Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is looking to grow our team and are in search of a team-oriented, purpose driven individual to join us as Manager of Communications & Stakeholder Relations. The successful candidate will be responsible for working across all KAP's functions to assess communications needs, developing, and overseeing communications strategy, as well as fostering relationships with all relevant stakeholders including farmer members, associations, government, industry, and others.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Manager of Communications & Stakeholder Relations is a key member of the KAP management team.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Communications

• Collaborate with the General Manager and KAP team to recognize and identify all communications opportunities and challenges, define, and execute appropriate strategies and solutions to support.
• Develop and implement an integrated corporate communications strategic plan to advance KAP's brand identity, broaden awareness of its programs and priorities, and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
• Monitor and report on KAP's media coverage and issues affecting KAP and its members, including managing and arranging interviews, developing speaking notes, create news releases, press kits, and other related materials.
• Oversee development of all KAP communications including the annual report, newsletters, marketing collateral materials, news releases, electronic communications, website, external presentations, and social media.
• Work collaboratively with the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator and Farm Safety Consultant to implement training and communication engagement tools for the KAP initiatives (e.g. Environmental Farm Plan, KAP labour strategy, FarmSafe Manitoba program) and grow these programs.
• Provide strategic communications support to KAP team as required; ensure leadership team are kept informed of high-profile issues.
• Work in collaboration with the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator support all KAP events.

Stakeholder Relations

• Develop strategies that are designed to increase engagement with farmers, KAP individual members, KAP commodity group members, and other key Manitoba stakeholders relevant to agriculture.
• Work in collaboration with key stakeholder organizations across the agri-food value chain (for example: CFA, APAS, AFA, OFA, UFA, CRSC, Canada Grains Council, and Grain Growers of Canada) in providing communications support on key initiatives that advance the Canadian agri-food sector.
• Build and maintain credible, professional, collaborative partnerships and relationships across a diverse group of networks including media, customers, industry, government, consultants, consumers, and the public.
• Establish and oversee the stakeholder outreach program for KAP to ensure all groups (members, funders, government, public etc.) receive regular and relevant, and when appropriate targeted communications on issues and topics to promote KAP and the agriculture sector.
• Work in collaboration with the General Manager and Policy Manager to develop and support all government relations activities, with a focus on provincial matters, as well as federal and municipal issues as required.

Staff Management and Administrative

• Lead the delivery of timely up to date (weekly, monthly, annual) communications activities to ensure the board of directors, members, stakeholders, government are informed on KAP and KAP news and key developments and initiatives.
• Manage external consultants and agencies involved in communication and outreach activities; manage budgets and project execution; ensure deliverables are understood, budgets and timelines are met.
• Research, trend and data analysis and reporting. Including developing, measuring, and reporting analytics, key performance indicators (KPIs) and developing measurement tactics.
• Develop, execute, and evaluate an annual communications workplan aligned with KAP's strategic direction.
• Managing multiple projects with strong planning, budget management, decision making; ability to prioritize work in consultation with others in a dynamic environment.
• Support the reporting activities of KAP for any government funded projects and programs to ensure compliance with funding agreements.
• Oversee the management of communications activities and staff, including setting and conducting annual performance reviews, supporting ongoing needs and goals, and provide feedback and necessary training resources for adequate skill development.

Education and Qualifications

• Post secondary education in marketing, communications, English, public relations, or journalism
• A minimum of five years' experience working in a marketing, communications, or stakeholder/government relations position
• Thorough understanding of communications best practices and principles
• Experience and expertise in political sensitivities, understanding the legislative and regulatory development process and the general structure of government
• Proven success managing corporate social media accounts and developing effective campaigns
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Sound judgment and good interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and conflicting deadlines
• Access to a vehicle and valid driver's license for travel within the province
• Experience or understanding of agriculture in Manitoba an asset

Working Conditions

• An office setting with natural light and good ventilation, accessible by elevator and automatic door. There may be an option to work from home in a hybrid setting if mutually beneficial.
• Manual dexterity required to use computer and peripherals.
• Interacts with employees, management, executive, the board, farmer members and the public.
• Overtime may be required.
• Diversity is a core value at Keystone Agricultural Producers. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for our team. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions.

Full benefit package available, including health and dental benefits, health spending account, parking/bus pass provided, paid cell phone, and employer matching RRSP.

The deadline to apply is April 1, 2025. Please apply with a cover letter and resume.