Senior PR Manager (bilingual En/fr)

Senior PR Manager (Bilingual EN/FR)

Application Deadline: 12 January 2025

Department: Communications & PR

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Toronto

Description
At FIFA26, our vision is to unite the world through the greatest sporting event of all time. The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament will feature 48 teams and be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico and the USA. This new format will redefine excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement among fans and players across North America and all over the world. Now is your time to become a game changer and join the workforce that will plan and deliver this extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

THE POSITION
Reporting organizationally to the Head of Public Relations, the Senior PR Manager, Canada will be a key member of the FIFA26 Communications & PR team, and work in close collaboration with the FIFA Zurich Communications and Media Relations teams and other key individuals responsible for delivering Public Relations efforts for the FIFA World Cup 2026 that for the first time ever, is hosting 48 teams and 1,200+ players across 3 countries and 16 venues.

This role will be responsible for executing comprehensive communication strategies to promote the tournament, manage media relations, and ensure effective messaging to stakeholders and the public. Further, this role will oversee the coordination of press releases, crisis communication, content creation, and social media management to maintain a positive public image and enhance engagement during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The main responsibilities and oversights of the Senior PR Manager, Canada for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:

• Develop and execute integrated communication strategies that effectively promote the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Canadian market, aligning with event objectives and messaging.
• Manage media relations, acting as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, interviews, and press events.
• Coordinate the creation of compelling and accurate press releases, news articles, and media materials for distribution within Canada.
• Oversee crisis communication plans, ensuring swift and transparent responses to potential issues or challenges.
• Develop engaging content for various platforms, including social media, website, and official publications, to engage audiences and promote the event across Canada.
• Monitor media coverage and social media sentiment, providing timely insights and adjusting communication strategies as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels and touchpoints.
• Manage relationships with external partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to ensure accurate representation and messaging alignment.
• Coordinate media events, press conferences, and media-related logistics during the tournament, ensuring smooth execution.
• Provide media training to spokespeople and key stakeholders to ensure consistent and effective communication.
• Foster positive relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to enhance event coverage and visibility.
• Evaluate communication efforts post-event, analyzing successes and areas for improvement to inform future strategies and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

FIFA World Cup 26 Skills Framework

ACCOUNTABILITY: Demonstrate commitment to responsibilities and objectively analyze one's behavior, while assuming consequences of one's own actions and/or decisions and learning from one's mistakes.

DECISION MAKING: Ability to identify and swiftly make decisions in critical situations, take initiative and calculated risks, explore alternative solutions, and respond promptly to unforeseen circumstances.

INCLUSIVITY: Achieve shared organizational objectives by sharing information with colleagues across all levels and divisions, tangibly influencing others, and maintaining a network of support contacts.
INITIATIVE: Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas.

INNOVATION: Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas.

LEADERSHIP: Ability to lead one's contacts/colleagues/partners, encourage teamwork, and delegate authority / decision-making power, as needed, to produce the expected results and make efficient use of the team's skills and talents.
VISION: Ability to perceive the organization's global environmental impact, anticipate decision consequences, grasp organizational missions, and formulate strategic plans.

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Work Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in a public relations function.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written.
• Sports industry or major events experience preferred.
• Management experience.
• Ability to see the big picture and adapt accordingly.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Languages:

• Fluent in English and French.

Technology:

• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools.