Strategic Communications Specialist

at  Vancouver Community College

WHO WE ARE

We acknowledge that Vancouver Community College (VCC) is located on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial.
For over 55 years, VCC has been a leader in innovative, experiential post-secondary learning. We’re one of B.C’s top employers and we are proud to inspire students to discover their passions, gain essential skills, and learn what it takes to succeed in a competitive workforce.
At VCC, we respect and celebrate our differences, and are committed to the work of decolonization, accessibility, and inclusivity for all. Be a part of creating an inclusive community that provides equitable opportunities for Indigenous and diverse representation, participation, and success for everyone.
We value lived experience and encourage applications from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity. Come join the VCC community as we shape the future together.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for supporting the development and execution of operational communications plans to ensure the college’s goals are achieved.Reporting to the Manager, Communications, the Strategic Communications Specialist works as an integral member of the VCC Communications team to elevate the college’s brand and support its institutional goals, with an emphasis on communications and content development.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations; or a related discipline.
• Five (5) years recent related experience in communication for a large, complex organization.
• Experience in higher education or non-profit communications, an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• A successful track record of delivering effective communications, with an awareness and sensitivity to current sociopolitical issues (e.g. decolonization, reconciliation and EDI).
• Experience in creating content in multiple formats including writing in a digital first environment.
• Experience in a consultative role and provides recommendations.
• Experience working in a fast-paced creative department for a large complex environment with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to pay attention to detail and work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strategic communications planning with critical analysis key message development.
• Knowledge of marketing, communications, and public relations principles, strategies, techniques, and concepts.
• Knowledge of the Canadian and Provincial media landscape and government policy-making are essential.
• Project management experience.
• Use of social media platforms for goals and outcomes.
• Proficiency in collaborative software programs for team projects.
• Proficiency in posting on CMS website platforms.
• Experience with government policies and legislation including FIPPA, PIPA, FOIPOP, CASL, and copyright.
• Make informed decisions – think critically and creatively about issues and opportunities, and present options to support strategic risk taking and innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and to exercise tact and diplomacy.
• Exhibit ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Invite diverse perspectives – consider diverse viewpoints to ensure rich and thoughtful discussion of issues leading to stronger decision-making.
• Remain agile – adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
• Leadership and autonomy – demonstrated personal effectiveness to take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little oversight.
• Develop partnerships – promote collaboration, partnership and cross-organizational activities that share knowledge and pool resources to get things done.
• Performs other related duties/projects as required by the Executive Director.

1. Internal and external communications

• The Strategic Communications Specialist plays a key role in sharing the college’s brand story with the public, and in promoting effective communication with VCC’s stakeholders. In addition, you will support a wide variety of VCC’s goals, including public engagement, student recruitment, and reputation management.
• Responsible for developing communication plans with analysis and specified deliverables on a variety of projects at the department and institutional level.
• Produces content relevant to target audiences, and consistent with institutional and unit goals, including feature articles, web content and other digital assets.
• Coordinates with other Marketing and Communication teams with respect to content planning and development, project scheduling and review processes, consultations, creative development and coordination.
• This role will work alongside our marketing and communications officers, content and social media creators, designers, and web developers/strategists.
• This position works collaboratively within the entire Marketing and Communications Department and is a key support for senior executives and department leaders across the college.
• You have experience managing complex relationships with internal and external clients at all levels. You have a service-oriented approach and an ability to listen and understand client requirements.
• A forthright individual who can easily translate ideas and strategies into concrete plans and actions to achieve desired outcomes, handling unexpected and urgent issues adeptly as they arise;
• Responds diplomatically to clients and audiences, while protecting space for proactive initiatives that best serve the organization’s mission.

1. Writing

• Exceptional writing skills with extensive experience writing for different mediums and audiences.
• Demonstrated, strong project management skills with the ability balance multiple projects and meet unexpected and tight deadlines is a must.

1. Media

• A politically savvy, communications professional with 5+ years of progressive experience including managing media issues and large-scale communications projects.

1. Issues management, and emergency communications support

• Excellent critical thinking and issues management, seeing risk and offering 360° solutions.