Communications Specialist

We’re looking for an enthusiastic team member who values relationship-building and demonstrates a broad knowledge of communication practices. You’re as adept and motivated to write a press release as you are a communications plan, project brief, social media strategy or website copy. Navigating WordPress and modifying pages is just another day at the office, and leading a communications audit is right up your alley.

The Communications Specialist supports 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. You will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, from community groups to commercial vendors to C-suite personnel.

A degree in communications, journalism, or a degree/diploma in public relations is preferred. Demonstrated work experience in communications will be considered.

**Relationship Building**
**Internal**
- Manager, Communications & Engagement
- Events Specialist
- Other GVHA Corporate, Operations, and Maintenance staff

**External**
- Business Associations (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Victoria Business Association)
- City of Victoria, local governments
- Contractors, consultants, commercial customers, float home and liveaboard customers
- Destination marketing organizations (e.g., Cruise BC, Destination Greater Victoria, Attractions Victoria)
- Media
- Member Agencies
- Stakeholders - Industry partners, business community groups
- tartanbond
- Western Stevedoring

**Specific Accountabilities**
**Communications**
- Monitors media and tracks media hits and assists the manager with identifying issues or areas of opportunity.
- Supports the Manager, Communications and Engagement in preparing and disseminating press releases, media pitches, op-eds, and other communications materials, including but not limited to brochures, briefs, presentations and others.
- Develops, maintains and implements a 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 an 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 and activities for all lines of business and facilities (i.e., facility promotion marketing).
- Creates artwork in Adobe Illustrator or with the assistance of a graphic designer.
- Coordinates marketing aspects for all tradeshows GVHA participates in including Sea Trade in collaboration with the Director, Cruise Development.
- Assists with the implementation of GVHA’s signage and wayfinding program.
- Participates in the development and implementation of business development marketing.
- Assists with developing and executing marketing programs/budgets to support the 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 assistance to internal departments in the development and execution of marketing materials.

**Events**
- Organizes the planning and logistics for media events.
- Develop media event briefs and assist 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, video conferencing, and audio-visual equipment.
- Operates a personal computer for word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, calendar, internet, etc.
- Computer software includes Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and other software.
- Data management systems (i.e., 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**
- A degree in communications, journalism or a degree/diplo