JOB SUMMARY:

The Communications Officer is involved in all aspects of the development and implementation of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s) internal and external communication strategies.

The Communications Officer is responsible for promoting and protecting the organization’s reputation by developing and executing media relations strategies, developing and maintaining brand assets and guidelines, as well as supporting the achievement of organizational goals/priorities with effective internal communications and external communications initiatives. The role reports to the Communications Manager and works in collaboration with the CAO Office and Administration colleagues.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports in developing, implementing, and measuring external and internal communication plans.
• Provides guidance to ensure coordination and communication of messages to staff, community, and external audiences.
• Ensures TWN communications policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.
• Other duties as assigned / required.

Internal communications:

• Liaises and collaborate with interdepartmental and cross-functional staff teams.
• Supports with engagement on TWN projects.
• Manages incoming requests.
• Coordinates content and publication of staff newsletter.
• Manages the review and distributions of ‘all staff’ emails.
• Addresses organizational challenges through effective and creative communication strategies.
• Ensures effective communication strategies and processes are used with and among staff and, between staff and community members and/or families served.
• Maintains communications files and supports the use of SharePoint as a resource to all departments.
• Supports with issues management.
• Supports with events and engagement communication.

External communications:

• Develops and maintains content calendars for the TWN blog and external social media channels.
• Develops and implements external social media strategy ensuring alignment with overall communications and brand strategy.

Media outreach:

• Supports with day-to-day media relations and media requests, collaborating with TWN spokespeople.
• In collaboration with the Communications Manager, develops written materials including press releases, Q&A, media standby statements on TWN projects and emerging issues, as required.
• Maintains a TWN media contact database and identifies opportunities to proactively pitch TWN stories to media.

Project Support:

• Supports special projects with communications, surveys, and branding including Lands, Community Development initiatives, Sacred Trust initiative, major external initiatives such as large sporting events, and other future projects as assigned by the Communications Manager.

Brand:

• Assists in the development and implementation of brand building initiatives.
• Regularly reviews all brand guidelines and assets to ensure communication is accurate, relevant, and consistent with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation brand and overall messaging, positions, and priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English or related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Communications and/or PR and/or Journalism required.
• May consider alternate combinations of education and relevant work experience.
• Strong working knowledge of communication principles and practices.
• Must possess excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication with strong writing and editorial abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with a commitment to high quality work.
• Advanced in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, SharePoint or related platforms, social media, email marketing tools, and graphic design tools.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to execute projects in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and complete projects within deadlines and budgets.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work effectively with all levels of employees.
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information and matters in a trusted and responsible manner.
• Willingness to participate in work-related courses, seminars and training as required.
• Familiarity with First Nations governance is an asset.
• Must successfully pass a criminal records check.

WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demands

• Significant desk work with long periods of sitting and manual dexterity activities (keyboard operations).
• Lifting or moving audio visual equipment, supplies or materials up to 25 lbs may be required.

Mental Focus

• Ability to take direction and occasionally work under pressure.
• Able to maintain a constructive, flexible, open, and cooperative demeanor.
• Must model adherence to established systems and processes.
• Ability to work independently, change focus quickly, and pick up new tasks with minimal instruction.

Environmental Conditions

• Dynamic environment with multiple demands, changing priorities and interruptions.
• Handle highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Engagement with Membership, staff, management and external contacts.
• Occasional travel required.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours.