Description
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers. KPU strives to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning.
JOB OVERVIEW:
Reporting to Manager, Media and Communications, this position is responsible for providing ongoing media services, which include but are not limited to: research, writing and pitching stories related to University information and events. This position will establish, encourage and maintain strong business relationships with media outlets and personnel. Utilizing applicable software, the Media Specialist is responsible for regularly distributing press releases and related information to media, monitoring for ongoing feedback, and tracking and analyzing results. The utmost priority for this position will be to coordinate media campaigns, obtain comprehensive publicity for the University, its programs, students, faculty, alumni and donors, and evaluate results for effectiveness to ensure increased success for future media needs.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Successful completion of a degree or diploma in journalism, public relations or communications or an equivalent combination of education, three years related experience and training may be acceptable with a proven portfolio.
- Minimum two years’ experience with creating, writing and editing content, including storytelling and press releases, for public relations and communications purposes, ideally within a post secondary environment. Experience developing video and/or audio content is an asset.
- Recent experience in a media relations role.
- Recent experience with content management, social media and email delivery systems. Experience with Drupal and SharePoint is an asset.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience using cloud based PR software to program, send, track, analyze and file press releases.
- Proven experience using social media and developing ongoing social media campaigns to send out appropriate messages to targeted audiences.
- Demonstrated experience and success in contacting media with stories and ability to persuade them to write articles, conduct interviews, or attain other types of media exposure.
- Proven ability to explain complex or technical information in a simple yet compelling way.
- Demonstrated advanced writing, editing, and proof-reading skills for communication vehicles that deliver key messages to both general and highly targeted audiences.
- Experience writing for a variety of audiences – students, parents, faculty, staff, executive, external communities, as well as government and media.
- Working knowledge in the use of computer software applications including word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets (Excel), presentations (PowerPoint), photo and video editing (Adobe Creative Suite and Photoshop), and desktop publishing skills in a Microsoft Office environment.
- Proven ability to activate communication plans to support an organization’s objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to use data and specialist expertise to develop guides, aid planning or inform decisions on the best way to convey information to target audiences.
- Proven ability to evaluate effectiveness of communications or public relations campaigns using appropriate programs, research, analytics and financial information.
- Demonstrated ability to establish relationships with media.
- Knowledge of current public relations, communications and marketing principles, practices and techniques.
- Experience with principles and processes for providing customer service to clients/ departments within the university, as well as external audiences, including government and media.
- Demonstrated ability to organize, multi-task and prioritize work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated English language proficiency in spelling, grammar, punctuation and writing skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated self-starter who seeks challenges and continual learning.
- Proven ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced working environment.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of initiative and responsibility with minimal supervision.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Intercampus travel is required, possession of a valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is preferred.
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Does this role sound like it was made for you, yet you don’t check every box?
We at KPU understand that experiences and qualifications may look differently for everyone and, if this job description is of interest to you, we encourage you to apply.
Note to Applicants:
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at humanresources@kpu.ca.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.
