Communications Specialist

Unison at Kerby Centre is a non-profit organization located in the west end of downtown Calgary. Dedicated to enhancing life for older Calgarians, Kerby Centre offers an exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful community development and build a career in the charitable sector.

Position: Communications Specialist

Terms of Employment: Full-time, Permanent

Rate of pay: $57,000 - $60,000 (depending on qualifications)

Location: Calgary
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The role is responsible for overseeing all external written communications for the agency. This includes the (written) creation, review, and management of content across social media, website platforms, and monthly media Public Service Announcements (PSAs), as well as providing written support for the fund development team. The role also manages media relations, working with external media outlets to ensure consistent and strategic communication.
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- Project manage the monthly Unison News newspaper and annual Seniors Directory, overseeing the entire process from planning to publication, including content gathering, coordination with internal teams and external vendors, layout design, and ensuring timely delivery.
- Plan and oversee the page layout of the newspaper, working with design and production teams.
- Plan the newspaper's editorial content in consultation with the Director of Business Development, marketing, and fund development teams.
- Ensure that all editorial deadlines are met, and that content is delivered on time.
- Organize editorial assignments for writers, columnists, volunteers, and photographers, ensuring balanced coverage.
- Work closely with various departments, external production and delivery companies, and volunteers to ensure the completion and quality of the newspaper.
- Source, select, and edit written and visual content for the agency, ensuring high-quality and relevant material.
- Write articles, headlines, and captions that engage and inform the readership.
- Develop ideas for content that is highly shareable and aligned with the agency's goals.
- Follow journalism best practices in all aspects of content creation and editing.
- Attend, photograph, and report on agency events as required, ensuring timely coverage.
- Collaborate closely with the marketing team and Director of Business Development on Unison News, the agency's website, and social media content, ensuring consistency and relevance.
- Maintain and manage a list of media contacts, fostering positive relationships with media outlets.
- Serve as a back-up crisis communications liaison, coordinating communication materials, monitoring traditional and social media, and providing support and coaching as needed.
- Foster strong working relationships and maintain a high level of cooperation with the entire Unison team.
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Education & Experience
- Bachelor degree in Journalism or English (or related field).
- 2 years writing and proofreading experience.
- 2 year diploma with 3 years experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Exceptional skills and creativity with the English language.
- Print and online media experience.
- Organizational and prioritizing abilities.
- Strong writing and proofreading skills.
- Ability to improve on other’s written work.
- Great attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Conceptual creative abilities.
- Ability to create stories.
- Exceptional time management.
- Must have car or access to one on periodic basis.

Computer Use:

- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Office 365.
- Experience in Adobe InDesign, and Canva an asset.
- Experience in online content creation, posting (Wordpress) and social media (Meta Business Suite).
- Usually works in an office environment.
- Works a standard 35-hour workweek. Shift is 8:00am - 4:00pm, or 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday.
- Must be able to work under the pressure of production/printing deadlines. Must be able to adjust working hours to meet deadlines.

Stamina and physical mobility. Must be able to lift newspaper bundles.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $57,000.00-$60,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday

**Experience**:

- Writing skills: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person