Senior Manager, Marketing Communications (Robotics and Space Operations)

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

The Opportunity:

MDA Space is seeking a Senior Manager of Marketing Communications to join our Corporate Communications team as we expand, accelerate and commercialize our Robotics and Space Operations business globally. This is a new position located at our corporate headquarters and Space Robotics Centre of Excellence in Brampton.

With a broad marketing communications mandate for all external and internal communications including executive communications, media relations, product marketing support, crisis and issues management and thought-leadership, the successful candidate will combine demonstrated marketing communications expertise, a positive get-it-done attitude and significant business acumen to help build the communications function at MDA Space as we focus on driving growth, engagement and brand awareness with stakeholders inside and outside of the company.

MDA Space Marketing Communications Senior Managers are progressive, forward-leaning integrated communication leaders and highly skilled and strategic marketing communication experts with extensive experience advising and counselling senior executives, campaign and message development, and superior writing and presentation skills. Prior work experience in publicly-traded corporations, a B2B technology setting, an agency setting or a combination is a priority.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Corporate Communications with dotted line reporting into the business area senior executive, the ideal candidate will be comfortable operating in a matrixed organization.

This is a career-defining opportunity to make your mark on one of Canada’s most historic, innovative and exciting technology companies in a rapidly expanding growth sector. Excited? Here’s what you can expect.

Responsibilities and Outcomes:

• Work with corporate communications colleagues and agency partners to define and drive the implementation of a comprehensive marketing communications campaign strategy that consistently tells the story of one of our primary business areas.
• Provide strategic communications counsel and 1:1 support to senior executives, helping them translate business strategy into communications strategy and actions that inform, advance, and protect the business.
• Day-to-day communications management including content development, review, approval and dissemination of business area communications including but not limited to employee and leadership communications, relevant website and intranet content, media releases and stand-alone communications such as executive presentations, video scripts and intranet content.
• Represent the business area as a spokesperson and single point of contact coordinating onsite visits and events and trade shows , working with colleagues to create a memorable and positive brand experience and business engagement.
• Cross-functional collaboration within the business area to support the broad communications needs including but not limited to Human Resources, Business Development and Operations.
• Working with the MDA Space branding team, tap into external suppliers for design, video production, photography and other content requirements.
• Stay connected with MDA internal audiences to identify communication opportunities to elevate the MDA brand, profile successes or address emerging issues.
• Working with the MDA Space events team, help plan, support and execute relevant aspects of marketing initiatives such as conferences, trade shows, career fairs, local and community activities, paper submissions and related social media, attending the events as needed.
• Provide communications thought leadership by staying on top of relevant trends and internal and external communication best practices.
• Establish marketing communications as a strategic asset and trusted business partner within the business area.
• Deliver measurable expansion of the MDA Space and product brands over time.
• Develop long-term strategy marketing communications campaigns and messages for the business areas with a focus on building brand, visibility, engagement, clarity and credibility with all audiences.
• Become a trusted and strategic communications advisor to MDA Space senior management.
• Develop integrated and multi-media communications content that consistently tells the business area and product story to multiple stakeholders – internally and externally.
• Consistent with MDA’s brand image and guidelines, develop core marketing communications materials, presentations and other content announcements, campaigns and other product and service marketing efforts as well as sales meetings, tradeshows and events.

Ideal Experience: 

• 10+ years of strategic marketing or communications experience working with corporations of similar size, scale and complexity, preferable publicly traded technology companies and/or agencies.
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Marketing, Sales, Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• Superior writing, editing, proofreading, and research experience – ideally in the technology sector to shape compelling content across multiple internal and external channels and platforms (digital and in-person)
• Strong organizational and project management skills with experience in managing multiple, diverse projects and tight deadlines with autonomy, while maintaining timely, high-quality work across the team
• Demonstrated relationship-building with executive leaders supporting and developing internal content for executive communications needs.
• Established strength in developing and delivering high quality external and internal communication content and campaigns.
• Track record for getting things done, finding solutions to complex challenges, and turning ideas into measurable plans.
• Self-starter
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Creative/critical thinking and problem solving skills are required
• Willingness to travel

Critical Competencies:

Acting strategically — identifies and prioritizes the most critical factors to consider in making decisions. Develops plans that consider the impact beyond own area, location, function or market

Takes ownership – takes ownership by driving innovation and tackling big needs and issues.

Exceptional Communicator – a persuasive communicator who is open, direct and approachable who can deliver crisp, concise, incisive, logical written and verbal content

Global Thinker – takes a big picture, global and holistic approach to communications with demonstrated sensitivity for and appreciation of diversity and culture

Executive Presence and Maturity – a natural leader and a visible and hands-on team player with a high-level of professionalism, diplomacy, emotional intelligence, self-awareness and business acumen

Analytical Approach – takes an analytical approach to evaluating the success of internal and external communications by using metrics and measurement

Acts as Change Agent – comfortable driving the strategic behaviour changes needed to support MDA Space on its transformation journey

Benefits Statement:

MDA Space offers competitive compensation and benefits to its employees at all of its locations. As a member of the MDA Space team, you and your eligible dependents can enroll in a benefits plan that provides a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care, including: health care plans supplemental and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans and an employee assistance program and to their family.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and candidates with respect and dignity. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.

The compensation range for this position is $102,000 - $150,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.