Summary

Reporting to the Director of Communications, Planning and Engagement, the Communications Officer is responsible for the delivery and monitoring of timely and effective content to help increase awareness of Northern Development Initiative Trust and encourage others who are involved in economic development in the Trust’s service region.

Content includes but is not limited to: social media, monthly newsletters, annual reports, program materials such as postcards, posters and brochures, press releases, presentations and various other reports as needed.

The Communications Officer will also support the distribution of reports and other materials through the management of contact lists for targeted outreach, as well as the strategic use of a variety of traditional and digital communications platforms.

Through research and monitoring of a variety of media, the Communications Officer will help to observe the reputation of Northern Development, its staff and leadership, as well as identify opportunities to improve it and execute related tactics.

The Communications Officer will establish and maintain excellent working relationships with Trust staff, local and First Nations governments, not-for-profit groups, provincial and federal agencies, private organizations, media and other partners.

The successful applicant will demonstrate strong research and communication skills, the initiative and value for continuous improvement, as well as the ability to set and manage conflicting priorities. The Communications Officer will also maintain a high degree of confidentiality, tact, diplomacy and discretion at all times.

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate, draft and edit text for social media posts, reports, newsletters, collateral materials and other communications tools, while adhering to Canadian Press and Northern Development style guides.
• Liaise with project applicants, Northern Development staff and partners to collect content for the development of stories, told through the written word, photography, video, events, or other media
• Coordinate with contractors for the collection and creation of design, photography and video assets to help support Northern Development communications initiatives, as well as help prepare these assets for distribution across digital and print communication channels
• Monitor media to track coverage of Northern Development projects and initiatives, as well as to identify emerging regional economic issues and trends to better inform the development of programs and services
• Liaise with staff to identify opportunities to publicize and recognize project milestones
• Contribute to the development and execution of Northern Development’s online strategies, including social media, websites and other digital platforms
• Create engaging written and visual content, including occasional graphic designs for social media
• Work with staff to maintain and update contact information for media and other partners
• Contribute to the management of a variety of communications channels, including websites, social media, event registration systems, and email communication systems
• Assist with logistics for media and networking events, from distributing invitations, tracking registrations, organizing décor, refreshments, speaking notes, etc.
• Contributing to the completion of Northern Development work plan performance targets.
• Representing the Trust as assigned.