SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, MEDIA RELATIONS & ISSUES MANAGEMENT:

($63,393.31 - $73,118.09 Annually)

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management, the Senior Communications Specialist, Media Relations and Issues Management is responsible for implementing strategic communications plans in support of BC Housing’s corporate objectives. He/she/they is a key contributor in sharing BC Housing’s story, helps build awareness of the Commission’s initiatives, and provides support to BC Housing’s Executive, management and staff as issues emerge. Responsibilities include issues management, responding to media requests, proactively pitching stories to reporters, event planning, video production support and coordination, story writing and key message development and administrative support. The incumbent also provides strategic communications support where needed to the larger team.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate will have the following:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced diploma in communications, public engagement or other relevant discipline.
• Considerable progressive experience in communications planning, issues management, media relations, event management, stakeholder relations, and public engagement.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge and understanding of the philosophy, theories and principles of communications, specifically in the public sector environment
• Considerable knowledge of the objectives, programs and best practices of strategic communications planning, media relations, issues management, events management and stakeholder relations.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Strong verbal, writing, editing and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to work independently and as a team player
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work closely with internal and external partners and stakeholders in implementing communication strategies, and facilitate problem solving in achieving results
• Ability to plan, coordinate and oversee the execution of a variety of events and announcements
• Ability to write and prepare website content for both internal and external audiences
• Ability to work effectively with social media platforms
• Ability to analyze, problem-solve, mediate and mitigate difficult situations
• Ability to build effective working relationships and work with a variety of partners, stakeholders, agencies and contractors
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and pressures, with scrupulous attention to details
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in an appropriate manner while displaying a high degree of judgement, discretion, and decision-making ability
• Ability to travel on Commission business and work evenings and weekends as required