Description
Position: Communications & Public Relations Associate
Status: Permanent full-time; Excluded
Department: Infrastructure
Location: 745 Clark Drive, Vancouver BC
Salary: $80,652.20 to $91,992.70 per annum
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday
Posted: September 8, 2023
Closing: Open until filled
At VACFSS, we ensure that the rights, safety, well-being and spirit of Indigenous children and families are upheld, honored, and protected. We strive to eliminate oppression, discrimination, and marginalization within our community. We acknowledge and honor the inherent wisdom, capacity, and resourcefulness of our community in designing programs and services to care for our own children and families. Accordingly, we are dedicated to planning, developing, and implementing creative and innovative Indigenous programs and services in collaboration with members of our community and other agencies.
Join an Agency that strives to provide services to strengthen Indigenous families culturally and spiritually!
Take on a challenging role that requires strategic and creative vision!
Receive a competitive salary of $80,652.20 to $91,992.70 annually PLUS a comprehensive benefits package!
The Communications and Public Relations Associate is an intermediate to senior level communication professional responsible for maintaining effective communication strategies and plays an important role in enhancing the organization's public image. This role involves crafting compelling content, managing social media platforms, and coordinating various activities. The Associate will develop and implement internal and external communication plans with a strong focus on writing, editing and content development for digital media, public relations, marketing, advertising, and online community engagement. The role is responsible for handling media inquiries as outlined by policy and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging which includes:
- Planning, developing, implementing communication strategies, plans, objectives, methods and procedures for VACFSS ensuring Indigenous style is incorporated in all materials.
- Providing consultation in all aspects of communication to advance strategic priorities while maintaining and strengthening the agency’s reputation with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Proactively identifies opportunities for internal and external communication as well as communication risks.
- Working with Human Resources to recruit and select a co-op student for the department. Oversees the co-op student providing training, coaching, consultation and performance reviews.
- Supporting, coordinating and planning the Annual General Meeting including meeting logistics and preparation of all materials for the Board, staff and members.
- Utilizing various software, editing materials to produce all communication materials including promotional, social media, posters, presentation, photography etc.
- Monitoring all social media channels and websites to ensure integrity is maintained and notifying IT on any security breaches.
- Researching using data and key insights to make decisions to stay current and well informed.
This position requires a high degree of relational engagement and support based on the Indigenous culture core competencies and the values of respect, strength-based practice, humility, integrity, belonging. Communication and support work occurs within a governance context at the highest level of the organization. The role requires practical and specialist knowledge of theories and principles of communication processes and procedures to respond to internal and external stakeholders accordingly.
The ideal candidate possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong focus on writing, editing content, a creative mindset, and a strong grasp of communication and public relations principles to generate community awareness of our agency and the services available. This position requires frequent interaction with staff at all levels throughout the agency, and strong interpersonal and organizational skills to effectively prioritize and manage time-sensitive assignments.
Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned by the Manager of Human Resources in carrying out the mission and mandate of the agency, consistent with the qualifications and experience for this position. A comprehensive position profile will be available to candidates shortlisted for the position.
INDIGENOUS CORE CULTURAL COMPETENCIES:
- Relational Engagement
- Leadership
- Collaborative Planning & Decision Making
- Emotional Competency
- Resilience
- Cultural, Spiritual Expression
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum two (2) year Diploma in a related field such Public Administration, Journalism, Communication or Marketing (supplemented by specialized training or coursework) or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field (preferred).
- A minimum of three (3) years’ experience working in a communications/public relations field with progressive responsibility.
- Public Relations Management and Administration training.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Experience in Marketing Planning.
- Policy Development plus (experience with the governance Carver Model would be a definite asset).
- Graphic Design and Multimedia knowledge.
- A working knowledge of professional grant writing.
- Knowledge and experience in any of the following:
MS Office, Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, E-mail, Desktop Publishing, Player, WordPress, Video and Digital Technology, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Journalism and/or Creative Writing would be an asset.
- Experience with change management and engagement would be an asset.
- Criminal Record Check
- Valid BC Driver’s Licence and access to safe, reliable vehicle
BENEFITS:
- Extended health and dental
- Group life and AD&D
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- 100% employer-paid premiums
- 4 weeks of vacation (starting)
- Public Service Pension Plan
- Access to VACFSS’ Staff Cultural Clinical Counselor, Elder
- Access to Indigenous Cultural Teachings as coordinated by the Agency
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please note this position is in-office. Applicants may apply by completing the Application on the Employment Opportunities webpage www.vacfss.com or by using the following link: https://www.vacfss.com/join-us/apply-for-a-job/. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. VACFSS values a diverse work force, preference will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.
