Communications Advisor, Marketing

at  Okanagan College

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or marketing. five years of relevant experience in a progressively senior roles within the post-secondary or comparable sector, with a focus in areas including, but not limited to: writing, editing, marketing, digital marketing, channel management, brand strategy, engagement, corporate communications.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Self-motivated, professional and creative
• Ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy while managing high work volume and competing priorities to meet deadlines
• Commitment to confidentiality
• Experience dealing with issues management at a corporate level
• Excellent strategic leadership and planning skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Proven motivational and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in written and verbal communication skills
• Confident communicator and presenter
• Strong team player and ability to work independently
• Familiarity with Canadian Press style including news cycle, data collection and reporting, and editing.
• Understanding of media needs and media relationships
• Understanding of all primary social media platforms
• Proficiency with digital cameras and photo editing
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite
• Knowledge of Content Management Software

1. Plan, execute and oversee OC’s external marketing campaign development and deployment.

• Works with portfolios and departments to understand and prioritize College marketing needs.
• Researches and is aware of industry best practices and relevant competitors.
• Works with the Associate Director, College Relations, to develop an annual OC Marketing Plan, engaging departments and portfolios in the plan development process, and communicating the plan and progress through the year.

1. Provides leadership to the College community in areas related to OC’s Brand and Visual identity.

• Works with the Associate Director, College Relations and the Graphic Designers to oversee and support ongoing brand development.
• Supports portfolios/departments with Brand requests, and leads the implementation of consistent, effective brand policies and activities across the institution.
• Provides guidance and advice to the OC Bookstore on the application of the OC Brand to new merchandise.

1. Supports the development of OC recruitment marketing campaigns, aligned to the College’s Inspire plan and broader communication strategies.

• Works with International Education and Recruitment, Enrolment Management on marketing campaigns designed to generate enrolment leads, ensuring campaigns include measurable outcomes.
• Works with senior executives in the college to incorporate vision and strategic priorities into critical and, at times, sensitive communications materials.
• Considers OC-wide context, change management requirements and the Inspire roadmap.
• Researches and produces content, including: written stories, videos, and photography and other multimedia pieces for use on College channels.
• Produces tailored content for specific audiences, demonstrating a clear understanding of messaging, positioning and stakeholder needs.
• Cultivates and maintain internal relationships, and act as a brand advisor and resource.

1. Leadership

• Supervises the Graphic Designers, including assignment of duties, health and safety, orientation, training and staff development, recognition and reward, performance management and evaluation, scheduling, prioritization of work requirements and in consultation with the Associate Director, completes recruitment and selection, as well as disciplinary action, as required.
• Has financial accountability for costs associated with corporate Promotions and Marketing activities, including but not limited to photography/videography, digital communication subscriptions and tools, etc.
• Works with Associate Director, College Relations to develop and manage the annual Promotions and Marketing plan and budget, which includes costs associated with departments across the institution.
• On occasion, may be asked to provide coverage for portfolio Associate Director.

1. Participates in and supports communication planning and implementation related to emergency or crisis situations, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.
2. Exercises professional and managerial judgment and discretion in advising and executing communications activities.
3. Work with other College Relations team members as required to support digital communications, internal communications, convocation, donor relations, media events, design, etc.
4. Maintain an awareness of new developments and trends in communications through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations, industry advisor groups, professional associations and/or attendance at seminars, workshops and education programs.
5. Support efficiency and effectiveness by using a continuous improvement lens with respect to departmental systems and processes.
6. Contribute to the overall communications leadership of Okanagan College; model leadership qualities within the College Relations portfolio and in working with other portfolios; help ensure clients (executive, leaders and portfolios) feel supported in their requests.
7. Limited travel within the Okanagan to other campuses as required.
8. Perform other duties as required.