Director, Corporate Communications

 Reference Number : 1346 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $140,000 - $165,000

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 06/22/2026

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility. 

Reporting to the Vice-President Communications and Marketing, the Director, Corporate Communications is responsible for managing VIA Rail’s corporate communications across Canada, both in terms of strategy and planning and delivery, to raise awareness of the organization and its impacts, successes and results. The incumbent will help engage our stakeholders, maximizing the public’s awareness and perception of VIA through a communications approach based on transparency and dialogue. The incumbent will advise VIA Rail’s senior management on communications and reputation management. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• With his/her team, develop and deliver the communications strategy, schedule and plans aligned with business priorities and the company’s strategic direction;
• Direct and support the objectives, priorities and communication plans of strategic projects led by the business units in collaboration with them. 

• Act as a consultant to senior management on their communication activities, providing support and coaching as needed;
• Act as a spokesperson and play a key strategic role in coordinating communication actions in times of crisis or emergency;

• Ensure the production of various types of communications, including events (press conferences, annual meetings), speeches, thought leadership documents, annual reports and more;
• Manage the company’s communications agency and service providers and create strong relationships to ensure the value and quality of deliverables and services;

• Work very closely with the Marketing team, especially on content development, social media optimization and earned media usage in marketing strategies;
• Work very closely with the Government and Institutional Relations team to ensure consistent management of external stakeholders;
• Work closely with business units, mostly Human Resources, to ensure holistic and cohesive internal communications on corporate topics that have a significant and direct impact on professional and unionized employees;

• Coordinate and supervise staff under his/her responsibility, ensuring results measurement and continuous improvement;
• Provide inspired and inspiring leadership by creating a positive team dynamic that focuses on collaboration and efficiency while promoting coaching and career development of team members.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: 

REQUIREMENTS: 

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, political science, public relations or related field;
• Minimum of 10 to 15 years of relevant experience in communications, including a minimum of five (5) years in a management role;
• Bilingualism (English & French) is essential - Strong verbal and written communication in both official languages.

COMPETENCIES: 

• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing effective and innovative communications strategies;
• Strong business acumen to align corporate communications with business plans and strategies;
• Exceptional strategic thinking and being action-oriented;
• Political acumen, ability to persuade and strong collaboration skills;
• Rigour and proficiency in prioritization and organization.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

Join our 3,000 other employees in helping provide Canadians with a safe, accessible, environmentally sustainable way to travel!