Posting Closing Date: 03/09/2017

Under the direction of the Manager, Marketing and Communications, Public Affairs, the Marketing and Communications Specialist II is responsible for preparing a variety of communications and marketing materials for internal and external audiences that have to do with the educational programs, services, activities, brand identity and events at Okanagan College.

The Marketing and Communications Specialist II will play a major role in strategic marketing and communications implementation in order to increase visibility and constituent engagement. The Specialist is responsible for research, interviews, writing, social media, multimedia, photography, preparation and co-coordinating various print and electronic communications and marketing materials.

This work includes writing for: press releases, internal publications and bulletins, social media feeds, employee communications, public service announcements, advertisements, annual reports, recruitment materials, community reports, and public presentations.

The Specialist will manage and monitor Okanagan College’s social media feeds, providing relevant content that reinforces the institution’s brand and key messages and will manage the day-to-day online presence for Okanagan College, including website content.

The Marketing and Communications Specialist II will work closely with the Manager to generate and coordinate content for the College’s bi-weekly internal e-newsletter, as well as maintain an employee communications channel, its content and delivery. The Specialist is also responsible for assisting the Manager to deal with media inquiries and media relations, in the absence of the Director, Public Affairs.

The Marketing and Communications Specialist II will also assist various Okanagan College personnel, including members of the Executive, with preparation of speeches and materials for public presentations.

The Marketing and Communications Specialist II will serve as a liaison and resource for all academic, vocational and trades departments within the College, coordinating marketing and communications efforts and strategies. This work includes developing a marketing strategy, writing copy, coordinating imagery and graphics and working with graphic designers and the internal client(s) to bring the project to the final stages of production.

The Marketing and Communications Specialist II will be expected to maintain knowledge of current developments in the communications, social media and public relations fields and maintain awareness of trends and conditions affecting Okanagan College’s activities and operations, in order to suggest content for inclusion in in-house and external documents.

The Marketing and Communications Specialist II supports and enhances the efforts of the Director and Manager of Public Affairs and Senior Administration in fostering a team approach within the institution and is committed to providing quality customer service, as well as furthering communications and marketing strategies outlined by the institution.

Other duties include supporting the Public Affairs team at major events such as Convocation, press conferences and the Spaghetti Bridge Building competition. Support that may be required includes event planning, photography, administrative duties and serving as a host or ambassador for Okanagan College or the Public Affairs Bureau. This work may include evenings or weekends as required.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree – concentration or major in journalism, communications or marketing is required. Two to four years experience in marketing, journalism, and/or communications role. Experience in a newsroom or within the media industry is an asset. Professional development in Social Media is an asset. Specialized training in marketing (in addition to a bachelor’s degree) is an asset.

Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of brand identity and have solid news judgment
• Flexible and able to manage a high work volume and competing priorities to meet deadlines
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with an aptitude for working in a collegial and collaborative environment.
• Excellent project management, planning, marketing, promotional and presentation skills
• Excellent organizational, administrative and problem-solving skills
• Superior verbal and written communication skills with the ability to create and deliver key messages to general and targeted audiences
• Advanced writing and editing skills with the ability to draft marketing and communications copy
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and the Internet – knowledge of Content Management Software is an asset. Able to work on PC and Mac platforms
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, and the public; maintain interpersonal relationships and exercise courtesy, tact and discretion
• Build strong relationships with internal and external audiences and clients as well as local and regional media
• Familiarity with Canadian Press style, data collection and reporting, editing and proficiency using a digital camera and editing photos

Core Competencies

• Collaboration & Collegiality
• Continuous Learning & Information Seeking
• Effective Interactive Communication
• Initiative
• Integrity & Accountability
• Student & Service Focus