Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology Looking for Communications Officer at Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Full Time

Department

Communications (Bruce Hickey)

Position Type

Full-Time Support

Salary Range

$33.38-$38.75-Hourly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

36.25

Anticipated Start Date

October 02, 2023

Length Of Contract

Posting Information

Posting Closing Date

September 4, 2023

Please note: jobs are posted until 12:01 am on the job closing date.

Job Description

• Please note that applicants must submit their application by the evening before the closing date mentioned above. The posting closes at 12:01am on the morning of the closing date***

Reporting to the Manager, Communications, the Communications Officer serves as a day-to-day coordinator of internal and external communication and media relations. The role involves fostering strong relationships with both local and national media, strategizing proactive story development for targeted journalists, and handling media inquiries, including crisis situations. You will coordinate media interactions, guide key stakeholders through interviews, and advise on media strategies for executives and faculty. This includes devising comprehensive media campaigns for program launches and college initiatives, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Your presence at media-inclusive events, interviews, and support for senior executives will be essential.

Working with the College’s Social Media Coordinator, the candidate will be responsible for creating and curating engaging and compelling content across various digital platforms. A primary focus will be on social media content creation, video content provision, and editing, as well as utilizing analytics to measure and optimize content performance. Experience using software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar will be considered a strong asset. The successful candidate will have strong proficiency in social media platforms and understanding of social media algorithms and best practices, and will have experience implementing successful social media content strategies and campaigns across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

Collaborating closely with the Communications Manager, you’ll participate in drafting timely announcements executing communication plans, and maintaining media, and internal communications. You’ll be instrumental in high-profile college events’ communication and execution, while potentially assisting in coordinating the Communications team during the Manager’s absence.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Working with the College’s Social Media Coordinator, creating and curating engaging and compelling content across various digital platforms, including video and editing using software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar.
• Creating and implementing successful social media content strategies and campaigns across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. and utilizing analytics to measure and optimize content performance.
• Leads the development and execution of communications plans to help achieve the goals of internal projects as requested by College departments, committees, and senior executives.
• Drafts announcements, memos, and presentations on behalf of the senior executive.
• Manages contractors, when needed, to execute departmental and corporate communications projects.
• Writes feature articles and profiles that serve to inform learners and employees, and also provide public relations support to the College.
• Media relations responsibilities include relationship building with members of the local and national media, proactive story and pitch development aimed at targeted journalists, assessing and responding to media requests and acting as a spokesperson of the college when necessary. The incumbent also coordinates media interviews and coaching with key stakeholders, in addition to consulting on media strategy for senior executives, faculty, and others.
• Works collaboratively with teams across the College to create and execute communications plans and strategies in support of College business. Serves on college-wide committees to provide communications guidance and counsel.
• Designs web pages and be familiar with tools such as Word Press to facilitate these functions. Other duties include video editing, social media monitoring and analytics.
• The incumbent is responsible for maintenance activities related to media relations, internal communications, and the administration of several College websites – including myAC (internal CRM). The incumbent is involved in the communication and execution of high-profile College events, including media relations and social media specific to the events.
• Drafts and executes communications during crisis situations.
• Identifies crises and coordinates early response and communication during low impact crisis.
• Drafts responses to sensitive emails for members of ACET during crisis situations.

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) year diploma or equivalent in the field of Public Relations or Communications.
• Minimum three (3) years experience in Journalism, Public Relations and Communications, with demonstrated capability in social media scheduling, content creation, campaign development and execution and analytics platforms; and experience in writing in a variety of formats – including human interest articles, news releases, media advisories and script-writing.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience regularly and frequently handling media relations (including story pitching, media requests for information/interviews, preparing stakeholders for media engagement, and media tracking) with an emphasis on print and broadcast media serving the college’s market at both local and national levels (public, private or NGO sector).
• Position is paid at Payband H
• Vacancy is for P18601

Algonquin College values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We offer an inclusive work environment and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process please contact the Human Resources department at humanresources@algonquincollege.com. While we thank all those who apply, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.