Communications Officer

Duties:

As part of the Strategic Communications office, play an integral role in advancing the reputation and public image of Vancouver Island University. This includes highlighting the achievements of VIU's students, faculty, employees and stakeholders, as well as its learning environments and creating communications strategies to support community engagement activities.

Reporting to the Manager, Communications, develop and contribute to strategic communication plans for a range of external university initiatives; work closely with VIU faculties, departments, and regional campuses/centres on communications activities; make recommendations for new story ideas to promote VIU people, programs and partnerships; and prepare and distribute a wide variety of content including news releases, backgrounders, feature stories, social media content, photos, videos to enhance the reputation of VIU and attract students and community partners to the institution. Work closely with other university areas to support and build student recruitment and retention through targeted communications strategies and campaigns.

Maintain the University's online news page; respond to media inquiries on routine matters; work closely with the Manager to support communications around issues management; develop positive working relationships with reporters, producers, photographers, videographers, and key community partners including government, community and First Nations; write, edit and proofread content for publications; support VIU community with media relations; take, edit, distribute and archive photographs for news stories; develop content to support VIU's website and social media presence.

Manage communications projects such as institutional publications in collaboration with other units such as Strategic Marketing, Advancement and Alumni Relations; Enrolment Management; provide communications support to managers and other staff responsible for University events and activities; prepare speaking notes for VIU's President and other senior administrators for regular and special events.

Completes general updates on websites (e.g., biographies, announcements, important dates, course information), ensuring information is current and accurate.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as journalism, creative writing, communication, public relations or English from an accredited institution; minimum five years' experience in the communications and/or public relations field with extensive experience in writing and editing in a public-sector environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Proven experience in: writing, creating and distributing content to external audiences using a variety of tools (blogs, e-newsletters, media releases, social media etc); writing key messages; media relations; developing social media strategies; editing publications as well as successfully completing writing projects for a large public-sector organization. Recent, relevant experience creating strategic communication plans; developing key messages; and successfully managing projects for print/online publications; proficiency in handling digital photo equipment, photo editing, and desktop publishing.

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work both independently and in a team, and to deal with the pressures of multiple deadlines in a shifting operational environment. Able to work evenings and weekends when required.

Exceptional command of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Exceptional oral and written communication; interpersonal skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint; e-newsletter software (i.e. Constant Contact or Mailchimp).

Must possess a valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and have a confirmed satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Post-graduate degree. Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or similar credential.
• Recent, relevant experience working in a post-secondary or public-sector environment; experience working in an environment with different employee groups; recent, relevant experience in issues or crises communications; speech-writing; videography.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note: 

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students.  In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences.  We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter.  When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity.  Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.