Director of PR and Risk Management

What Is Start Proud

Start Proud aims to connect LGBTQ+ students with employers, while promoting the development of LGBTQ+ professionals, and celebrating the achievements and service of those in the community.

We facilitate the professional development of LGBTQ+ students as they transition from school to career in order to build a national network within the community. Our vision is to empower members of the LGBTQ+ community to be Canada’s leaders of tomorrow, where all institutions embrace inclusiveness within the workplace and diversity within the workforce.

About the Role:

The Expert Director of PR and Risk Management reports directly to the Executive Vice President of Internal Operations and leads the public relations and risk management functions within Start Proud. You will oversee a focused team responsible for managing external communications, vetting speakers and partnerships, and ensuring the organization’s reputation remains strong.

You will collaborate closely with initiative leads to ensure PR and risk considerations are embedded in major programs such as Out On Bay Street (OOBS), Leaders to be Proud Of, and Workshops. Additionally, you will work with external partners and media outlets to amplify Start Proud’s message and ensure that critical communications, such as press releases, are strategically prepared and distributed.

In this role you will:

• Vetting Speakers and Partnerships: Collaborate with teams to vet speakers and corporate partnerships for key initiatives like Out On Bay Street (OOBS) and Leaders to be Proud Of, ensuring alignment with Start Proud’s values and reputation.
• Prepare Critical Press Releases: Draft, review, and oversee the release of important communications, such as press releases and public statements, ensuring the messaging is clear, strategic, and in line with Start Proud’s goals.
• Manage PR and Risk Strategies: Develop and implement public relations strategies to protect and enhance the organization’s image. Ensure risk management practices are in place to mitigate potential legal, reputational, or operational risks.
• Crisis Communication Management: Take a leading role in managing communication during crises, ensuring a well-coordinated and effective response to protect Start Proud’s reputation.
• Support Board and Executive Leadership: Provide counsel on public relations and risk management to the board and executive team, offering insights into potential risks or opportunities tied to major decisions and initiatives.
• Ensure Compliance and Ethical Standards: Oversee compliance with relevant laws and ethical guidelines, ensuring that all organizational activities meet high standards of integrity.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 4+ Years of Experience: A seasoned professional with a minimum of four years of post-graduate experience in public relations, communications, risk management, or a related field.
• Public Relations and Communication Skills: Strong experience in creating effective press releases, media communications, and public relations strategies.
• Risk Management Awareness: Experience in identifying potential risks and managing processes to mitigate legal, operational, and reputational challenges.
• Crisis Management Skills: Ability to effectively handle crisis communications, ensuring a rapid and measured response to protect the organization’s reputation.
• Collaborative Leadership: Experience working with cross-functional teams, providing oversight on partnerships, speaker engagements, and external communications.

Commitment

• ~5-10 hours per month
• Mandatory attendance at team team meetings

Application Instructions:

Please submit your resume via the link above. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Candidates from the LGBTQ+ community or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity and/or sexual orientation are strongly encouraged to apply. Lived experience as a member of any equity-deserving community is considered a strong asset.

We’re committed to providing accommodations throughout the application, interview, and employment process. If you require accommodation to be at your best, please let us know during the application process.

Why Start Proud?

• Springboard your professional development by gaining valuable experience as part of a national non-profit in a functional area you are looking to grow your skills in. We are here to develop you, even if you have little experience.
• Make an impact in our organization and the community we serve! We are growing and evolving quickly, so there are many opportunities to make a difference.
• Build your network with friendly and supportive LGBTQ+ students and professionals that are eager to support and mentor each other.