Application deadline | February 12, 2010
Location | 181 Bay Street, Toronto
Reports to | Vice President, Communications

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute media relations strategies to generate publicity for Family’s programming and promotional activities, with a view to driving brand mentions and key messages within traditional and non-traditional media
• Liaise with production companies and programming distributors to obtain robust promotion deliverables and identify publicity opportunities during production and in conjunction with broadcast premieres
• Manage the relationship with Disney Channel’s communications team in Toronto and California
• Develop social media strategies to leverage opportunities with interactive and non-traditional media sources
• Participate in the planning of Family’s long-term, mid-term and short-term strategies and work collaboratively with the Programming, Creative Services, Marketing and Interactive departments to support operational initiatives as identified
• Lead Family Channel’s annual Bullying Awareness Week campaign
• Plan and execute events associated with programming and sponsorships
• Create and execute communications strategies and tools that create awareness and a positive image for Family Channel activities with a focus on its commitment to Canadian original production and its annual bullying prevention activities
• Identify industry sponsorship and/or speaking opportunities to ensure the Family brand is well represented within the Canadian production industry
• Develop and foster contacts with key journalists, industry members and government agencies to build profile for Family Channel
• Monitor the environment of children’s entertainment and social trends to capitalize on communication opportunities and proactively manage issues
• Draft and maintain key message documents on industry and business issues and initiatives (e.g., multi-platform, interactive and marketing strategies)
• Prepare spokespeople for media interviews within their areas of expertise
• Develop quality and timely communication materials and manage the content of media relations websites
• Oversee the responsibilities and manage the performance of Family Channel’s Publicist

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a specialty in Communications, Public Relations, Broadcasting or Journalism
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience in communications or public relations
• Superior written and oral communications skills
• Event planning and execution expertise
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic communication plans and proactive media relations strategies
• Experience producing communication materials using a variety of methods aimed at various internal and external audiences
• Project and performance management experience
• Community, client and supplier liaison experience
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and with frequent deadlines, and handle numerous priorities at once
• Established rapport with national television journalists, industry knowledge and ability to communicate in French an asset

Application Details

Qualified individuals should apply online at www.astral.com by February 12, 2010.

Please note that while we appreciate all expressions of interest, we can only respond to those candidates who will be interviewed.