Media Specialist

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.  KPU strives to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning.

JOB OVERVIEW:  Media Specialist   

Reporting to the Manager, Media and Communications, the Media Specialist will provide ongoing media services, which include but are not limited to: research, writing and pitching stories related to University information and events.  This position will establish, encourage and maintain strong business relationships with media outlets and personnel.  Utilizing applicable software, the Media Specialist is responsible for regularly distributing press releases and related information to media, monitoring for ongoing feedback, and tracking and analyzing results.  The utmost priority for this position will be to coordinate media campaigns, obtain comprehensive publicity for the University, its programs, students, faculty, alumni and donors, and evaluate results for effectiveness to ensure increased success for future media needs.

The incumbent will develop and implement support services for the Office of Communications by providing writing and copy-editing expertise, media information, and planning and communication services to the departments and service groups.  The position will also assist in formulating plans, projects and policies that the department will undertake and perform some administrative duties related to the position.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Successful completion of a degree or diploma in journalism, public relations or communications or an equivalent combination of education, three years related experience and training may be acceptable with a proven portfolio.
• Minimum two years’ experience with creating, writing and editing content, including storytelling and press releases, for public relations and communications purposes, ideally within a post-secondary environment. Experience developing video, audio and digital content is an asset. 
• Recent experience in a media relations role.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Recent experience with content management, social media and email delivery systems. Experience with Drupal and SharePoint is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience using cloud based PR software to program, send, track, analyze and file press releases.
• Proven experience using social media and developing ongoing social media campaigns to send out appropriate messages to targeted audiences.
• Demonstrated experience and success in contacting media with stories and ability to persuade them to write articles, conduct interviews, or attain other types of media exposure.
• Proven ability to explain complex or technical information in a simple yet compelling way.
• Demonstrated advanced writing, editing, and proof-reading skills for communication vehicles that deliver key messages to both general and highly targeted audiences.
• Experience writing for a variety of audiences – students, parents, faculty, staff, executive, external communities, as well as government and media.
• Working knowledge in the use of computer software applications including word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets (Excel), presentations (PowerPoint), photo and video editing (Adobe Creative Suite and Photoshop), and desktop publishing skills in a Microsoft Office environment.
• Proven ability to activate communication plans to support an organization’s objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to use data and specialist expertise to develop guides, aid planning or inform decisions on the best way to convey information to target audiences.
• Proven ability to evaluate effectiveness of communications or public relations campaigns using appropriate programs, research, analytics, and financial information.
• Demonstrated ability to establish relationships with media.
• Knowledge of current public relations, communications and marketing principles, practices and techniques.
• Experience with principles and processes for providing customer service to clients/ departments within the university, as well as external audiences, including government and media.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, multi-task and prioritize work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated English language proficiency in spelling, grammar, punctuation and writing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated self-starter who seeks challenges and continual learning. 
• Proven ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced working environment.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of initiative and responsibility with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• Proven experience assessing and identifying appropriate communications, including opportunities and risks in evolving organizational and societal environments. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Intercampus travel is required, possession of a valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is preferred.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.

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Salary Information

Annual salary increases are based on hours worked and anniversary dates

Why Join KPU?

• Recognized as one of B.C.'s Top Employers  
• KPU is committed to actively fostering an equitable and inclusive working environment
• Competitive compensation  
• Hybrid environment, flexible work around core hours
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan – College Pension Plan
• Extended Medical, Dental, Healthcare Spending Account, Sick Leave, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Optional Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Emergency Travel Assistance, Employee and Family Assistance Program, Teledoc
• Professional Development Days: up to 10 days paid per year
• Maternity and parental leave top-up
• Generous vacation package
• Campus work environment, outdoor sitting areas and nearby walking trails
• Campus athletic and fitness centers with a variety of instructor-led classes
• Tuition waiver program – eligible to waive tuition costs of courses at KPU equivalent to 3 credits per semester
• Inhouse training and development
• Networking and social events such as KPU Day, Holiday Social etc.
• Intercampus shuttle
• Access to automotive, horticulture, brewery and other programs’ services
• Clubs: Jeopardy, E-sports, Ted Talks etc.
• Library and Bookstore (discounts)  
• **Benefits may vary if the position is temporary or part-time**

Please note:   As per the KPU-BCGEU Collective Agreement, qualified internal applicants within the BCGEU bargaining unit are given first consideration in filling this position. Internal applicants must apply by   11:59pm on the internal closing date in order to be   considered as an internal applicant. Internal applications received after the closing date will be considered as an external applicant.