Assistant Director, Media and Public Relations

at  BC Teachers Federation

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education
• university degree from recognized and accredited institution in a relevant area of study, preferably with a focus on communications, public relations, media, journalism, or similar studies.
• Experience
• minimum of three (3) years of experience in a role developing and managing strategic communications plans, media, broadcasting, journalism, and/or public relations
• voluntary and/or elected service or other related labour experience
• understanding of BC’s public education system and union movement
• experience working in a fast paced, deadline driven environment across different media where irregular hours of work may be necessary.
• Skills and abilities
• demonstrated professional communications skills including strategic planning, content development, broadcast and print production, social media, and public relations
• excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and facilitation skills
• excellent time management, organizational, analytical, and technical skills
• ability to function successfully both within a team and with direction
• ability to operate effectively at various levels within the Federation to implement and manage communications strategies
• ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy, tact, and discretion.
• Other desired qualifications
• flexibility to work evenings and weekends
• flexibility to travel
• understanding of issues of social justice, equity, diversity, decolonization, and inclusion with a desire to further develop in this area.

FUNCTION AND PURPOSE

Reporting to the Communications and Campaigns Director, the Assistant Director, Media and Public Relations is responsible for creating, coordinating and implementing the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation’s ongoing media and public relations plans and activities.
This includes working closely with the BCTF President, Table Officers, and Executive Director to ensure targeted communication of Federation positions and messages to media and public audiences, as well as ensuring BCTF staff, local leaders, and members have the training, tools, strategies, and content to effectively communicate our messages.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• proactively engage and co-ordinate Federation communications in defense of public education through media, broadcasting, external stakeholders, and the public
• provide advice, assistance, training, tools, and strategies to BCTF staff, officers, and local leaders in promoting Federation messages
• identify and plan media announcements and governance events for the Federation in partnership with Executive Office, Executive Committee, BCTF staff, local leaders, and members as needed
• create strategy, plans, and content to ensure the BCTF is at the forefront of digital communications, including maintaining an active social media presence and developing broadcasting/podcasting opportunities
• work with other CCD staff to create and manage a social media calendar and provide content for a social media publishing platform
• monitor media and public communications (print, broadcast, and online) to identify emergent issues and analyze trends
• prepare speeches, magazine articles, web content, online news stories, and supporting materials as needed
• work with other BCTF staff to create content that promotes Federation initiatives and activities
• support the Federation’s political action initiatives and training with communications content, plans, and strategies
• responsible for other duties and Federation initiatives as assigned.