Managing Consultant, Communications and Engagement– Local …, Courtenay

Managing Consultant, Communications and Engagement– Local Government Projects ZINC is a Vancouver Island communications firm that helps clients inform and engage the public during large infrastructure projects. We’ve been at it for 15+ years, love what we do, and deliver award-winning results for public sector clients, First Nations, and engineering firms.

Open Position We’re looking for a Managing Consultant, Communications and Engagement for Local Government Projects to step into a pivotal role at ZINC — one that blends hands‑on project leadership with broader strategic and team responsibilities. This isn’t a purely senior consultant role, and it’s not quite a Director role — it’s somewhere between the two.

You’ll carry a portfolio of client projects as Managing Consultant while also taking on meaningful responsibility for team coordination, quality oversight, and business development. You’ll work closely with ZINC’s leadership and serve as a steady, senior presence for clients and junior staff alike.

Who You Might Be You’re an experienced communications professional who is equally comfortable crafting an engagement strategy and rolling up your sleeves to get things done. You have a track record of managing projects and client relationships, and you bring the judgment and confidence to step into a senior role —guiding others, contributing to business growth, and helping shape how ZINC operates.

You thrive in a small, collegial team where your contributions are visible and your voice matters. You’re organized, proactive, and genuinely care about the quality of your work and the wellbeing of your colleagues.

Project Leadership

Act as Managing Consultant on multiple concurrent client projects— own the plan, the timeline, the budget, and the relationship

Develop and lead implementation of communication and engagement strategies for clients

Deliver stakeholder and public engagement events (in person and virtual) including preparation, coordination, and facilitation/hosting (e.g. open houses, Zoom webinars, advisory committee meetings, project tours, walkabouts)

Write and produce high-quality communications materials across a range of formats— ensuring creativity, consistency, and brand standards

Coordinate and evaluate external suppliers including writers, translators, graphic designers, web developers, photographers, and video producers

Team&Strategic Contribution

Provide day‑to‑day work direction and quality oversight for junior communications staff; participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance conversations

Serve as a senior resource and sounding board for the team— offering counsel, reviewing work, and helping solve problems

Contribute to business development activities including proposal writing, estimating new projects and campaigns, editing, and participating in new business meetings

Help shape ZINC operational practices— this is a role with room to shape Zinc’s future

Qualifications

7+ years of progressive experience in communications, public engagement, PR, journalism, or a related field

Demonstrated experience managing communications projects or campaigns, including budget and timeline accountability

Experience working in, with or for local government or public sector clients, planning firms, engineering groups, or First Nations— ideally in an agency environment

Experience providing work direction or mentorship to junior staff

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, English, or similar

Comfort working with Microsoft Suite (Teams, SharePoint), Google apps, Canva, Slack, Claude, Zoom, WordPress, and online whiteboards

Experience with online engagement tools as well as online time tracking tools

IAP2 training is a definite asset

Professional&Technical Capabilities

Sound knowledge of communications strategy, public engagement principles, and execution— from plan to delivery

Ability to provide confident, strategic counsel to clients and colleagues

Demonstrated ability to plan and write for a broad range of audiences and media

Comfortable presenting to the public, stakeholder groups, and senior clients

Strong project management instincts— organized, deadline‑driven, and budget‑aware

Demonstrated knowledge of trends in communications, AI, design and social media

Ability to work independently and to lead and support a small team

Skilled at problem‑solving, conflict navigation, and juggling multiple deadlines

Work Schedule and Location This is a full‑time position based at ZINC HQ in Courtenay, BC. Some flexibility on hours and remote work is available, but a regular weekly presence in Courtenay is expected.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary of $90,000–$105,000 based on education and experience

Professional development allowance to cover training and conferences

Health Spending Account

15 paid vacation days, plus family days and statutory holidays each year

Equal Opportunity At ZINC we value the strength and skills that a diverse team delivers. We foster an inclusive and equitable work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination, and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

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