The Society for Children and Youth of BC (SCY) is a unique provincial advocacy organization dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth. Since 1974, SCY has provided a forum for multi-disciplinary exchange and action for organizations and individuals working with and for young people.

We are seeking a Communications Coordinator to start immediately. This is a full-time (35 hours per week) position. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Child Rights Campaign & Public Relations Coordinator is responsible for the development, planning, execution, and administration of the Society’s communications initiatives. The successful candidate will coordinate all of SCY’s communications activities, including the BC Child Rights Public Awareness Campaign led by the Society in partnership with other child and youth serving organizations in the province.

SCY advocates for the well-being of children and youth, and building the capacity of children, youth and communities to ensure that the Rights of children are understood and used to guide program and policy decisions.  We are seeking a strong child rights advocate to join our team.

Responsibilities

Child Rights Campaign

• Guide the implementation of the Child Rights Public Awareness Campaign, evaluate its success, and make recommendations regarding the next phase of the campaign;
• Build SCY’s digital presence: coordinate website updates and development, increase following on social media sites, produce engaging bi-monthly newsletters for the SCY network and targeted articles for distribution (via other organizations and/or media);
• Increase the profile of SCY as a Child Rights information clearing house;
• Oversee content, production, and dissemination of print communications materials;
• Develop workshop materials and facilitate workshops on child rights; and
• Engage community members and volunteers in the campaign.

Public Relations

• Develop an SCY communications plan;
• Guide the implementation of the communications plan, evaluate its success, and adapt communications strategies and activities accordingly;
• Monitor the internal and external environment to identify communications opportunities, challenges, and issues; and
• Liaise and build relationships with key stakeholders including media, government policy makers, project partners, the Campaign Advisory, funders, community organizations, and donors.

Support Agency Operations

• Support and liaise with external consultants and service providers as necessary;
• Administer the approved budget with respect to all communications activities;
• Support fund development, including assisting with grant writing and evaluation reports;
• Mentor internship students and volunteers; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Executive Director.

Qualifications

Education and experience

• Post Secondary Degree in a related subject or equivalent combination of education, technical training and experience;
• 3-5 years of experience in communications and particularly media (including social media), campaign coordination, and public relations;
• Proven experience in building momentum around an issue/organization;
• Experience building relationships with government and non-government stakeholders;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to build rapport with diverse populations and all age groups.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Strong understanding of local, regional, and provincial media environment;
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, web publishing, multi-media, and print production;
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and meet deadlines;
• Strategic thinking;
• Ability to respond to shifting priorities and manage multiple projects;
• Experience working with an advocacy organization is desirable;
• Familiarity with the children and youth sector in BC and the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an asset.

Personal characteristics

The applicant should demonstrate competence in all of the following:

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices, and ensure that their own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

The successful candidate will be able to provide a significant contribution to the Society’s work in promoting children’s rights awareness across the province. We are looking for a dedicated individual to help support and strengthen our growing organization.  This position is subject to a criminal record check. Some travel throughout the Lower Mainland may be required.