Communications Specialist, Reg FT

POSITION TITLE:

DEPARTMENT:

SALARY:

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

COMMUNICATIONS

$45.33 per hour, as per BCGEU Collective Agreement

NATURE OF WORK

The Communications Specialist works within the Communications Department to support internal and external communications initiatives aligning with the City’s strategic and operational goals. The Communications Specialist develops user-friendly, effective and appealing marketing, promotional, and communications materials, including outputs such as posters, brochures, reports, digital and print advertisements and other various materials for web, social media and print. Further, they assist in the development and implement various marketing and public engagement initiatives and produce informational, promotional, and marketing materials while working collaboratively with various City departments.

Regular day shift hours; however, you must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Accountable to the Communications Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works within the Communications team and with internal client departments to define their marketing and communication objectives and develop strategies, budgets, and timelines.
• Works within the existing City of Fort St. John branding to create designs, concepts, and layouts.
• Prepares informational, promotional and marketing materials such as newsletters, brochures, advertisements, social images, illustrations and infographics, photographic and video libraries, and large-scale exhibit and display signage.
• Researches and compiles information and required factual content for various communications initiatives and marketing materials.
• Develops and implements marketing campaigns to support the organizational strategic and operational goals, and analyzes and reports on their effectiveness.
• Assists external service providers and internal departments with planning and facilitating public engagement activities using IAP2 principles.
• Assists in the development and implementation of public engagement-related policies.
• Develops the City’s social media channels to increase citizen engagement.
• Supports the preparation and distribution of news releases.
• Assists with monitoring and responding to social media conversations and other media and public relations inquiries.
• Organizes or conducts small photography and videography shoots to support communications strategies.
• Researches and procures promotional materials to support City initiatives.
• Conducts research to identify industry best practices and participates in continual learning opportunities.
• Assists in the management, organization and preservation of assets through the appropriate processes and tools.
• Designs templates used in a corporate PC environment.
• Oversees the production of print materials, both in-house and with external service providers.
• Offers basic training to other internal departments on various communications tools and techniques.
• Assists in maintaining the City’s website, including technical aspects, conceptual and structural development, and content creation.
• Contributes to a positive work environment by modelling a respectful workplace, as per City policy.
• Takes reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves, and the health and safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Properly wears protective clothing, devices, and equipment provided, and ensures hazards are immediately reported to Supervisors.
• Complies with the City of Fort St. John’s Occupational Health and Safety program, and all applicable

policies and procedures.

• Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILLS

• Completion of high school education or equivalent
• Degree or Diploma in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Graphic Design, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar role.
• IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation training is considered an asset.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Premier) and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as demonstrated through testing and portfolio review.
• Valid BC Class 5 Drivers’ License.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, specifically a demonstrated ability to proactively develop mutually- beneficial working relationships.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other departments or contractors and provide guidance and assistance as needed.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of community engagement principles, theory, and practical applications.
• Experience designing functional, yet protected branded templates for use in a corporate PC environment.
• Thorough knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods that include alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Experience with corporate branding standards, strategy and theory.
• Thorough knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods that include alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Expert knowledge of typography, layout and colour principles.
• Strong print and digital production skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects or tasks of varying complexities and to deliver design solutions that meet the identified budgets and deadlines.
• Considerable knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Skilled in copywriting, editing and proofing.
• Familiarity with Privacy Legislation governing electronic use and maintenance of information.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the role of local government.
• Ability to receive and provide constructive criticism.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computers, printers, photocopiers, folders, scanners, digital cameras, paper trimmers, laminators, binding machines, telephones, and other related office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position may entail lifting, climbing, walking, standing for long periods of time, sitting for long periods of time, looking at a computer for long periods of time, and lifting and/or moving items that can weigh up to 25 lbs.

GENERAL

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference check, and job-related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

This is a position in the BC General Employee’s Union.