VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

BC Housing is seeking a Vice President, Communications and Community Engagement to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the organization’s communications, media and community engagement plans and strategies. The successful candidate will lead a dynamic, mission-driven team, build relationships with key stakeholders, lead media and communications efforts to raise awareness of affordable housing issues, manage media relations, and oversee the organization's brand and online presence.

THE ORGANIZATION
Created in 1967 as the Crown corporation responsible for delivering affordable housing on behalf of the Government of British Columbia, BC Housing has grown into a dynamic and mission-driven organization at the forefront of housing solutions across the province. Today, BC Housing develops, manages, and administers a broad spectrum of subsidized housing options, working with the ministry responsible for housing to address critical gaps across the housing continuum, from emergency shelter and rent assistance in the private market to affordable home ownership.

In addition, BC Housing plays a vital role regulatory and educational role in the residential construction sector. The organization licenses residential builders, administers owner-builder authorizations, and carries out research and education that benefits the residential construction industry, consumers, and the affordable housing sector.

Working in partnership with approximately 800 housing providers, BC Housing supports more than 121,000 households in communities throughout British Columbia. The organization is committed to serving:

• Individuals who are homeless
•Individuals with disabilities
• Indigenous individuals and families
• Women and children at risk of violence
• Low-income seniors and families
• New-home buyers

Throughout its work, BC Housing helps foster stronger, more connected communities by supporting one of the most foundational elements of well-being: access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.

VISION: OUR NORTH STAR
Everyone has a place to call home.

MISSION: WHAT WE DO
Provide access to safe, quality, accessible, and affordable housing.

PURPOSE: WHY WE DO IT
Promote strong, inclusive communities where people can thrive.

VALUES
Integrity: We are accountable and strive to build trust.
• Follow-through on commitments, tasks and responsibilities
• Be accountable for our work, decisions and actions
• Build trust through consistent, reliable behaviour

Compassion: We lead with respect, empathy, and understanding.
• Hear and acknowledge perspectives, emotions and experiences of others
• Show kindness in words and actions
• Offer support and resources

Service: We demonstrate excellence in serving our clients.
• Deliver consistent quality in every service interaction
• Listen actively and openly
• Offer clear, concise and accurate information

Innovation: We build solutions for the future.
• Explore and adopt new processes, tools and technology
• Seek out new ideas and perspectives
• Be proactive in sharing ideas, feedback and insights

MANDATE & GOVERNANCE
BC Housing is responsible for fulfilling the directives of the Minister of Housing’s yearly mandate letter. The organization is governed by the British Columbia Housing Management Commission Regulation under the Ministry of Lands, Parks, and Housing Act, which outlines its core mandate and powers. The organization is accountable to the Minister of Housing through a Board of Commissioners appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. The Board of Commissioners guides BC Housing’s strategic direction and sets the goals upon which performance is evaluated. Learn more about Governance at BC Housing, including the organization’s accountability to government and profiles of the board, its members, and committees at https://www.bchousing.org/about/governance.

SERVICE PLAN & OTHER PLANS & REPORTS
BC Housing publishes numerous reports and plans that provide accountability and transparency to its stakeholders, clients, government and the public.

Its Service Plan outlines the organization’s goals, objectives and performance measures for a three-year period. Updated annually and published in February, it describes BC Housing’s strategic direction, operating environment and financial plan. Read the 2025-2028 Service plan.

Read the latest annual report and other reports:
• Corporate Reports & Plans
• Forensic Investigation Report

TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM
BC Housing has experienced dramatic growth over the last 10 years. The size, scope, and complexity of the organization’s work has changed and, as BC Housing scales up to respond to the housing crisis, it is finding new ways of working. The work embedded within transformation aligns with BC Housing’s Strategic Plan and addresses recommendations from the Ernst & Young Financial and Operational Review.

At the same time, BC Housing is making systemic changes to better serve communities. This includes advancing Reconciliation, Equity, and Sustainability. Learn more about this important work at https://www.bchousing.org/about/transformation-program

STRATEGY2030: TAKING ACTION TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE
Strategy2030 is BC Housing’s 5-year plan to enhance how we deliver homes and housing services for people in British Columbia. Comprised of five interconnected pillars and 21 strategic outcomes, Strategy2030 is designed to advance our vision and deliver our mission and purpose.

STRATEGIC PILLARS
1. Homes that people need We will increase the supply and quality of housing for the people we serve.

