Communications Officer

The Communications Officer will support the Manager, Communications & Education with the execution of communications strategies and plans primarily in the area of public relations, focusing on social media management, content creation, and media relations.

They will collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to implement effective communications strategies based on our target audiences, promoting the vision and mission of the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS), and telling our stories. This will include developing, writing, and editing marketing and communications materials, including press releases, blog posts, and social media content, as well as representing the voice of EHS while engaging with our audiences both on social media and with media partners and identifying and tracking KPI’s related to these responsibilities, working with team on reporting and making recommendations related to the results.

**Key Roles & Responsibilities**

**Public/Media Relations**
- Act as the day-to-day contact for media and maintain ongoing media partnerships; respond to inquiries and coordinate interview requests as deemed appropriate with the Manager and act as a spokesperson for the organization as required.
- Perform media outreach and build relationships with key media contacts to proactively pitch stories through media outlets as appropriate.
- Provide support for approved, designated spokespeople identified for stories, including preparing speeches and key messages for media interviews.
- Develop and coordinate the distribution of written materials as required.
- Monitor current events and identify media engagement and other publication opportunities that will raise EHS’ profile.
- Maintain an up-to-date media database and records of media coverage and collate analytics and metrics to make recommendations as appropriate.

**Social Media Management**
- Advise on and implement EHS’ social media strategy, including promoting the organization’s programs and services as well as telling EHS’ stories through the appropriate social channels based on the audience and content.
- Coordinate and execute on the content creation, content calendar, and scheduling/publishing of content on common social media channels.
- Ensure that all communications and marketing material published on social media align with brand standards, social media policy, organizational values, and position statements.
- Engage with followers and encourage positive interaction while conveying the brand’s persona using the tone/voice on various online channels**.**:

- Provide reliable, accurate, and timely customer service by responding to customer queries through social networks, delegating or escalating as needed.
- Work with relevant influencers or complementary brands to grow the EHS’s social following organically.
- Stay up to date with the latest social media best practices and technologies and identify new opportunities to expand EHS reach in the community.
- Monitor, identify, and escalate potential issues to the Manager, Communications & Education as needed.
- Report on social media metrics track community engagement via social media channels, and make recommendations in conjunction with the team based on these metrics.

**Storytelling & Content Creation**
- Proactively seek shelter stories in line with the organization’s storytelling strategy by collaborating with internal client groups and identifying appropriate opportunities for telling these stories across EHS’ various channels.
- Lead the collection of content through shooting and editing imagery/video and/or coordinating with team members/volunteers to collect content.
- Identify and suggest cross-promotional opportunities for content to be published on other platforms (e.g. website, blog, newsletter).

**Education & Requirements**
- Post-secondary education in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism or a related field.
- Minimum three (3) years of relevant experience in marketing, communications, or a related field, preferably in social media management and/or media relations.
- Experience within a public sector or non-profit fundraising environment is preferred.
- Experience with Microsoft Office, WordPress, Social Media and Media Monitoring Software (e.g. Sprout Social, Meltwater), and other public relations tools.
- Knowledge of photography and video production as well as basic content creation/graphic design.

**Skills & Abilities**

In addition, you will possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills for positive, productive partnerships internally and externally, with the ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve communication efforts, particularly as they relate to social media and media opportunities.