Senior Communications Specialist, Media Relations & Issues Management

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management, the Senior Communications Specialist, Media Relations and Issues Management implements strategic communications plans in support of BC Housing’s corporate objectives. He/she/they is a key contributor in sharing BC Housing’s story, helps build awareness of the Commission’s initiatives, and provides support to BC Housing’s Executive, management and staff as issues emerge. The position is responsible for issues management, responding to media requests, proactively pitching stories to reporters, event planning, video production support and coordination, story writing and key message development and administrative support.

The role also provides strategic communications support where needed to the larger team.

• Considerable progressive experience in communications planning, issues management, media relations, event management, stakeholder relations, and public engagement.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer.

• Considerable knowledge and understanding of the philosophy, theories and principles of communications, specifically in the public sector environment
• Considerable knowledge of the objectives, programs and best practices of strategic communications planning, media relations, issues management, events management, and stakeholder relations.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Strong verbal, writing, editing and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to work independently and as a team player
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work closely with internal and external partners and stakeholders in implementing communication strategies, and facilitate problem-solving in achieving results
• Ability to plan, coordinate and oversee the execution of a variety of events and announcements
• Ability to write and prepare website content for both internal and external audiences
• Ability to work effectively with social media platforms
• Ability to analyze, problem-solve, mediate and mitigate difficult situations
• Ability to build effective working relationships and work with a variety of partners, stakeholders, agencies and contractors
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and pressures, with scrupulous attention to details
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in an appropriate manner while displaying a high degree of judgement, discretion, and decision‑making ability
• Ability to travel on Commission business as required.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required; after hours duties (on call) may be assigned as required.

Indigenous candidates are welcome to connect with an Indigenous team member in our organization to discuss the recruitment process and our workplace, please contact to arrange a call.