2. Services that have a meaningful impact
We will deliver reliable and responsive services to the people we serve, ensuring quality and accountability in all that we do.

3. People empowered to be their best
We will promote a culture where all employees feel connected, engaged, and supported to do their best work.

4. Leading the way We will demonstrate leadership in the housing sector by embracing
research, innovation, and technology.

5. Modern and streamlined business operations We will build business practices, processes, and systems that are efficient and effective.

BC Housing developed Strategy2030 in consultation with employees and with input gathered from housing providers, organizations, and communities. The strategy deepens the organization’s commitment to advancing Indigenous reconciliation; implementing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging; and addressing sustainability.

THE ROLE
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Vice President, Communications and Community Engagement provides strategic leadership in the development and implementation of a Communications and Community Engagement strategy to support BC Housing's business goals. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership as a senior executive of the organization and will build strong relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally.

Internally, they will develop connections across the organization to ensure alignment and understanding of the full spectrum of communications needs. Externally, they will develop relationships with the media and many interest groups served by BC Housing—including large and small non-profits, communities and governments—recognizing the organization’s role in communications within the broader ecosystem of housing and homelessness in our society.

The Vice President, Communications and Community Engagement, will oversee the development and execution of media and communication strategies to raise awareness of affordable housing issues and oversee the organization's online presence. They will also oversee the development and implementation of community engagement strategies, involving stakeholders in affordable housing projects, and ensuring inclusive and representative efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develops and leads the implementation of a broad communications and engagement strategy in order to support the Commission’s mandate and requirements of the Homeowner Protection Act and facilitate the achievement of BC Housing’s business goals and strategic objectives.

2. Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, including government communications and public engagement (GCPE) community leaders, and industry/sector organizations such as, but not limited to, the BC Non-Profit Association (BCNPHA), Urban Development Institute (UDI), Canadian Homebuilders Association (CHBA), and BC Construction Association.

3. Collaborates with internal teams to align public affairs efforts with organizational goals.

4. Manages the development and implementation of comprehensive media and communication strategies, including oversight of the BC Housing brand, with the aim of reflecting and raising awareness of affordable housing issues.

5. Manages relationships with media outlets and journalists to ensure accurate and positive coverage of the organization’s activities.

6. Oversees the preparation and distribution of press releases, statements, and other communication materials, working closely with Government Communications & Public Engagement (GCPE).

7. Oversees the organization’s online presence, including social media, website, and digital content, and provides leadership on the coordination of media campaigns to promote affordable housing initiatives, programs and milestones.

8. Oversees the design and implementation of community engagement strategies to involve stakeholders in affordable housing projects and ensure that community engagement efforts are inclusive and representative of diverse populations.

9. Provides direction for organizing and facilitating public meetings, forums, and workshops to gather input and feedback from the community.

10. Oversees the communications strategy for the Research Centre, including the publication and dissemination of research findings, working closely with the Executive Director to coordinate closely with the education and knowledge mobilization strategies.

11. Supervises the work of staff in accomplishing the business activities of the program area. Creates a supportive and progressive environment, coaches, trains and ensures staff are provided with information necessary to perform their assigned duties. Completes performance evaluations, addresses performance issues, and takes disciplinary action, which may include suspension and the recommendation for termination. Plays a key role in recruitment activities, including hiring, promotion and demotion decisions, and recommends compensation activities for staff. Resolves grievances up to the second stage of the process. May contribute and participate on the negotiating committee as a management representative. Manages resources required to fulfill operational requirements, develops a staffing plan, and recommends staffing levels to accomplish goals.

12. Performs other related duties that do not affect the nature of the job, including conducting special studies, making presentations and participating in task force, project teams and committee work. Supervise and inspire a team of 63 included and excluded staff across three departments. As a leader, fosters an environment of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation, ensuring that all team members feel valued and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential. Champions professional growth by facilitating continuous learning opportunities and providing constructive feedback. Encourages open communication and transparency, creating a culture where ideas and concerns can be freely expressed and addressed. Prioritizes the well-being of staff, promoting a healthy work-life balance and supporting mental health initiatives. Advocates for diversity and equality, striving to create a workplace that reflects the varied backgrounds and perspectives of the community it serves. Additionally, leads by example with integrity and accountability, setting high standards for performance and ethical conduct.

13. Performs other related duties that do not affect the nature of the job, including conducting special studies, making presentations and participating in task force, project teams, and committee work.

