Communications Specialist

Are you a communications professional who is a jack of all trades? Can you pivot from writing marketing pieces to press releases to project briefs? Does managing WordPress websites excite you? Are you comfortable collaborating with members of the public to C-suite personnel? And do you hold in high regard relationships as a foundation for success? If so, this opportunity is calling your name.

The Communications Specialist will support the Manager, Communications & Engagement with safeguarding and advancing Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’s (GVHA) reputation in the media, on GVHA digital channels and branded collateral, with member agencies, commercial vendors and communities within Greater Victoria. This position also works closely with Cruise Development to produce materials that enhance the cruise visitor experience.

**Specific Accountabilities**
Communications
- Monitors media to identify issues or areas to capitalize on
- Supports the Manager, Communications and Engagement in the preparation and dissemination of press releases, media pitches, op-eds, and other communications materials including but not limited to brochures, briefs, presentations, etc.
- Develops, maintains, and implements social media content calendar and produces bi-weekly analytics reports
- Maintains social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and other digital activities
- Plans and produces internal communications updates, including internal newsletter
- Maintains web properties, updates and implements approved changes on GVHA’s website (WordPress)
- Assists departments with vendor messaging via Mail Chimp
- Provides assistance to internal departments in the development and execution of marketing and communications materials and strategies
- Assists with planning and writing a monthly e-newsletter, Harbour Currents

Marketing & Branding
- Implements all marketing/branding/advertising strategies/activities for all lines of business and facilities (e.g., facility promotion marketing)
- Creates artwork in Adobe Illustrator or with assistance of a graphic designer
- Coordinates marketing aspects for all tradeshows GVHA participates including Sea Trade in collaboration with Director, Cruise Development
- Assists with the implementation of GVHA’s signage and wayfinding program
- Participates in development and implementation of business development marketing
- Collaborates across the organization to develop and execute marketing programs/budgets to support optimizing commercial performance of GVHA’s facilities across all business lines
- Coordinates with external marketing consultants, graphic designers, and web developers/designers as required
- Develops and maintains facility maps for public and stakeholder use
- Participates and supports all marketing elements related to GVHA’s public relations campaigns
- Provides branding support with regards to business cards and merchandise
- Provides assistance to internal departments in the development and execution of marketing materials

Events
- Organizes the planning and logistics for media events
- Develops media event briefs and assists with event execution as required
- Supports the Events Specialist with promoting events and activation on GVHA properties
- Contributes to the development and execution of event engagement and site activation strategies

**Tools/Equipment**
- Operates standard office equipment (laptop required) as well as video conferencing, audio visual equipment
- Operates personal computer for word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, calendar, internet, etc.
- Computer software includes Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, WordPress, and other and software
- Data management systems such as SharePoint site
- Familiar with using a digital camera

**Working Conditions**
- Office environment
- Regular, full-time position, Monday to Friday
- Occasional evenings and/or weekends due to operational requirements and/or to participate in corporate and GVHA sponsored/supported events (more frequent in summer months)
- Occasional travel to attend conferences, meetings or special events

**Experience and Education**
- Post-secondary education in Communications
- Minimum 3 years related experience in communications
- Familiar with The Canadian Press Stylebook and writing guidelines
- Minimum 3 years of experience in event planning
- Experience in developing strategic marketing plans
- Experience with photography and videography an asset
- Experience with WordPress and MailChimp
- Experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop software is an asset
- Proficient with all types of media platforms
- Valid Class 5 driver’s licence and the ability to travel locally between sites

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**
- Sound knowledge of various media, including print, web, social media, and multimedia
- Excellent interpersonal, communications, public speaking, and presentation skills
- Excellent verbal, written and editing communication skills,