TLA Director of Communications

The Truck Loggers Association (TLA) is an influential, member-supported industry
association that represents the interests of British Columbia’s independent timber
harvesting contractors, industry suppliers and forest resource dependent communities.
Established in 1943, the TLA believes that healthy and sustainably managed working forests
generate long-term, shared prosperity for all people and communities throughout British
Columbia.

On behalf of its approximately 400 member companies, the TLA works to be a strong and
unifying voice for BC’s working forest community, and advocates for the success and long-
term viability of TLA member companies, their employees and forestry dependant
communities.

Position Description
The Director, Communications is a key leadership position within the TLA organization. The
incumbent is an experienced communications professional who works closely with the TLA
Executive and Executive Director to develop and guide the organization’s internal and
external communications strategy and activities.

The position is responsible for TLA’s communication activities including publication of TLA’s
quarterly Truck LoggerBC magazine, member/stakeholder communications, website and
social media.

In addition, the Director, Communications works with media to field enquiries, write media
releases, pitch stories, coordinate interviews and facilitate op-eds.

Specific duties for this position include:

General communications:

• With input from the Executive Director, prepare and present for Board approval an
annual communications plan that supports TLA’s strategic plan incorporating key
messaging, strategies and objectives and identifying annual communication
activities, budgets and timelines.

• Oversee the development and implementation of TLA communications projects
including writing and editing copy, media buys, hiring contractors and overseeing
production of final products.

• Support design and development of all necessary brochures and other print and
electronic promotional materials needed for TLA events and programs, ensuring
consistency in messaging and effective dialogue with designers and
communication/production contractors including quality control and final proofing.

• Monitor and maintain the TLA’s brand, including logo use, colours, tone and image of
TLA publications in print and digital.

• Participate and collaborate on initiatives with other industry associations and
working groups to represent TLA’s interests and enable key messaging.

• Direct the monthly member e-newsletter and ad-hoc membership updates.

• Oversee management of TLA website and social media content, with the assistance
from the TLA’s Digital Communications Specialist, who reports to this position.

• Assist the Executive Director in preparation and submission of advocacy
correspondence to government and industry stakeholders.

• Prepare and manage the annual communication budget.

Truck LoggerBC magazine:

• Function as the editor of Truck LoggerBC magazine to produce four annual issues by:

o Managing the Truck LoggerBC publication contract including developing and
delivering editorial and production schedules and assisting the publisher with
advertising sales, as necessary.

o Working collaboratively with the Executive Director and TLA Editorial Board to
confirm editorial content for each issue, assign content to writers, edit and
proof all copy.

o Ensure the overall quality and content of the magazine achieves the highest
standard, is aligned with TLA’s values and supports TLA’s strategic plan.

News media:

• Coordinate media relations including preparation and delivery of media releases,
media advisories, and editorial opinions in support of TLA objectives including
liaising with media personnel and other communications specialists as needed.

• Develop working relationships with media and key government communications
personnel.

• Monitor advocacy issues in the media and provide timely responses.

Other duties:

• Provide support for TLA Board governance activities including overseeing board and
committee materials and ensuring TLA’s bylaws and governance processes are
followed.

• Prepare the TLA’s annual report document.

• Work with all TLA staff to ensure effective and timely communication in all written
and print materials including letters, notices, presentations, scripts and/or talking
points, advertising or other print materials.

• Provide communications and other support for TLA events, as required.

• Work with the TLA’s Administrative Assistant to manage membership administration
functions, such as annual membership renewals, new member applications and
membership terminations.

• Support the Executive Director in the day-to-day operations of the organization and
provide backup during any absences.

• Lead, coach, and develop all direct reports to optimize their personal and
professional progress through 1-to-1 meetings, performance reviews and informal
coaching opportunities.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports directly to the TLA’s Executive Director and has one or more direct
reports, currently the TLA’s Digital Communications Specialist.

Qualifications and experience

The successful candidate will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public or government relations, or related
field plus seven to ten years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of
education and experience.

• A strong demonstrated understanding of communications, PR, GR and media
strategy and management.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively through a
variety of mediums.

• Strong problem-solving skills, good critical thinking and a demonstrated ability to
meet goals creatively and with limited budgets.

• A work style that is organized, disciplined, and able to function and prosper with
minimal direct supervision.

• An ability to work well under pressure, hit deadlines and provide thoughtful
responses to urgent issues.

• An ability to work collaboratively with a team and provide effective supervision,
coaching and support to direct reports.

In addition, knowledge of forestry and the forestry sector would be a strong asset, as would
experience working in an industry association setting, or other not-for-profit environment.

Work environment

TLA is a small organization with five employees and no physical office. Staff are currently
located in the Lower Mainland, Victoria, Kelowna and Kootenays.

This is a remote-work position open to candidates who are residents of British Columbia or
who are willing to re-locate to British Columbia. The BC Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island,
Okanagan or Prince George region would be preferred but other locations will be
considered.

The position requires travel to attend TLA board meetings, events and other meetings.
TLA has a relatively modest communications budget, requiring big impacts for every dollar
invested.

We are a close team that supports each other and we roll up our sleeves to get the job done
as required.

Salary and benefits
Annual salary is expected to be between $90,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on
qualifications and experience. TLA offers a benefit package through Pacific Blue Cross and
a $500/year Health Spending Allowance.

Annual vacation entitlement is commensurate with TLA’s annual vacation policy, starting at
3-weeks per year plus time off between Christmas and New Year.