Specialist, Media Relations (Permanent, full-time

Ready to use the power of media to tell stories that make a difference?

Working as part of UGM’s Communications team, the Specialist, Media Relations leads day-to-day media relations activities and key media campaigns, including Major Meals. The Specialist develops and executes media relations and strategic communications initiatives across multiple channels and regions to increase public awareness of UGM, strengthen the organization’s reputation, and support UGM’s mission and work serving communities across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Greater Victoria.

Working within the strategic direction established by the Manager, Media Relations & Communications, the Specialist independently manages assigned media relations activities, relationships, and communications projects.

This is a permanent
, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
position
. The starting range for this position is $31.92 to $34.88 per hour.

Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries, generous vacation and sick leave, an RRSP matching program, as well as the potential for educational assistance and flexible work arrangements.

In addition, our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled paramedical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team. If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humor, then you will be a great fit at UGM.

• Serve as a UGM spokesperson in media interviews and news stories, representing UGM to the wider public.
• Prepare and maintain messaging for proactive issues management and support the ongoing protection and strengthening of UGM’s reputation.
• Advise UGM Leadership on communications, messaging and media issues, providing recommendations and subject-matter expertise.
• Provide media training to UGM staff approved to serve as spokespeople and thought leaders.
• Oversee external communications consultants and vendors as assigned.
• Address, organize and facilitate media requests on behalf of UGM, acting as a key point of contact and media liaison.
• Escort media while onsite and support reporters in news gathering at UGM, while protecting UGM Community Members from unwanted media attention and safeguarding the anonymity of UGM clientele.
• Conduct interviews with UGM Community Members while protecting their dignity, privacy and interests.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with major media outlets, including print, television, radio and emerging media such as podcasts.
• Maintain a current database of relevant reporters, editors and news desk contacts across the municipalities where UGM operates.
• Identify and recommend new and emerging media outlets and opportunities, including podcasts, blogs, online publications and community papers.

• Lead and execute Major Meals media relations campaigns multiple times a year, including participating in planning meetings, coordinating communications activities on campaign days, identifying stories and people to feature, preparing featured Community Members for media engagement, developing messaging, writing press releases and pitching media outlets.
• Identify, develop, pitch and coordinate targeted media relations campaigns that promote UGM’s work in poverty, homelessness and addiction, as well as advocacy and fundraising initiatives.
• Plan earned media opportunities in collaboration with the Manager, Media Relations & Communications, considering UGM’s strategic and ongoing organizational priorities.
• Develop and write news releases, media pitches, media messaging, press statements and announcements.
• Work collaboratively with the Writer & Content Specialist…