Manager, Media Relations and Spekesperson

At Alto, we are actively contributing to the transformation of Canada's future with our high-speed train project connecting Quebec City and Toronto. With the support of the Government of Canada, this innovative project aims to improve the quality of life of our citizens, strengthen ties between communities and stimulate economic growth.

Would you like to take on a stimulating, high-impact challenge?  We are looking for a Manager, Media Relations and Spekesperson

At Alto, we're reimagining passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada. Our goal is to create a new, sustainable rail network that will run faster, more often and more reliably between Toronto and Québec City. We are Canada's largest infrastructure project in generations.

The role

Reporting to the Director, Communications, the Manager, Media Relations and spokesperson plays a key role in promoting the organization and the project to the media and the public. The person is responsible for designing and implementing media strategy, as well as managing relations with journalists and influencers. He/she also helps protect the organization's reputation in sensitive or controversial situations.

The Manager, Media Relations and spokesperson is responsible for a team. The ideal candidate also helps to create the conditions needed to increase public awareness of and support for the project, and to sustain the organization's good reputation through a proactive and transparent approach, based on a high capacity for popularizing complex content.

We are looking for a bilingual (English/French) professional who is equally comfortable handling incoming media requests and developing proactive media outreach. The ideal candidate has a strong sense of organization, is flexible and adaptable, and if recognize for their collaborative approach, with strong judgment and a solid understanding of complex public-interest projects.

The responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the media strategy by identifying media coverage opportunities, preparing press material and company representatives, and organizing events for journalists and influencers.
• Actively participate in the development of communication strategies, key messages and storylines, and ensure consistency of messages.
• Lead, coach, and support media relations team members and contributors, both through direct reporting relationships and in a matrix structure involving internal teams and external partners.
• Act as a spokesperson for the project, as appropriate.
• Advise and support the organization's managers in their communications activities.
• Develop and maintain close ties with the media, respond to media requests in a timely manner and organize meetings with senior executives.
• Work closely with the CEO’s office to align timing, messaging, and priorities.
• Manage media relations in the event of a crisis by organizing internal and external strategies as well as developing appropriate communications to preserve the company's image.
• Carry out in-depth and proactive media monitoring of company-related issues and evaluate the success of media campaigns by analyzing media presence, press references and key performance indicators.
• Adapt quickly to emerging issues, changing timelines, and reactive media situations.

The requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications or other relevant discipline (or other combination of education and experience).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in corporate communications, including media relations and in the preparation of various communications products.
• Demonstrated experience in managing personnel, including direct supervision and matrix management of multidisciplinary teams or contributors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Interact effectively with media, journalists, bloggers and influencers.
• Have a good knowledge of the media, communication platforms and current trends.
• Experience generating media coverage opportunities for the organization.
• Understand the ecosystem in which the project evolves and market issues.
• Expertise in linear infrastructure projects (advantage).
• Proven ability to deal with pressure and conflict calmly and professionally.
• Ability to proactively react and provide accurate information to the media.
• Analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Bilingualism (French and English).

Why join our innovative team?

• Basic paid group insurance for you and your family: medical, dental, life, disability, etc.
• Access to wellness and health accounts to support your lifestyle.
• Flex-Alto account of $500 to encourage a healthier approach and a more sustainable mode of transportation.
• A retirement plan and savings options (RRSP and TFSA).
• Vacations based on experience, available upon hiring.
• An incentive compensation program.
• Flexible hybrid work mode.
• A work environment that encourages initiative, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions.
• A unique opportunity to shape the future of transportation in Canada.

We work to create high-performance, diversified teams

At Alto, we believe in the power of diverse teams. We aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone can develop and flourish. Alto offers equal employment opportunities to all and invites qualified individuals, regardless of their identity, origin or situation, to apply.

Please let us know if you need any adjustments during the recruitment process. We will do our utmost to provide you with a fair and pleasant experience, while keeping any adjustments confidential.

Please note that we will communicate only with those candidates whose applications are selected for further consideration. 

To find out more about the entire project, visit Alto - Home.