Communications Advisor, Student and Staff Relations

Position Information

**Position Number**
- S01088**Position Title**
- Communications Advisor, Student and Staff Relations**Division/Portfolio**
- College Relations**Department/Program**
- Media Relations**Location**
- Kelowna**Other Flexible Work Options**

**Your Opportunity**
- Under the general direction of the Associate Director, College Relations - Design and Content (AD), the Communications Advisor, Student and Staff Relations develops and implements communication plans, products and campaigns aligned to Okanagan College’s priorities and OC’s strategic plan.- When required, the Advisor provides strategic advice/support to the AVP, College Relations and other Executives on confidential/sensitive communications where the College’s reputational risk is a consideration, including those such as departmental reorganizations and service change(s).
- This position supports corporate and change management communications; is responsible for delivering and coordinating OC employee communication strategies and channels; creating, editing and publishing engaging content that appeals to internal audiences; and leading and/or supporting College communication projects, as assigned.**Functions and Duties**
- 1) Plan, execute and oversee OC’s internal communications channels.- Researches, compiles and handles confidential and sensitive information in the development and activation of communication initiatives.
- Produce employee communications, including authoring a variety of internal communications including announcements, stories and memos/notices delivered across a variety of communications channels.
- Lead and coordinate processes for staff to submit content to OC internal channels; develop and implement strategies to build communications capacity across portfolios and in alignment with OC employee engagement strategies;
- Maintain OC’s corporate Editorial Calendar, including content posted on the website, intranet news, distribution lists and additional channels as necessary. Coordinate the calendar for the College Relations portfolio.
- Manage and distribute College’s internal e-newsletter. Conduct regular audience engagement to solicit feedback that can be incorporated as channels grow and are strengthened. Research and maintain awareness of internal communication best practices.- Participates in confidential discussions and briefings with College executives and senior administration regarding items of a confidential nature with regards to communication strategies, internal partners, labour relations, legal matters, personnel changes, as well as program and Faculty changes.
- Works with senior executives in the college to incorporate vision and strategic priorities into critical communications materials.
- Consider OC-wide context, change management requirements and the Inspire roadmap.
- Research and produce content, including: written stories, videos, and photography and other multimedia pieces for use on College channels.
- Produce tailored content for specific audiences, demonstrating a clear understanding of messaging, positioning and stakeholder needs.
- Cultivate and maintain internal relationships, and act as a brand advisor and resource.

3) Participates in and supports communication planning and implementation related to emergency or crisis situations, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.- Exercises professional and Advisory judgment and discretion in advising and executing communications activities internally.

4) Work with other College Relations team members as required to support digital communications, marketing, alumni relations, donor relations, media events, design, etc.
- 5) Maintain an awareness of new developments and trends in communications through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations, industry advisor groups, professional associations and/or attendance at seminars, workshops and education programs.
- 6) Support efficiency and effectiveness by using a continuous improvement lens with respect to departmental systems and processes.
- 7) Contribute to the overall communications leadership of Okanagan College; model leadership qualities within the College Relations portfolio and in working with other portfolios; help ensure clients (executive, leaders and portfolios) feel supported in their requests.
- 8) Limited travel within the Okanagan to other campuses as required.
- 9) Perform other duties as required.**Education and Experience**
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or marketing. Five years of relevant experience in a progressively senior roles within the post-secondary or comparable sector, with a focus in areas including, but not limited to: writing, editing, communication planning, channel management, brand strategy, engagement, corporate communications.**Skills and Abilities**
- The ability to maintain a high degree of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.- Excellent, communication, presentation and interpersonal s