Communications and Content Officer, Internal

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director, Community and Public Affairs (CPA), and working collaboratively with the CPA team, the Communications and Content Officer, Internal is responsible for researching, writing, producing and editing content that helps tell NIC’s story to employees, students, media, community members, government, and additional external stakeholders. This includes storytelling, through various mediums including print, digital and video, that supports NIC’s strategic initiatives while bringing awareness of the college’s role in community.

The Communications and Content Officer, Internal is an excellent writer and strong editor, with the ability to communicate creatively and visually, using video production and photography skills as needed, to take the lead on internal communications, while also supporting external messaging. In addition to storytelling, the Communications and Content Officer, Internal engages in media relations, advocacy, website support, publication creation, social media and other communication tools.

The Communications and Content Officer, Internal has a proven ability to handle multiple projects and tasks within a fast-paced environment. They are also aware of NIC’s mission and vision, and as a storyteller and communications expert, supports others in bringing NIC’s identity, strategic direction, and brand to life. Position Competencies · Communication & Interpersonal Skills· Teamwork· Job Knowledge· Judgment· Planning & Organization· Customer Service Excellence Duties & Responsibilities Writing & CommunicationsProvides a full range of publishing services, including written and editing, in support of NIC’s internal and external communications, as well as North Island College Foundation (NICF) publications, to maximize college exposure in a variety of communication channels.Works with colleagues within the college to deliver communications and publications, while also supporting deliverables as outlined by the Associate Director, Community and Public Affairs.Assists in the development and creation of speaking notes, briefing memos, key messages, advocacy documents, campus plans, accountability reports and relevant communications materials to support NIC governance, as well as NICF.Researches, plans, writes, and edits publications, social media and web pages. May also serve as project support on key publications including working with members of a production team, designers, developers, and other writers.Responsible for accurate representation of facts, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness of materials, by maintaining editorial integrity.Supports the alignment and integration of public affairs activities, collaboration and communication processes, to align with NIC’s Strategic Plan, vision, mission and objectives.Creates and maintains content for NIC communication channels, guided by NIC’s strategic plan and the college’s brand identity.Supports the creation of collaborative, engaging employee communications to support the People Plan and Employee Engagement, including the mobilization of recommendations within NIC’s employee communication audit.Applies technical knowledge and ability to create content for use in a wide range of communications; including online social media, print, video, sponsorship, events, corporate communications, and other mediums as and when developed.Writes, prepares, and distributes media releases, media kits, fact sheets, print and electronic materials in collaboration with Community and Public Affairs Team.Maintains and adheres to CP Style guidelines and NIC-related style guides, editing and guiding the writing of others in a collaborative and respectful fashion.Interviews and reports on events, in support of the NIC brand and strategic initiatives. Public Affairs and Outreach Supports the alignment and integration of public affairs activities, collaboration and communication processes, to align with NIC’s Strategic Plan, vision, mission and objectives.Collaborates with colleagues to foster relations and proactively identifies opportunities to enhance awareness and understanding of the important role North Island College and its initiatives, including the implementation of a comprehensive public affairs program.Develops and maintains working relationships with students, alumni, employees, employers, and external partners.Supports and facilitates information sharing with NIC and First Nations governments and communities.Receives, logs and documents media requests, while maximizing opportunities with regional, provincial and national news media or sector-specific outlets as required.Understands and is experienced in news principles and practicesSupports the development of a proactive media outreach strategy to enhance NIC’s relationships with key media, while taking the lead on the writing and development of media advisories, releases and briefings to support greater understanding of NIC programs and activities.Assists in organizing media events; communicates their newsworthiness and hosts media to ensure coverage.Supports coordination of interviews with NIC’s official spokespeople and prepares talking points in advance of interviews and other speaking engagements.Creates, develops, and maintains professional working relationships with a network of media contacts.Monitors publications and stories to ensure accuracy, detect errors and support prompt corrective action, while documenting and tracking performance indictors with respect to news media activity.Supports the development and implementation of timely, cost effective and robust media monitoring and reporting tools.Supports and facilitates information sharing with NIC and First Nations governments and communities.Issues Management and Content StrategySupports the Associate Director, Community and Public Affairs in actively