SALARY & BENEFITS
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package will be offered in alignment with executive pay range: $186,942 - $219,932.

THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate for this role will have the following:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, social sciences, or other relevant discipline; Masters degree is strongly preferred.
• Accreditation/certification with either International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS).
• Extensive senior-level experience in strategic communications planning, issues and crisis management, media relations, community relations/engagement, stakeholder relations, and communications/public affairs program development and implementation.
• Proven leadership experience within a complex organization, ideally in the public sector, a Crown corporation, or other governance-focused environment and an understanding of the political and social landscape surrounding the housing sector.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, navigating and communicating within politically sensitive and rapidly evolving environments.
• Demonstrated ability to guide a team through strategy development, implementation and evaluation.
• Lived experience that supports meaningful connection to diverse communities and informs inclusive communications practices is valued and recognized.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer.


COMPETENCIES
Core Leadership
• Personal Effectiveness
• Communication
• Results Oriented
• Teamwork
• Service Oriented
• Alignment & Results
•Team Development
• Relationship Building/Management

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
The successful candidate will bring compassionate leadership and a collaborative approach that is aligned with BC Housing’s culture, mission and values, and will demonstrate:

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the theories, strategies and processes pertaining to strategic communications planning, community engagement, public affairs, and public relations.

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the philosophies and practices of building and managing social housing with housing partners in order to foster healthy, active and inclusive communities.

• Ability to learn and understand the Commission’s mandate, programs and policies in delivering social housing programs throughout the province.

• Ability to build and foster extensive contacts within the private and non-profit housing sector in B.C. and Canada, and strong media contacts around the province.

• Ability to set direction and lead the organization through significant change while overseeing the development, integration and implementation of Communications and Community Engagement plans, strategies, programs and initiatives.

• Ability to establish a high level of rapport with the Board, Chair, CEO, Executive, utilizing judgment and sensitivity in presenting issues and providing leadership/direction in determining appropriate courses of action.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the media and other stakeholders, including contacts within the private and non-profit housing sector in BC and Canada.

• Ability to identify and develop innovative and strategic solutions to public affairs, communications, and engagement issues, and communicate effectively and creatively, both orally and in writing, within tight time frames.

• Ability to lead, coach and motivate staff in a complex, fast-paced environment.

• Strategic and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Well-developed consultative, facilitation, consensus-building, and conflict resolution skills.

• Effective leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills.

A Criminal Record Check is required.

The City of Burnaby, British Columbia
Burnaby, British Columbia, is a vibrant city nestled between the bustling metropolis of Vancouver and the natural beauty of the Coast Mountains. With a population of approximately 250,000 people, Burnaby is a diverse and welcoming community.

Located on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. Burnaby offers a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes. The city is home to numerous parks, including the expansive Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area and Central Park, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor activities year-round, from hiking, biking, and paddling in the summer to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Burnaby caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

Burnaby’s vibrant waterfront, modern town centers, and thriving local food, arts, and cultural scenes make it a lively place to live and visit. The city is renowned for its festivals, markets, and community events, bringing people together year-round.

Known for its affordability and lower cost of living compared to nearby Vancouver, Burnaby offers an attractive option for those seeking a high quality of life without the high price tag. The city’s public transportation system and proximity to major highways make it an accessible and convenient place to call home.

Whether exploring the lush trails of Deer Lake Park, enjoying the cultural offerings at the Burnaby Village Museum, or shopping at Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby provides a rich and fulfilling lifestyle for its residents and visitors alike.


THE APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please submit a Cover Letter and Resume in PDF format directly to Pathways Executive Search outlining your interest, qualifications, and experience to applications@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com

We value lived experience and invite applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities and Disabled People, persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people committed to meaningful work that makes a difference. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process.

If you require accommodations at any point during the application or hiring process, please inform Pathways’ Managing Partner or Senior Consultant, as listed below.


For more details or questions, please contact:

Laurie Sterritt, Managing Partner
1.778.838.4569
LaurieS@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com

Katy Gottfriedson, Senior Consultant
1.250.318.6788
KatyGJ@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com

Pathways Executive Search is an international executive recruitment firm recognized for its ability to attract and recruit talent in culturally sensitive and informed ways. Guided by Indigenous values and principles of Indigenous inclusion, Pathways walks with those looking to broaden candidate pools, find qualified and experienced candidates, and live out their values and commitment to creating workplace cultures where people can thrive.

Closing Date: 8/4/2025