Location: New WestminsterAre you a senior marketing and communications leader who knows how to build trust, influence stakeholders, and grow a mission-driven brand at scale?
Smart, Savvy + Associates is pleased to partner with YMCA BC in their search for a Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships — a senior leadership role focused on strengthening brand presence, deepening community and government relationships, and supporting long-term, sustainable growth across British Columbia.
This role is ideal for a strategic, collaborative leader who brings both big-picture vision and practical execution experience across marketing, communications, public affairs, and partnerships — and who is motivated by purpose as much as performance.
About YMCA BC
YMCA BC is one of the province’s most trusted charities, serving more than 225,000 people across 58 communities through programs spanning child care, health and fitness, aquatics, camps, mental wellness, newcomer services, and community programs.
Following a major unification in 2023, YMCA BC is building a more connected, province-wide organization focused on igniting belonging and advancing health and wellbeing for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
As Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, you will…
Provide senior-level strategic leadership
Lead the development and execution of integrated marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement strategies aligned with YMCA BC’s mission and strategic prioritiesServe as a trusted advisor to the executive team on brand, reputation, communications, and engagement strategyDrive visibility, credibility, and emotional connection with communities across British ColumbiaStrengthen and steward the YMCA BC brand
Build and reinforce a unified YMCA BC brand, ensuring clarity and consistency across programs, portfolios, and touchpointsLead integrated campaigns that support participation, revenue, and mission impact across Child Care, Health & Fitness, Camps, and Community ProgramsOversee digital marketing strategy, including website, social, email, SEO/SEM, paid media, and user experience optimization.Lead communications, PR, and issues managementSet clear external communications frameworks to ensure alignment, consistency, and timeliness across the organizationGuide public and media relations strategy, elevating impact stories and protecting organizational reputationLead crisis communications and issues response when requiredAdvance government relations and advocacyBuild and maintain strong relationships with municipal, provincial, and federal government stakeholdersPosition YMCA BC as a credible policy partner on issues related to child care, youth development, health equity, and community wellbeingSupport advocacy efforts, briefing materials, and funding-related communications in collaboration with senior leadershipDevelop meaningful corporate partnershipsLead corporate partnership strategy focused on sponsorships, cause marketing, and aligned collaborationsNegotiate and steward partnerships that deliver shared value and long-term impactWork closely with Fund Development to ensure clarity between partnerships and philanthropic fundraisingBuild and lead high-performing teams
Provide inspirational, inclusive leadership to Marketing & Communications and Government Relations teamsEstablish clear priorities, guardrails, and ways of working that balance strategic initiatives with reactive needsChampion equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across all marketing and communications effortsBuild measurement and reporting frameworks to demonstrate impact and inform decision-makingYou bring…
A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or a related field10+ years of progressive leadership experience in marketing and communications, including senior-level rolesProven experience leading integrated marketing and communications strategies in complex, multi-site organizationsStrong background in public affairs, government relations, advocacy, or reputation managementDeep expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing ecosystems, and stakeholder engagementA collaborative leadership style…
