curate and provide programs and services designed to meet their unique needs and enhance their mental, social, physical, financial and familial well-being. CFMWS employees deliver programs and services including recreation, sports and fitness programs, customized financial services, retail services, access to retail savings and discounts and offers family support and organizes charity events.

Our success stems from living our values. Our employees care about their role in supporting Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families and act with integrity in all they do. Thriving in our close-knit environment, we act as one team with one mission. We constantly seek new ideas and creative ways to deliver the best possible programs and services.

As an employer, we offer a commitment to your health, wellness and growth. We provide a diverse range of roles across many locations and a career where you can make a meaningful impact.

Under the direction of the Associate Director, Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Relations, the Issues and Crisis Communications Manager will be responsible for leading the issues and crisis communications activities for the organization.

They will act as the subject matter expert (SME) on issues management, crisis communications, media relations, and reputational risk, providing strategic advice to senior leadership.

Develop issues and crisis-specific products, including media lines, key messages, questions & answers (Q&A), holding statements, and briefing materials for senior leadership and spokespersons.

They will lead communications input for sensitive files, including Ministerial Correspondence Unit (MCU) requests, Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) consultations, and other high-profile or confidential matters.

They will act as a key communications advisor to emergency response and incident management teams, ensuring communications considerations are integrated into operational decision-making.

They will create, review, edit and approve crisis and issues communications materials to ensure consistency with corporate brand standards, official languages, messaging and accessibility requirements.

They will lead the development and continuous improvement of crisis and issues communications frameworks, including playbooks, protocols, escalation processes, and response tools to ensure organizational readiness.

Education, Certifications and Licenses

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration or related field AND several years of relevant experience

Experience

In developing crisis communications strategies and frameworks

In advising senior leadership during high-pressure situations

In managing sensitive media relations

In monitoring media and identifying risks

In developing crisis communications materials

In supporting coordinated crisis responses

In coaching spokespersons

In developing media guidelines

In maintaining tracking tools

In conducting lessons learned reviews

In coordinating communications initiatives

Competencies, Skills and Abilities

Client focus, organizational knowledge, communication, innovation, teamwork and leadership.

Bilingual (English and French) Essential

Reading: Advanced Level

Writing: Functional Level

Oral: Advanced Level

Health Benefits: Drug coverage, healthcare spending account, virtual care (telemedicine), Employee and Family Assistance Program, mental health support, travel insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and disability insurance.

Work Life Balance: Flexible work options and a wide range of paid/unpaid leave, including paid vacation, family related leave and personal days.

Retirement Planning: A Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Group Savings Plans.

Learning and Development: Payment of professional association memberships, online learning opportunities including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and second language training.

Perks: Discounts through CF One Member Appreciation.

Explore all the benefits CFMWS offers by visiting:

This is a hybrid position with an assigned work location allowing the employee to work partly from a corporate office and partly from a home office in accordance with the CFMWS Flexible Work Options Policy, and with approval from the direct manager.

August

CFMWS is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment, where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who can help us build a workforce that reflects the diversity of Canadian society. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or assessment, you should advise the recruitment team in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.