Communications Coordinator II

Company

The City of Vancouver is striving to become the greenest city in the world, and a city powered entirely by renewable energy before 2050. We are proud to be one of BC's Top Employers, Canada's Best Diversity Employers, and one of Canada's Greenest Employers. With employees that have helped Vancouver consistently rank as one of the world's most livable cities, the City values a diverse workforce which represents the vibrant community we so proudly serve.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
 

Main Purpose & Function

As a member of the Corporate Communications team, the Communications Coordinator II, Park Board works on a variety of strategic communications projects and provides media relations and issues management support for a variety of communications projects being undertaken by the Park Board.

This position is responsible for managing critical issues related to key Park Board strategic initiatives that are highly visible, time sensitive and carry a high degree of exposure for the Park Board’s operations and reputation.  In addition this position is responsible for supporting the Senior Manager of Communications, Park Board, in the handling of media calls and issues management, preparation of media materials such as media advisories, statements, news releases and info bulletins, creation of issues notes and key messages for specific topics and communications plans as well as staging of press events such as news conferences.  A high degree of sensitivity to over-arching civic strategies and initiatives and coordination with the elected Board, key staff, stakeholders and other government agencies is necessary in this role.

On a day to day basis, the position supports Park Board senior staff and spokespersons on communications matters related to Board initiatives and programs.  In addition, it supports the handling of media requests and advises departmental managers and Park Board spokespersons on appropriate responses.  In addition the role supports the governance work of the elected Park Board.
 

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• In cooperation with the Senior Manager of Park Board communications, develops and implements communications plans to support key Park Board initiatives such as the Urban Forest strategy, Biodiversity strategy and City-wide consultations, and provides support to Park Board assets such as Community Centers, destination parks and golf courses.
• Develops and oversees development of a wide variety of publicity and informational materials including advertising, news releases, newsletters, notices, pamphlets and brochures, speeches, photography, video, displays etc.
• Develops and implements strategies for ethno-racial outreach including the use of ethnic media and community organizations
• Determines the nature, mix and scheduling of communication vehicles to achieve Parks business goals and mandates.
• Serves as media liaison, coordinates media responses and spokespeople as appropriate, develops backgrounders and fact sheets, media advisories, news releases, issues notes and remarks for speakers at news conferences and community events.
• Provides input into and administers assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations
• Directs the development, strategy, content, and maintenance of web pages related to key Park Board initiatives
• Provides a wide range of governance support and materials to elected Park Board Commissioners
• Liaises with related agencies and organizations (BC Wildlife, Stanley Park Ecology Society, Metro Vancouver, Ministry of Transportation, Transport Canada, VPD, VFRS) to ensure effective and timely coordination of information to the public
• Provides primary social media support for Park Board  channels.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned
   

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related discipline and at least five to seven years’ experience in a communications or media relations position, or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience
• Several years of progressive experience in developing and implementing strategic communications plans on complex and/or controversial topics will be given preference
• Several years’ experience in creating strategic communications and creating and implementing multi-channel communications programs is preferred
• Well-developed human and public relations skills and proven ability to communicate effectively with all management levels and experience in dealing with senior management and political staff on sensitive issues is preferred
   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge and experience with professional communications techniques and practices, including strategic planning, broadcast and print production, materials development, social media strategies, advertising and media relations
• Thorough knowledge and experience working on or supporting community consultation and engagement on public issues
• Thorough knowledge and experience in working with survey development
• Knowledge and experience working with media and issues involving elected representatives, complex and sensitive issues
• Knowledge and experience developing materials for media and working with them on a regular basis; public sector experience would be an asset
• Knowledge and experience with parks and recreation issues and facilities would be considered an asset
• Considerable demonstrated skill in developing and implementing all facets of a strategic communications plan
• Demonstrated ability to identify potentially contentious issues and quickly research the topic and recommend course of action, including responses under tight deadlines
• Considerable demonstrated skill developing media relations strategies and messaging
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate communications needs and identify and develop the best tools and best timing for providing effective information to various publics
• Demonstrated ability to be pro-active in establishing and maintaining respectful relationships with numerous and diverse stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with internal and external partners – both in routine and controversial or stressful situations
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, alert and high functioning in stressful conditions
• Demonstrated skill in writing plain language materials
• Considerable knowledge of the processes of graphic design, photography, video, print and web production
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy
• Thorough knowledge of the changing media environment (both English and ethnic), their needs and deadlines
• Competence in social media tactics, tools and analytics.
• Thorough knowledge of government, particularly civic and regional government structures
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and juggle assignments and work under pressure of deadlines.

Business Unit/Department: Board of Parks & Recreation (1400) 
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Parks 
Employment Type: Regular Full Time 
Position Start Date: October 2019 
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-027: $41.29 to $48.78 per hour

Application Close: September 27, 2019

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous applicants, all genders, nationalities and persons with disabilities. 

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.