Communications Advisor

Overview  The Communications Advisor is responsible for supporting relationships and corporate communications between the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) and communities in the Central Okanagan. This position develops, implements and supports communications strategies and public engagement initiatives.
Responsibilities   Provide communication expertise and guidance to develop, implement and support an integrated and proactive approach to all internal and external communication efforts.
Support RDCO staff, ensuring corporate communications are easy to understand, informative, and meet the needs of our residents.
Be an RDCO brand and visual identity guideline ambassador. Follow branding and ensure other staff do as well. Provide branded templates for commonly needed communications.
Coordinate, write content for and update the RDCO website including training and liaising with other departmental content providers.
Coordinate social media accounts to increase community awareness of RDCO initiatives and news. Provide posts to social media sites and monitor for issues raised by the public that require follow-up.
Coordinate, write content for and update the RDCO public engagement platform including liaising with other departments on their projects.
Determine strategies and practices to enhance public engagement and work with staff on planning, design and delivery of public consultation initiatives.
Write and distribute news releases, working with media to ensure accuracy and key message delivery are achieved.
Prepare, edit and coordinate key publications and reports.
Research and assist in writing speeches and other communications material for the Regional Board Chair, Chief Administrative Officer and senior management team.
Supervise contractors related to communications functions, such as graphic designers, printers and distributors of materials.
Promote RDCO programs, events and initiatives through the RDCO channels, news media, social media, advertising opportunities and other appropriate means.
Identify issues in the community and work with communications managers to undertake proactive issue management.
Act as part of the Public Information Officer team through the Regional Emergency Management program.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications   Training and Experience

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field.
Minimum three years of experience in corporate communications including media relations, public engagement, website and social media coordination.
Valid BC Driver’s Licence.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Extensive knowledge of communications principles and best practices, as they relate to strategic corporate communications and digital channels.
Ability to develop and implement proactive communication strategies.
Appreciation of the sensitivity of political issues affecting the RDCO when dealing with internal and external clients, including the Board, the media, and the public.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills and exceptional presentation and facilitation skills.
Ability to work independently in establishing priorities, completing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, outside agencies, other employees and the public.
Ability to develop and implement and support public engagement initiatives.
Demonstratable skills working in communications-related software such as Adobe Suite, Content Management Systems, Microsoft Office, social media.
Knowledge of local government operations an asset.
Wage
Full-time
$48.21 /Hour
Work Conditions   Physical Effort:  Sitting or standing for long periods, occasional light lifting.
Mental Stress:  Meeting deadlines, work in public venue, occasional evening and / or weekend meetings.
Sensory Attention:  Working on a computer. Attention to detail is required.
Additional Information  This position is a member of the bargaining unit CUPE 338 with a full-time work week of 35 hours per week. The hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, though some flexibility is required for occasional weekend and evening work. The hourly wage rate for this position will be $48.21 and some of the benefits include paid vacation, health, dental and paramedical benefits, an attractive pension program, professional and education development support, and a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive work culture.

Applications for this position will be accepted until July 21, 2026.

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