Senior Manager, Internal Communications

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:

Are you passionate about connecting with employees through engaging communication that cuts through the clutter, builds company culture and drives business growth?

MDA Space is seeking a Senior Manager of Internal Communications to join our Corporate Communications team as we expand, accelerate and transform our business globally.

With a broad mandate for internal communications, in this position you will lead internal and employee-focused communications, working with a small but mighty team. The successful candidate will combine demonstrated internal communications and change management expertise, significant business acumen and a strategic understanding of the employee experience 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.

An essential member of the communications team, you’ll develop, manage and implement internal communication global strategies, channels and content. You’ll also lead change communication initiatives to help the organization thrive during a period of rapid growth and transformation, playing a meaningful role in creating a vibrant business culture throughout the organization.

It’s a big job that requires the expertise of an experienced strategic communicator combined with the get-it-done attitude of a hands-on leader and communications champion. It also requires a business savvy and pragmatic critical thinker who anticipates and understands business implications and can apply their communications expertise to our business context.

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

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Corporate Communications and dotted-line into the Vice President of Human Resources, the ideal candidate will be comfortable operating in a matrixed organization.

The position is located at our corporate headquarters and Space Robotics Centre of Excellence in Brampton.

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

• Develop strategic internal communications and change management plans, messaging and content to drive employee engagement, culture and business transformation initiatives.
• Take the lead on writing, editing, and proofreading all internal communications including employee and leadership communications, intranet site content and stand-alone communication such as executive presentations, video scripts and intranet articles.
• Build the MDA Space mission, purpose and values into everything we say and do.
• Provide internal counsel and project support for key business leaders, advising on and delivering internal communications for various special or business-as-usual projects.
• Lead the continued expansion and adoption of the MDA Space intranet strategy.
• Work closely with our HR and Talent teams to develop and drive employer branding campaigns that communicate the MDA Space employee value proposition.
• Connect with MDA Space internal audiences to identify communication opportunities to elevate the MDA Space brand, profile successes or address emerging issues.
• Work with C-suite leaders and internal clients to support efforts to build a transparent communications culture at MDA Space.
• Lead Town Hall strategy and content development.
• Manage external relationships for design, video production and other communication suppliers.
• Stay abreast of relevant trends and internal communication best practices.
• Establish the internal communications team as a strategic asset and trusted business partner within the business.
• Deliver measurable growth in employee engagement.
• Manage, support and coach junior communication team members.

Your qualifications and experience: 

• 10+ years of strategic internal/employee, HR and change communications, ideally in the technology sector.
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• A business savvy pragmatic critical thinker who anticipates and understands business implications and can apply their communications expertise to our business context.
• Superior writing, editing, proofreading, and research experience, ideally in the technology sector, that shapes compelling content across multiple internal 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.
• Demonstrated relationship building with the C-Suite and business leaders, supporting and developing internal content for executive communications needs.
• Established strength in developing and delivering high quality internal communication content and campaigns.
• Track record for getting things done, finding solutions to complex challenges, and turning ideas into measurable plans.
• Superior personal and interpersonal communications skills.
• French/English bilingualism is an asset.

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.