Senior Communications Officer (External)

at  Capilano University

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Providing an essential, centralized service to Capilano University’s outreach and public information objectives, the senior communications officer (external) performs a pivotal role in delivering on the University’s mandate and position through leading media, government and community relations. This position is privy to confidential matters including University strategy and labour relations and works to provide the public with clear information regarding the University’s position on emerging issues and matters of interest. The position also manages and records University engagement with municipal, provincial, and federal elected officials, as well as government senior staff and business and community leaders to develop positive long-term relationships to build support for University initiatives.
The senior communications officer leads and manages media relations for the University and employs a variety of strategies to engage media interest in stories of CapU individuals, initiatives, challenges and successes that facilitates informed reporting. The senior communications officer is guided by a strong sense of story and consults with knowledge experts throughout the University community to assist media in their information requests. The incumbent takes complex subject matter and formulates action plans to lead a variety of public relations initiatives aimed at the media, government and other stakeholders in the community.

The incumbent is skilled in researching and preparing briefing papers for executive and highly responsive and respectful to the tight deadlines, which drive media interest and coverage. The incumbent represents Capilano University to internal and external audiences as required, and reports to the director, communications for communications work and concurrently reports directly to the vice president, university relations on government relations matters. In this senior role, the senior communications officer may represent the director when requested.

• Communicates priorities, developments, successes and challenges to support leadership and executive communications.
• Responds to media and stakeholder partner requests for information with timeliness and accuracy.
• Acts as the University’s “front door” to triage requests for information from media, government and external stakeholders and ensures requests are responded to in a timely and accurate manner.
• Serves as a key member of the University’s crisis communications team; contributes to the University’s crisis communications plans and serves as a member of the University’s Emergency Operations team.
• Advises and leads the development of University’s government relations and community relations strategy. Ensures common understanding of current issues, activities and key messages. Provides strategic advice and counsel in support of government relations objectives.
• Represents Capilano University and/or facilitates meetings and interactions between University executives and staff with elected officials and senior staff at all levels of government.