Department: External Relations

Employee Group: Teamsters Local 31

Location: 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby

Description:

Our External Relations Department is seeking a Communications Specialist to work within a dynamic and nimble Media and Intergovernment Relations team who has the knowledge and expertise to help enhance and safeguard Metro Vancouver’s reputation and image among the media, stakeholders and the public.

You are a well informed and experienced communications professional with outstanding written skills, meticulous attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly with a variety of audiences.

This role:

• Identifies opportunities, designs, develops and implements a range of media communications tactics in support of strategic corporate goals; proactively seeks opportunities to support and present ideas for news and social media communication.

• Leads the formulating and implementing of corporate communication tactics and develops tools and methods for evaluating their success, monitors impact and makes recommendations for changes.

• Provides public and media relations advice to senior management relating to strategic objectives.

• Composes a wide variety of strategic and tactical communications materials, including newsletters, official correspondence, speaking notes, brochures, issues briefs, media releases and other materials as required.

• Monitors news and social media and prepares media monitoring summary reports.

• Plans and executes media events and tours that highlight corporate programs and objectives.

• Works collaboratively as part of the team, which includes working with design and web specialists to prepare a variety of reports, presentations and communications products. Regularly liaises with senior level internal and external contacts, municipal partners, the public and media. Proactively and reactively liaises with news media outlets, journalists and editors to raise Metro Vancouver’s profile among the media and public.

• Regularly liaises with senior level internal and external contacts, municipal partners, the public and media.

• Performs related work as required.

To be successful, you have:

• University graduation, with a degree in communications, public relations, plus five to seven years of communications experience working with senior officials on building public and media awareness of strategic corporate goals; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques relating to communications program design, development, implementation and monitoring, especially as it relates to governmental agencies and organizations.

• Sound knowledge of the objectives of Metro Vancouver, its Board of Directors and member municipalities as they relate to the work performed.

• Must have considerable initiative, political sensitivity and judgment and to take a project from concept through implementation and assessment in a public sector environment.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships with various internal and external contacts, member municipalities and other clients and to act as advisor, liaison and communications representative on behalf of the MVRD.

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills including creativity, imagination and awareness of audience. Experience in audio-visual communications is an asset.

• Strong technical abilities including understanding of web-based communications and monitoring tools; thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office; experience with Adobe Creative Suite is an asset.

• Strong organizational skills including the ability to multi-task and quickly adapt to changing priorities.

• Ability to perform work with minimal supervision.

• Valid B.C. Driver's license is required.

Our Vision:

Metro Vancouver embraces collaboration and innovation in providing sustainable regional services that contribute to a livable and resilient region and a healthy natural environment for current and future generations.