Senior Communications Specialist, Media Relations & Issues Management

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, MEDIA RELATIONS & ISSUES MANAGEMENT Contract

SHORT-TERM (APRX 1 YEAR)/FULL-TIME

BURNABY, BC

($72,479.17 - $83,518.06 Annually)

BC Housing is a provincial Crown Corporation that develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options for those most in need across the province to address critical gaps across the housing continuum ranging from emergency shelter through to rent assistance in the private market and affordable home ownership. Share in the rewards of working with an organization that offers challenging work and competitive compensation and supports the growth and development of its people.

• In-house training, and training at other institutions, for courses related to employees’ current positions or to prepare them for advancement within BC Housing.
• Wellness programs including physical fitness, programs to help employees quit smoking, free flu shots, mental health resources, and lunch-and-learn lectures and seminars.
• Recognition programs including long-term service awards, idea recognition and outstanding performance awards.
• Livegreen incentives include an employee transit pass program, and other initiatives that encourage alternative, sustainable transportation (even a bike purchase program!).
• An active Social Club that organizes special events like seasonal parties and arranges group discounts to other events.
• Participation in community and charitable events.

Eligibility for benefits offered is based on employment status.

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.

The successful candidate will have the following:

• Advanced diploma in communications, public engagement or other relevant fields.
• 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…