External Communications Manager

Location:   Fort Mill, SC/ Richmond, B.C. / Montreal, QC

Reports to: Vice President, Global Communications

Overview:

The External Communications Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing communication strategies that promote Paper Excellence Group’s brand and reputation to external audiences. This role involves managing media relations, creating compelling content, and leading public relations initiatives to effectively communicate the organization’s mission, vision, products, and priorities to stakeholders. This Communications Manager will also work closely with Domtar’s business unit presidents on communicating operational priorities. The primary objective is that all messaging efforts are aligned with the company’s operational goals and strategies, effectively promoting the organization’s brand, mission, and values while maintaining transparency and consistency. Additionally, this role is responsible for mitigating risks, managing crises, and enhancing the company’s reputation through strategic messaging that reflects operational realities and business priorities.

Job Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Develop and execute external communication strategies that align with the company’s brand, business goals, and corporate messaging.
• Develops and manages media relations, executive visibility and thought leadership communications strategy for operations leaders.
• Act as the company spokesperson in media inquiries or public appearances when necessary.
• Lead crisis communications by developing response plans, coordinating messaging, and managing external perceptions during challenging situations.
• Reinforce the Group’s corporate identity, ensuring consistency across the company.

Key Skill Sets:

• Ability to create and maintain positive business relationships with colleagues across different levels, geographies and business groups

• Ability to understand business strategies and connect them to communication objectives and overarching corporate goals
• Desire to research communication best practices and create opportunities to implement findings
• Ability to translate complex concepts into simple messages for a variety of audiences

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism or related field

• 7-10 years of relevant experience
• Minimum of 5 years managing strategic projects and creating communications plans
• Superior writing skills (AP style) in English and French (preferred); ability to adapt “voice” to audience, channel and message
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-media projects
• High degree of initiative and independence
• Ability to interact appropriately with executive level leaders
• Ability to prioritize and manage schedule in order to meet multiple deadlines or last-minute assignments
• Expertise in Microsoft 365 applications, including Teams, Outlook, SharePoint and Outlook
• Some travel required
• Familiarity with “News Desk” editorial approach is desired.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Canva is beneficial.