Erika Schade
Port Moody,BC
Summary
Communications professional with 10+ years of experience delivering high-impact internal and external communications in complex, fast-paced organizations. Experienced internal communications lead and hands-on content creator, with advanced skills in executive messaging, storytelling, and multi-channel content development. Trusted advisor to senior leaders and a seasoned media relations practitioner and spokesperson, known for translating complex issues into clear, engaging, plain-language communications while protecting and enhancing organizational reputation.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Manager (on maternity leave)
DISTRICT OF SAANICH
Victoria, Canada
07.2021 - 09.2024
- Co-led the communications function for Vancouver Island’s largest municipality, delivering strategic internal and external communications support across all departments, including public engagement, marketing, media relations, digital channels, and internal communications.
- Developed and implemented integrated communications plans to support organizational priorities, initiatives, and programs, ensuring consistent messaging across internal and external audiences.
- Provided strategic communications advice and issues management support to senior leadership, including the CAO and Directors, guiding responses to time-sensitive and high-profile issues to mitigate reputational risk.
- Led communications for major, multi-stakeholder initiatives—including BC’s first municipal e-bike program and an EV-charging retrofit incentive—achieving strong program uptake and sustained regional and national media coverage.
- Acted as a primary media relations lead and organizational spokesperson, managing 3–5 media inquiries per week and delivering clear, accurate, and timely messaging.
- Oversaw long-term communications planning, improving team processes, tools, and service standards to strengthen delivery and responsiveness across the organization.
- Planned and executed multi-year public engagement and communications programs supporting two local area plans, including announcements, stakeholder communications, and community updates over 4–5 years of consultation.
- Led digital and social media content creation, launching a video-first strategy supported by analytics and performance tracking, resulting in a 30% increase in followers within one year.
- Redesigned the annual budget engagement process, applying data-driven communications tactics that increased public participation by 900%.
Communications Advisor
SEASPAN SHIPYARDS
North Vancouver, Canada
01.2018 - 04.2021
- Managed a $1M+ communications budget, overseeing consultants, vendors, and interns, and ensuring effective allocation of resources to support organizational priorities.
- Directed internal communications across multiple sites, delivering clear, timely leadership updates and supporting organizational alignment during periods of change.
- Served as the primary media relations contact, developing press materials, managing inquiries, and preparing senior leaders for interviews and public appearances.
- Led proactive and reactive communications for high-profile and sensitive issues, including COVID-19, providing issues management counsel to mitigate reputational risk.
- Modernized digital communications channels by launching a new website, producing 50+ videos annually, expanding social media presence, and increasing LinkedIn engagement by 50%.
- Planned and executed large-scale public and stakeholder events, including $300K ship launch events involving multiple levels of government and community partners.
- Managed a $150K conference and trade show budget, including delivery of a $100K custom booth rollout to support organizational visibility and engagement objectives.
Senior Communications Professional
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
Vancouver, Canada
10.2016 - 12.2017
- Developed digital and ESG-focused content for large industrial clients, emphasizing community impact, operations, and sustainability.
- Produced messaging and multimedia assets for stakeholder engagement in sensitive regions.
Corporate Communications Advisor
FORTIS BC
Surrey, Canada
08.2015 - 09.2016
- Created digital content and messaging for energy projects, renewable natural gas, and LNG operations.
- Part of 24/7 emergency communications team; developed real-time updates and customer advisories.
- Served as spokesperson and drafted rapid-response messaging during emerging issues.
Communications Advisor, Project Development (contract)
PORT OF VANCOUVER
Vancouver, Canada
05.2014 - 06.2015
- Led communications and engagement with municipalities and First Nations for infrastructure and habitat restoration projects.
- Developed communication plans and budgets for ECHO and Habitat Enhancement programs.
- Tracked, summarized, and addressed community and stakeholder issues throughout project development.
Communications Manager (contract)
RESOLVE CAMPAIGN
Calgary, Canada
04.2013 - 01.2014
- Designed and launched digital and campaign communications for a $75M capital initiative supporting housing for vulnerable populations.
- Created web and social content, fundraising stories, videos, and community profiles.
Education
IAP2 Certificate -
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
01.2023
Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples -
INDIGENOUS CORPORATE TRAINING INC.
01.2016
Political Science - Minor in Business
UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA
Victoria, BC09.2009
Skills
- Strategic communications planning & execution
- Internal communications strategy & delivery
- Media relations, spokesperson & interview readiness
- Issues management & crisis communications
- Reputation management & risk mitigation
- Executive & senior leadership advisory
- Plain-language writing, editing & storytelling
- Digital, social & multi-channel communications
- Content creation (presentations, visual & written assets)
- Cross-functional collaboration & stakeholder engagement
Languages
German
Native/ Bilingual
English
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Communications Manager (on maternity leave)
DISTRICT OF SAANICH
07.2021 - 09.2024
Communications Advisor
SEASPAN SHIPYARDS
01.2018 - 04.2021
Senior Communications Professional
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
10.2016 - 12.2017
Corporate Communications Advisor
FORTIS BC
08.2015 - 09.2016
Communications Advisor, Project Development (contract)
PORT OF VANCOUVER
05.2014 - 06.2015
Communications Manager (contract)
RESOLVE CAMPAIGN
04.2013 - 01.2014
IAP2 Certificate -
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples -
INDIGENOUS CORPORATE TRAINING INC.
Political Science - Minor in Business
UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA