Communications Specialist, External Communications

Job Summary:

The Communications Specialist, External Communications and Government Relations builds understanding of BCLC by providing specialized advice and support in the areas of communications, public relations, media and/or government relations and issues management.  The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications plans while working collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders, including BCLC executives, elected officials, civil servants and media.

Key Accountabilities:

• Develops and helps execute proactive communications plans and materials to support business strategies, to raise awareness of BCLC’s products and to build public trust and understanding of the corporation and the industry.
• Supports public relations and proactive earned-media activities by enhancing relationships with media and developing campaigns, content, media pitches and other external communications tactics that build understanding of BCLC and the gaming industry, and support corporate initiatives and objectives.
• Supports the team in the execution of proactive media activities such as news conferences, winner celebrations, news releases and public events.  Writes compelling, clear and concise content that effectively shares stories about BCLC to build understanding of its purpose.
• Proactively builds, develops, maintains and manages strong working relationships throughout the organization and champions the role of the department in building trust and understanding with government and media.
• Consults with BCLC business units to develop an understanding of key initiatives and issues and develops communications strategies and materials to support those initiatives.
• Supports the development of briefing notes, and other documents that support government and regulatory understanding of our business and that assist in obtaining approvals for business initiatives.
• Develops responses to requests for information from media and Government.
• Assists in issues management by researching emerging issues, reviewing marketing materials, Freedom of Information requests and other external facing documents and activities.
• Fosters trust and credibility through ongoing, clear, accurate, open, timely and two-way communication with internal and external audiences.
• Serves as a back-up to the corporation’s media spokespeople. May be required to respond to media enquiries after hours as required (carries the media phone, on a rotational basis).

Minimum Required Qualifications:
Education and Experience

• A degree or diploma in a communications, journalism and/or public relations discipline;
• 3 to 5 years current, related experience in which strategic thinking was a critical element;
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Technical Requirements

• Experience in issues management, media relations, public relations agency and/or government relations;
• Sound knowledge of principles, concepts, practices and techniques in the areas of strategic government communications, issues management and media relations;
• Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of communication plans and materials;
• Exceptional writing skills;
• Sound judgment to navigate challenging situations;
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and with close attention to detail, to ensure consistent, accurate messaging through all channels.;
• Adaptability and flexibility, including ability to manage competing deadline pressures, ambiguity and change;
• Ability to develop messages that effectively tell the organization’s story to a variety of audiences;
• Exceptional project management, time management and multi-tasking skills;
• Excellent problem solving and analytical thinking/innovation;
• Excellent interpersonal skills,with the ability to communicate and negotiate with people at all levels;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong computer skills – MS office suite;
• General business acumen;
• Understanding of B.C. gaming industry and its regulatory requirements is an asset.

Working Conditions:

• Must be available to travel;
• Must be able to work flexible hours.

Additional Information:

• Effective November 22, 2021, BCLC requires all employees to be fully vaccinated (as defined by Health Canada). Full vaccination will be required before commencing employment with BCLC unless a legal exemption is obtained.
• To build a rich diverse workforce representing the communities which we serve, we welcome applications from people of all colours and cultures, persons with diverse abilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
• BCLC values work life balance and offers remote work options for its employees.
• Relocation assistance is available for successful job candidates.
• If you are in need of accommodation or special assistance at any step of your application, please send an email with your request to recruitment@bclc.com.
• For over more than a decade, we have been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers – and we are constantly seeking ways to improve our employee and player experience. To learn more about BCLC, please visit: www.corporate.bclc.com

For more details and to apply see www.bclc.com/careers