The Communications Specialist for Seaspan is responsible and accountable for planning, coordinating and execution of communications activities in support of the organization's goals and objectives. This position is responsible for providing communications advice, tools and tactics to enable leadership to effectively motivate and engage employees and key stakeholders.  The Communications Specialist facilitates communications by creating communication items, writing, editing, coordinating design, photography and assisting with Seaspan Social Media content and responses.

The Communications Specialist reports directly to the Director, Communications & Public Relations. This role liaises closely with specific Divisional Leaders, Managers and Supervisors. This position does not have any direct reports.

Duties/Accountabilities

• Serves of primary point of contact for Seaspan’s Communications Department.
• Develops newsletters, reports and other delivery vehicles to effectively communicate Company information, initiatives, issues, etc.
• Drafts and edits internal communications for multiple audiences including: Employee news articles, leadership messages and producing presentations and/or reports.
• Manages and maintains corporate media, blogger and influencer contact lists.
• Actively monitors, prepares content and responses on the Company’s social media platforms.
• Maintains and regularly updates the Company’s website.  Provides suggestions on content and improvements.
• Assists with the coordination of events that fall under the Seaspan brand.
• Supports trade shows, conferences and other external/marketing activities where Seaspan's brand is present.
• May occasionally attend conferences, tradeshows and events as a Seaspan representative.
• Provides subject matter expertise to the Communications Department relating to corporate branding/image for all Seaspan companies.
• Provides support for the coordination of requirements for and/or manages all client-based graphic design projects and other associated external Vendors.
• May develop presentation decks and dashboards as required by Senior Leadership.
• Participates in the development and administration of the annual Corporate Communications budget.
• Assists in the development and administration of the advertising and marketing budgets for all Seaspan companies.
• Maintains knowledge on the latest industry trends and related news coverage that is relevant to Seaspan.
• Coordinates media requests and scheduling of interviews for Company spokespeople.
• Assists in developing key messaging to all audiences (internal and external).
• Supports media events, coordinates and plans venues, logistics and other related communications.
• Supports internal, community relations and social media campaigns.
• Monitors weekly metrics and press reviews to provide insights and analysis based on experience and capability to the Communications Team.
• May provide project management assistance for specific product or theme-related internal and external campaigns as relevant to Seaspan.
• Contributes to the development and production of Propeller Press and internal publications and reports.
• Others duties as required.

Required Education and Required Experience

• A post-secondary degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or Journalism.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a communications field such as public affairs, corporate communications, government relations and/or media agencies experience.
• Experience with design and desktop publishing using Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
• Preferred: Experience working within a heavy industry environment

Skills, Knowledge and Required Competencies

• Communications experience in a deadline-driven, multi-stakeholders, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written English and grammar skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Social media savvy with exceptional understanding of online communications tools and tactics.
• Strong creative and design skills. Photographic ability an asset.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage their time effectively.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking capabilities.
• Ability to work well under pressure and to meet strict, daily deadlines.
• Strong ability to develop and maintain relationships both internally with Executives, Managers and all levels of Employees internally as well as externally with outside vendors.

Seaspan is committed to Employment Equity, supports diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including, women, members of visible minorities, aboriginal persons, and persons with disabilities.