The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 48,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all.
Job Title: Communications Officer
Temporary Full-Time (4 months)
Posting #: USW-005-25
Bargaining Unit: USW 2009
Pay Rate: Based on an annual salary of $104,548.80
Starting: February / March
Posting Period: January 27 to February 5, 2025
Position Overview
This position is responsible for researching, writing, and arranging the distribution of various content formats for multiple communications channels. This includes articles and stories, key messages, news releases, briefing notes, public statements, and other external and internal information materials related to union campaigns, policies, programs, and activities. The incumbent may perform a broad range of duties related to the creation of effective strategies and communications plans to support the union’s various campaigns, such as the production and dissemination of communication materials on bargaining, and other matters of interest to BCNU members and the public.
Key Responsibilities

Assists with the formulation and implementation of communications plans for the union.

• Contributes to the overall department goal of keeping union leadership, members and staff informed of current issues; contributes to the department’s creativity, brand adherence, risk management, efficiency, and accomplishment of broad goals and policies identified by the strategic plan.
• Identifies issues relevant to BCNU members to be included in union communication programs and publications. Researches, writes, and edits articles on topics relevant to union members.
• Prepares member bulletins, brochures, reports, print or digital ads, social media posts, and other marketing collateral related to union policies, programs, and activities.
• Assists with gathering electronic news clippings and monitors both print and online news as required. Helps to organize and archive screen recordings, photography, and other related media files.
• Stays informed of developments and trends in legislation and policies as they affect BCNU campaigns and communication strategies.

Assists with the planning of campaigns and organizing stewards and members around BCNU issues.

• Participates in department planning of membership and media campaigns; prepares news releases and contributes to the production of information materials related to union campaigns.
• Collaborates with the department coordinator in writing project specifications for internal and external communications initiatives including advertising campaigns, sending out bids and working with external vendors to manage production schedules and advise on content.
• Supports the implementation of strategies for social media use to enhance the BCNU brand and promote positive engagement and interactions that support the public relations and campaigns priorities of the union. This may include monitoring, administrating, and managing postings on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms in accordance with BCNU’s social media policy.

Assists with activities intended to inform the general public, union members and others of the union’s policies, objectives and functions.

• Writes and arranges for the distribution of bulletins, news releases, public statements and other external and internal information materials related to union campaigns, policies, programs, and activities.
• Supports tele/web conference meetings, live town halls and broadcasts, news conferences and media interviews with elected representatives as required. Assists with drafting key messages and speaking notes for elected union representatives.
• May assist with the production and direction of professional photographers and video production crews.

Supports community events, external outreach activities, and fundraising initiatives of the union.

• Assists with the planning of the union’s external outreach activities including the development of materials, resources, and messaging.
• Supports the union’s fundraising initiatives and giving priorities and helps manage the BC Nurses’ Union Fund at the Vancouver Foundation.

Assists in the planning and implementation of workshops, conferences, conventions, and special events.

• Participates in the planning of union conventions, workshops and other special events and provides general communications support in the preparation of related resources and materials.
• Assists in the development and presentation of training programs related to communications for stewards and members.

Act as department liaison to the other staff departments.

• Meets regularly with department team as assigned to provide communications support and strategy in the development and implementation of communications plans, materials, resources, and messaging to further the work of the department and its programs and events.
• Provides communications support to research team staff, including the development of member surveys and online forms.

Provides work direction to assigned administrative staff.

• Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel.

Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST HAVE:

1. College or university education in an approved Social Sciences, Journalism, or Communications program, and/or Nursing program including or supplemented by courses in communication techniques, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
2. Extensive and progressive experience (3 - 5 years) in public relations and/or communication services, and with the coordination of publications and the planning and implementation of campaigns.
3. Demonstrated ability to research, write and edit articles and bulletins on trade union, membership, and policy issues.
4. Demonstrated understanding of the media industry including current social media utilization.
5. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple assignments and tasks while meeting deadlines.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which enable the incumbent to present and explain materials, liaise with diverse personnel and deal with sensitive issues.
7. Ability to thrive in a challenging and collaborative work environment.
8. An understanding of and ability to utilize and implement member consultation and participation models (BCNU’s member-centric model).
9. Good knowledge of trade union and nurses’ employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing. A thorough understanding of and commitment to trade union philosophy.
10. Ability to travel through the province and carry a valid driver’s license.

Required Competencies

• Functional/Technical Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Teamwork
• Member Focus
• Political Savvy
• Written Communication
• Creativity
• Informing
• Composure
• Planning
• Dealing with Ambiguity
• Knowledgeable about Relevant Legislation/Jurisprudence/Regulations/Acts/Standards of Practice (as appropriate for the role)
• Ethics and Values
• Managing Diversity
• Intellectual Horsepower

Why BCNU?
BCNU values, respects and protects diversity. We take pride in representing a diverse membership and staff. We offer an inclusive and supportive workplace with opportunities for career development and professional advancement as well as a competitive compensation and benefits package.
If you are seeking an opportunity to join a passionate and committed team, we’d like to hear from you

Please refer the Job description for details