Communications Specialist full-time

Reporting to the Manager, Public Affairs - Western Canada, the Communications Specialist - British Columbia and Yukon, is responsible for the coordination of communication efforts for Canadian Blood Services' Public Affairs Division in British Columbia and Western Canada.

• Coordinates media activities, maintains effective media relations and acts as a spokesperson as required


• Develops and/or coordinates internal and external communication materials for donor recruitment and retention, community partnerships, stakeholder groups, national business lines, employees and the general public


• Proactively secures opportunities to heighten the awareness and activities for Canadian Blood Services as a whole within diverse and mainstream media and communities


• Coordinates regional and national communications initiatives and projects to ensure they are effectively implemented; including government relations, issues management, stakeholder involvement and media relations


• Working with multiple internal and external customers, proactively secures opportunities to heighten the awareness and the activities of all Canadian Blood Services' lines of business


• Provides general communications and issues management support for the British Columbia and other Western Canada regions as required


• Represents Public Affairs at local management meetings, regional committee meetings, on local emergency response teams and others as required


• Manages Canadian Blood Services' corporate reputation across the province, in all areas of business operations


• Maintains relationships and works closely with the regional management team and national Public Affairs team on local and national initiatives
• Required Skills


• Post-secondary level education in a relevant discipline from a recognized academic institution. An undergraduate degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required


• A minimum of five (5) years of related experience in public relations, communication and/or stakeholder involvement


• Extensive experience in current issues and crisis management


• Exceptional media relations skills and on-camera experience required


• Proven communication and relationship-building skills when working with diverse groups


• Superior writing, reporting, communication planning and editing skills


• Strong analytical abilities coupled with effective problem solving and decision making


• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills


• Preference will be given to those with an IABC or CPRS accreditation


• A strategic and analytical thinker able to focus on high value tasks, communications opportunities and details in an environment with competing priorities


• Solid knowledge of social media and building strategies to enhance corporate reputation and donor engagement


• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English. Fluency in French or another language is an asset.


• Ability to interact with a wide-range of individuals at all levels within the organization and with external communities


• Advanced computer competency skills with MS Word 2010 Suite and Adobe Acrobat software


• Some travel required for regional and national meetings