THE OPPORTUNITY
Western Forest Products is hiring for a Director, Communications to join our Corporate team based primarily in Vancouver, British Columbia.
What You’ll Do: The Director, Communications is responsible for shaping and delivering clear, consistent, innovative and engaging communications that advance Western’s reputation with employees, partners, and stakeholders to help deliver the Company’s strategic priorities. You will provide both strategic guidance and hands-on execution, partnering closely with leaders to translate business objectives into effective messaging that connects employees, partners and stakeholders.
Working cross-functionally, you will lead the planning and execution of communication initiatives, including leadership messaging, organizational updates, and key communication projects. You will play a central role in elevating how we communicate, leveraging innovative approaches and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to continuously improve channels and enhance engagement, ensuring messaging is timely, thoughtful, and aligned with business needs.
Who You Are: Our ideal candidate brings progressive experience in communications, corporate affairs, or a related field, with a track record of increasing responsibility in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You are a strong communicator and storyteller, with the ability to translate complex business topics into clear, meaningful messages.
You are comfortable working with and supporting leaders at all levels, bringing sound judgment, discretion, and a collaborative approach. Whether you’ve formally led a team or taken the lead on key initiatives, you have demonstrated leadership through influence and the ability to drive work forward.
You are proactive, adaptable, and take pride in delivering high-quality work that makes an impact. This role offers the opportunity to expand your scope, build on your leadership experience, and play a meaningful role in shaping how the organization communicates and connects.
What We Offer:
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Target salary range of $160,000 - $185,000 based on skill level, qualifications, and experience
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Annual incentive plan
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Pension plan contributions - Western contributes 7% towards a pension plan, no matching required
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Extended health and dental benefits – Western pays for 100% of the employee monthly premiums
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4 weeks’ vacation to start
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Employee family assistance program
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Financial support for learning and development opportunities
Work Environment: This position is based in our Vancouver office and requires a primarily in-office presence with the ability to travel to our locations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Communications & Execution
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Evolve and deliver an integrated communications approach that helps support delivery of business priorities and strengthens alignment across the organization;
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Support development and execution of communications strategies that reinforce the Company’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and responsible operations;
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Develop communication plans, priorities, and resource requirements to support effective execution of departmental and organizational objectives;
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Provide strategic communications counsel and executive messaging support, including executive presentations, leadership messaging, briefing materials, and organization-wide communications as required;
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Partner with leaders to translate business objectives into clear, effective messaging that connects with employees and stakeholders;
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Lead the planning and execution of communication initiatives, including leadership messaging, organizational updates, and key communication projects;
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Support and maintain brand standards and messaging consistency across all communications, contributing to the ongoing; development and evolution of the Company’s brand;
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Provide oversight of public-facing communications, including website and corporate social media channels, ensuring content is aligned, timely, and reflective of the Company’s brand and priorities;
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Translate complex business topics into clear, concise, and compelling communications;
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Identify opportunities to incorporate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools and digital platforms, to strengthen communications, streamline processes, and enhance audience engagement;
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Support development and oversight of communications budgets, external resources, and agency relationships as required.
Leadership & Partnership
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Lead and develop a small communications team, providing direction, coaching, and support to deliver high-quality work;
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Act as a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization, supporting effective communication at all levels;
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Partner cross-functionally (HR, Operations, Finance, Corporate Affairs, etc.) to ensure organizational alignment and consistency in messaging;
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Support leaders in delivering clear, authentic, and impactful messages to their teams;
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Support investor-related communications and materials in partnership with Finance, including presentations, key messaging, and stakeholder communications as required;
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Accountable for the effective structure, prioritization, and delivery of communications support aligned with organizational needs and priorities.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
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Provide oversight and coordination of community relations and corporate giving initiatives;
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Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efforts are aligned, meaningful, and reflective of company values and priorities;
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Support sensitive or high-impact communications with sound judgment and a thoughtful, measured approach;
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Support media relations activities, including development of key messaging, media materials, and coordination of media responses as required;
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Act as a primary communications contact for media-related inquiries and activities;
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Assist in the management of issues and crisis communications by supporting timely, aligned, and thoughtful communication strategies;
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Support proactive storytelling opportunities that strengthen brand reputation and stakeholder engagement;
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Monitor communications effectiveness and external trends to help inform communications strategies and priorities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
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Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, or a related discipline;
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10+ years progressive experience in communications, corporate affairs, or a related discipline, with demonstrated growth in scope and responsibility;
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Experience developing and delivering communication strategies aligned with business priorities in a complex, fast-paced industry;
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Experience supporting business leaders with messaging, presentations, and organizational communications;
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Experience leading cross-functional communications initiatives and coordinating across diverse stakeholder groups;
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Prior experience designing and managing investor relations communications;
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Experience in industrial, manufacturing, or resource-based environments is an asset.
Skills, Knowledge and Required Competencies
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Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional public speaking, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise, and engaging messaging;
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Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business operations, with the ability to align communications to organizational priorities;
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Influence & Relationship Building: Builds trust and credibility with leaders and stakeholders at all levels and influences effectively through strong relationships, communication, and sound judgment;
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Strategic Thinking & Execution: Ability to translate broad business objectives into integrated communication strategies and actionable plans;
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Judgment & Discretion: Demonstrates sound judgment and professionalism, particularly when handling sensitive or confidential information;
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Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Builds strong working relationships across functions and stakeholder groups to drive alignment, consistency, and engagement;
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Adaptability & Agility: Comfortable managing competing priorities and responding to changing business needs;
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Initiative & Accountability: Proactive, self-directed, and accountable for delivering results and continuous improvement;
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Innovation & Digital Fluency: Demonstrates curiosity and adaptability in leveraging emerging technologies, digital platforms, and modern communication practices to enhance effectiveness and engagement;
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Media & Issues Management: Ability to support sensitive communications, media interactions, and reputational issues with professionalism, responsiveness, and sound judgment.
YOUR CAREER
At Western Forest Products, we recognize that our people are central to our success. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performing environment where individuals are empowered to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact on the business.
We offer the opportunity to work alongside experienced leaders and teams across the organization, contributing to important priorities while continuing to build your leadership capability. Our culture supports ongoing development through a combination of on-the-job experience, exposure to diverse areas of the business, and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility.
At Western, we value performance, initiative, and potential. Our promote-from-within approach reflects our commitment to recognizing and developing talent, with a range of career paths available for those looking to expand their scope and grow their impact over time.
WESTERN OVERVIEW
Western Forest Products is a leading forest products company that sustainably manages forests and manufactures high-quality wood products. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia with operations in the coastal region of BC and Washington State, Western meets the needs of customers worldwide with a specialty wood products focus and diverse product offering.
Our commitment to health and safety, environmental stewardship and community engagement is core to how we do business at Western Forest Products.
Our approach to responsible business practices in all aspects of our business is multi-faceted. We adhere to and employ the most stringent environmental practices in the world. The steps we take to ensure the forests in which we operate are renewed and remain healthy and viable for future generations are mirrored in the care we take to make certain our communities continue to grow and prosper. This includes investing in communities where we operate and continuing to forge mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations in respect of their local and cultural interests.
