Communications Officer

**EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY**

**Communications Officer**

**About the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre**

The Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre is a project mandated by all thirteen Mi’kmaw Chiefs in Nova Scotia and administered through The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM), one of two Mi’kmaw tribal councils in Nova Scotia. The future MDCC will be an experiential cultural centre that will anchor Mi’kmaw culture and heritage sectors with more than 60,000 annual visitors, integrating community outreach and knowledge with robust educational and public programming. Since 2002, all thirteen Mi’kmaw First Nations in Nova Scotia have repeatedly affirmed the MDCC project and its mandate to protect the Debert ancestral sites, to return Mi’kmaw collections from across North America and to develop visitor and educational programming. From its inception, the MDCC Elders’ Advisory Council has guided the project.

**Position Overview**

The Communications Officer sustains the Centre’s public profile, engaging Mi’kmaw communities, communicating to funders, working with the Fund Development Officer and managing public communication initiatives. The Centre has three primary audiences: Mi’kmaw communities, teachers and learners of all ages, and cultural tourists. The Communications Officer plays the key role in sharing the Centre’s progress through its capital development phase into opening the new Centre. Primary communication pathways include the MDCC website, social media platforms, in-person engagements and events, and a range of print materials.

**Overview of Responsibilities**:

- Raising the profile and awareness of the MDCC with Mi’kmaw communities, key stakeholders, primary funders, and the general public;
- Revising the existing the MDCC communications strategy;
- Cultivating and creating positive media stories;
- Producing print, web, periodical, site-specific advertising, and signage;
- Managing and growing the MDCC website;
- Supporting Mi’kmaw History Month activities;
- Attending gatherings, public speaking events and trade shows;
- Collaborating and supporting activities of the Fund Development Officer;
- Supporting project staff and management with strategic partnerships;
- Other communication duties as identified by the Director of History and Culture or the MDCC Project Coordinator.

**Position Requirements**:

- University degree in communications, public relations, English or equivalent;
- Three to five years experience in communications related positions;
- Knowledge of current professional standards in communications and public relations;
- Excellent writing, speaking and visual literacy skills;
- Knowledge of successful tactics for Mi’kmaw communities, Provincial and Federal governments, educators, and general audiences;
- Experience working with a variety of raw and format image files, website management software, InDesign, Microsoft Office, and Excel would be important assets;
- Proficiency with primary social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter;
- Experience working with Mi’kmaw First Nation communities, leadership, youth and Elders;
- Spoken and written Mi’kmaw would be an asset;
- Knowledge of and/or experience with Mi’kmaw heritage, tourism, and cultural sectors as well as knowledge of archaeology and related sciences would be assets;
- Must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle and ability to travel.

**Why work with us?**

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (The CMM) is well known throughout Canada as a professional organization that is committed to providing a pleasant and healthy working environment for all its employees. As an organization, we understand that a great work/life balance is essential to success. As a full-time employee you can expect:

- An atmosphere that is both professional and family oriented.
- Enrollment in the organization’s benefits packages on your first day of employment with no waiting period, which includes Health & Dental, and Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
- Generous amounts of paid time off (Paid Statutory Holidays plus St. Anne’s Day and Aboriginal Day, Summer Shutdown (2 weeks), Christmas Shutdown (roughly 2 weeks), plus 1 week of discretionary vacation time (up to 2 weeks with 10 years of service).
- Social Committee, Staff Days, Staff Knowledge Days, etc.

**Salary/Employment Term**:
Expected annual salary: $50,000.00 per year. This is a Permanent Position (pending successful six-month probationary contract).

**Application Deadline: Open until position is filled**

Submit Cover Letter AND Resume to**:Human Resources**

**c/o The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq**

**PO Box 1590, Truro, Nova Scotia B2N 5V3**

**Salary**: $50,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

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