monitoring and reviewing current and emerging issues of interest to NIC, as well as those with the potential to impact to the college’s reputation.Supports the Associate Director, Community and Public Affairs in researching, developing and integrating complex concepts related to emerging issues, legislative changes, best practices and application of engaging public relations and communications for internal and external NIC communitiesRegularly tracks and reports on issues of concern and how they may impact NIC, including emergency communications.Respects confidentiality of leadership, colleagues and external partners in the planning, developing and supporting NIC initiatives.Collaborates with Community and Public Affairs, the North Island College Foundation, as well as Marketing and Future Students, to support and create content related to NIC’s reputation needs, brand identity and storytelling to maximize publicity.Works with program areas to seek out storytelling opportunities and content that supports the brand and reputation of the college.Other DutiesSupports NIC’s brand identity by assisting in the development of related content.Supports the development of policies, guidelines and strategies to guide communications, as well as public affairs.Assists in the maintenance of annual work plans, including project-tracking tools and reporting mechanisms.Supports the delivery of special events for anniversaries, awards ceremonies, dignitary visits, and other events, from a media and employee communications perspective.Ensures appropriate retention, access and retrieval of documents related to the duties and functions of the position, including those of a confidential nature.Supports the development of strong materials to support NIC’s communication goals.Maintains close contact with students, faculty, alumni, employees, NICF, community partners and communities in collaboration with NIC colleagues.Manages projects and multiple tasks with minimal supervision.Adheres to agreed project deadlines, budgets and prioritizes workload to achieve them.Contributes individually, and as a team member, on solutions to college-wide communication needs.Ensures ongoing professional development of knowledge and ability, through self-development, sharing of best communication practices, and participating in activities in support of the development of the college, via collaboration on collective projects.Fosters a “service excellence” environment in cooperation with others.Recommends software and hardware technology needed to support work.Promotes a positive work atmosphere by interacting and communicating in a professional manner that demonstrates mutual respect for colleagues and students.Performs additional responsibilities and duties as delegated by the Associate Director, Community and Public Affairs. Required Education & Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or Journalism. May also consider Marketing, Business or an English degree.Minimum of 5 years’ experience to include the following: Minimum of 3 years experience in writing, reporting or communications position, preferably in BC’s post-secondary sector. Experience telling effective stories and working with employee communications for a public or private organization.Technical writing ability and social media skills, as well as some video and photography experience. Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities Excellent verbal and written communication, including exceptional writing skills with the ability to write and edit for multiple genres (marketing, journalism, public relations, technical, social media and more).Proven ability to speak to the hearts and minds of unique audiences through a variety of storytelling modes.Ability to identify an audience and create a compelling case that transforms interest to action.Demonstrated ability to interview and report on news, events and program initiatives.Multi-media skills, including photography and video production, considered an asset.Clear understanding of and ability to apply CP Style guidelines.Strong command of communications fundamentals and storytelling principlesDemonstrated ability to write and edit original copy and layout in preparation for publication.Ability to translate complex information into easy-to-understand information.Excellent interpersonal skills, with the demonstrated ability to exercise tact, good judgment, confidentiality and diplomacy.Strong analytical ability, problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.Proficiency with MS Office Applications and knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Illustrator or other video editing is an asset.Ability to create, post, and edit information in a social media and web environment.Ability to demonstrate effective team behaviours such as active listening, collaboration, balanced participation, and contributing to shared team goals.Ability to use apps, utilities and helpdesk systems to support interdepartmental work.Self-motivated, well organized and effective time manager with the ability to tackle multiple tasks efficiently paying close attention to detail and deadlines, while maintaining accuracy and richness of contentDemonstrated ability to maintain effectiveness in a changing and diverse work environment, while responding to change with a positive attitude.Ability to work with First Nations, media, government and community representatives.Ability to communicate professionally at all levels within NIC and the community.Proven experience in dealing with and maintaining a high degree of confidentiality, discretion and sensitivity.Ability to work evenings and weekends when required, and travel to NIC campuses across the region to support projects.Knowledge of the NIC’s policies, procedures and educational processes, and/or of the post-secondary system in BC is an asset.

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