Communications Director

(Open to flexible and/or hybrid with Newfoundland) Venor is proud to partner with our client, Grieg Seafood, in their search for a Communications Director. Grieg Seafood is a global leader in salmon aquaculture. The company operates farms in Norway’s Rogaland and Finnmark regions, as well as British Columbia and Newfoundland in Canada. With headquarters in Bergen, Norway, Grieg Seafood’s dynamic team of over 750 professionals spread across various regions plays a crucial role in the organization’s continued success and growth. Position Overview Reporting to the Managing Director, the Communications Director oversees a community relations/communication strategy which includes corporate giving activities that increase the reach, reputation, and awareness of Grieg Seafood’s key stakeholders. Working within NL’s coastal communities, as well as directly with local, provincial, and federal government partners, the incumbent will play a critical role in developing, managing, and leading the strategic development of communication strategies, systems, processes, planning, implementation, media relations, issues and crisis management to further build respectful and trusting working relationships with all stakeholders. The Director must be comfortable speaking in public forums and at events as a representative of Grieg salmon farming. The Director will occasionally address the media and be interviewed for radio, TV, and print. The Director will also provide leadership around working proactively with media and NGOs to have social license or “Permission to Operate”. The position requires a relationship-builder accustomed to working in a fast-paced and, at times, high-stress environment. The incumbent will embody grace under pressure and possess political acuity and experience in establishing and driving ahead productive relations and partnerships. By striving to reach mutually beneficial solutions, the Director will set the stage to bring First Nations relationships and stakeholder participation to an elevated state that differentiates the company within the sector. Creating a positive constructive culture is a core requirement for all leaders at Grieg Seafood. Leading in a constructive style that encourages input from all levels of the organization is essential. Participation in the development of core values and strategies to ensure that these are broadly adopted is required as is the active utilization of tools developed by Grieg Seafood to foster a high performing team. Key Responsibilities Develop Grieg’s Communications strategy and update and adjust as required; Stay informed and current with legal developments in the courts and in all levels of government that are relevant to the operations of Grieg; Apprise the Managing Director of emerging issues or trends within areas of responsibility and develop strategies for response; May participate and/or represent Grieg at meetings with all levels of government, committees, and conferences; Participate and collaborate with GSF global communications team to best align NL strategy with global strategy; Responsible for a Community Relations strategy which reflects relationship management with communities, private stakeholders and NGO’s in civic and regional district jurisdictions in which Grieg Seafood operates; Develops and maintains effective relationships with all legal counsel, senior federal, provincial and local government officials, MLAs and Ministers, local communities, consultants and contractors; Oversees and manages related actions that address legal challenges and processes; Develops and implements effective tracking, monitoring and reporting systems including corporate legal obligations, project management and budgets; Develops and implements a regional corporate giving strategy to align with Grieg ASA’s overall giving strategy and where applicable, the goals of the Grieg Foundation; and Maintains working knowledge of the Fisheries Act, Land Use Act and associated regulations and aquaculture issues in NL and ability to stay current with relevant federal, provincial and First Nations’ regulatory policies, processes and programs. The ideal candidate holds a degree in a relevant field such as Education, Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Marketing and Communications, Journalism, or Sociology, though an equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered. They possess extensive experience and knowledge of Indigenous culture, history, knowledge systems, and community relationship-building practices.  With a minimum of five years in a senior management role focused on community relations, partnerships, and advocacy—preferably with Indigenous communities—they bring a strong background in project development with government and/or industry. The candidate has demonstrated expertise in producing and presenting national and international corporate presentations, working with all forms of media to promote company activities to the public, and maintaining positive government relations. Additionally, they have established integrity and respect within Aboriginal communities. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to develop and execute a comprehensive company communications strategy, employing various dispute resolution techniques effectively. They possess strong relationship management skills, and are capable of developing and maintaining key relationships with colleagues, and both internal and external stakeholders. Adept at handling politically charged issues with empathy, professionalism, and objectivity, the incumbent can synthesize conflicting factors into rational decision-making while remaining calm and composed throughout dynamic and evolving processes.  Results-focused, the ideal candidate will set and achieve personal and team goals, implement sustainable changes that consistently add value to the business, and maintain fiscal responsibility. They are well-organized, handling multiple complex assignments simultaneously with project management tools, and combine firmness with flexibility, maintaining strong positions while being receptive to accommodation opportunities. With superior verbal and written communication skills, they confidently present to all levels, and are persuasive, intuitive, exercise good judgment, and are professional, mature, and credible. The Communications Director is ideally based in Marystown and works 40 hours on average per week Monday to Friday. However, Grieg Seafood is open to a flexible and/or hybrid work schedule within Newfoundland. Extensive local, out of town and international travel is required. This role requires overtime and/or flexible work hours. Grieg Seafood embraces a culture of belonging in the workplace. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, what you believe in, or who you love, your application is welcome. Diversity is appreciated and there is understanding that we all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, bringing in unique perspectives and experiences. Applications from 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), women, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities are encouraged.