Overview
ZINC is a Vancouver Island communications firm that helps clients inform and engage the public during large infrastructure projects. We’ve been at it for 15+ years, love what we do, and deliver award-winning results for public sector clients, First Nations, and engineering firms.
The Open Position
We’re looking for a Managing Consultant, Communications and Engagement for Local Government Projects to step into a pivotal role at ZINC — one that blends hands-on project leadership with broader strategic and team responsibilities. This isn’t a purely senior consultant role, and it’s not quite a Director role — it’s somewhere between the two.
You’ll carry a portfolio of client projects as Managing Consultant while also taking on meaningful responsibility for team coordination, quality oversight, and business development. You’ll work closely with ZINC’s leadership and serve as a steady, senior presence for clients and junior staff alike.
Who You Might Be
You’re an experienced communications professional who is equally comfortable crafting an engagement strategy and rolling up your sleeves to get things done. You have a track record of managing projects and client relationships, and you bring the judgment and confidence to step into a senior role — guiding others, contributing to business growth, and helping shape how ZINC operates.
You thrive in a small, collegial team where your contributions are visible and your voice matters. You’re organized, proactive, and genuinely care about the quality of your work and the wellbeing of your colleagues.
Role Responsibilities – What You’ll Be Doing
Project Leadership
- Act as Managing Consultant on multiple concurrent client projects — own the plan, the timeline, the budget, and the relationship
- Develop and lead implementation of communication and engagement strategies for clients
- Deliver stakeholder and public engagement events (in person and virtual) including preparation, coordination, and facilitation/hosting (e.g. open houses, Zoom webinars, advisory committee meetings, project tours, walkabouts)
- Write and produce high-quality communications materials across a range of formats — ensuring creativity, consistency, and brand standards
- Coordinate and evaluate external suppliers including writers, translators, graphic designers, web developers, photographers, and video producers
Team & Strategic Contribution
- Provide day-to-day work direction and quality oversight for junior communications staff; participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance conversations
- Serve as a senior resource and sounding board for the team — offering counsel, reviewing work, and helping solve problems
- Contribute to business development activities including proposal writing, estimating new projects and campaigns, editing, and participating in new business meetings
- Help shape ZINC operational practices — this is a role with room to shape Zinc’s future
Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive experience in communications, public engagement, PR, journalism, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience managing communications projects or campaigns, including budget and timeline accountability
- Experience working in, with or for local government or public sector clients, planning firms, engineering groups, or First Nations — ideally in an agency environment
- Experience providing work direction or mentorship to junior staff
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, English, or similar
- Comfort working with Microsoft Suite (Teams, SharePoint), Google apps, Canva, Slack, Claude, Zoom, WordPress, and online whiteboards
- Experience with online engagement tools as well as online time tracking tools
- IAP2 training a definite asset
Professional & Technical Capabilities
- Sound knowledge of communications strategy, public engagement principles, and execution — from plan to delivery
- Ability to provide confident, strategic counsel to clients and colleagues
- Demonstrated ability to plan and write for a broad range of audiences and media
- Comfortable presenting to the public, stakeholder groups, and senior clients
- Strong project management instincts — organized, deadline-driven, and budget-aware
- Demonstrated knowledge of trends in communications, AI, design and social media
- Ability to work independently and to lead and support a small team
- Skilled at problem-solving, conflict navigation, and juggling multiple deadlines
Work Schedule and Location
This is a full-time position based at ZINC HQ in Courtenay, BC. Some flexibility on hours and remote work is available, but a regular weekly presence in Courtenay is expected.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary of $90,000–$105,000 based on education and experience
- Professional development allowance to cover training and conferences
- Health Spending Account
- 15 paid vacation days, plus family days and statutory holidays each year
Equal Opportunity
At ZINC we value the strength and skills that a diverse team delivers. We foster an inclusive and equitable work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination, and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Comms Consultant” in the subject line. Applications will be kept confidential. Deadline for submissions is June 15.
