Communications Advisor, Crisis and Risk

Saskatchewan Polytechnic; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Saskatchewan Polytechnic seeks a Communications Expert who will proactively develop and implement strategies for risk and crises communication. This role involves engaging with stakeholders, managing sensitive communications, and providing strategic recommendations to enhance institutional reputation and operations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in communications and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive information and develop strategic messaging.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement risk and crisis communication strategies.
• Manage communication projects and initiatives effectively.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for strategic messaging.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Crisis communication

Client service

Project management

Effective relationship management

Job description

Communications Expertise
Proactively identify, evaluate and assess potential issues that could impact the institution.
Develop and implement risk and crisis communication strategies and plans.
Recommend crisis and risk communication approaches and strategies that ensure timely and effective responses to minimize potential institutional risk.
Strategic thinker and planner, able to take complex issues, analyze risk and provide strategic recommendations.
Ensure risk and crisis communication messages have consistent, proactive and positive. messages that are tailored to the needs of specific audiences and support the institution’s overall goals.
Ensure consistency of strategies and messages in alignment with institutional priorities.
Evaluate and consider external stakeholders and factors in messages and strategy recommendations.
Track and leverage metrics to measure effectiveness of communication strategies and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
Conduct and incorporate best practices and insights from research to improve effectiveness and efficiency while bringing new ideas that drive deeper engagement through creative channels and tactics.
Demonstrate judgment and understanding of institutional goals to prioritize work projects.
Manage communication risks on an ongoing basis.

Client Service
Work with stakeholders (internal and external) to develop stories and creative approaches to share strategic messaging.
Determine the vehicles, modes or methods to communicate, lead best practices and champion new and innovative ways to support strategic and effective communications.
Collaborate and work with Saskatchewan Polytechnic schools, divisions and stakeholders to ensure timely and appropriate communication recommendations and strategies.
Provide writing/support for printed publications, digital and social media posts, media and public relation activates, channel development and management, and project management.
Undertake other responsibilities/projects assigned by the manager of communications.
Develops key messages and Q&A responses for clients in anticipation of inquiries from a variety of sources.
Provides advice to non-communications staff on communications projects.
Researches and develops a variety of communications materials, including articles, editorials, publications and other written/online communications products in order to develop compelling content to advance Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s reputation.
Develops and assesses communications plans and programs, reports findings and recommends improvements for successful implementation of corporate initiatives.

Relationship Management
Demonstrate cross-enterprise collaboration, open and honest relationships, and a respectful understanding of one another.
Actively participate within the Communications and Marketing team. Develops and maintains effective relationships with internal client groups including senior-level management.
Develops trust and credibility with senior management to better offer advice and coaching of a remedial nature.
Demonstrate collaboration, open and honest relationships and a respectful understanding of one another, both within the Communications & Marketing team and with others throughout the organization.
Interact with external stakeholders in a collaborative and respectful manner.
Works with representatives of post-secondary institutions, government ministries and partner organizations as required
Fosters positive relations with media personnel
Ensures a positive, diverse and inclusive work and learning environment.
Develops resourcing/workforce plan(s) for project and program initiatives, identifying the staffing levels, knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully meet objectives.

Risk Assessment and Management
Undertakes highly sensitive and confidential assignments to support senior management in communicating a variety of information: Supporting senior management in the communication strategies surrounding
business planning, management re-organizations, budget-related staffing adjustments, annual layoffs, etc.
Participates in emergency/crisis communication activities.
Conducts issues management by identifying issues or potential issues that could impact the reputation of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Provides recommendations to senior management in response to issues and prepares briefing notes and public/media statements for use in responding to public or media reaction to issues.
Monitors media coverage, analyzes results, advises senior management and develops strategies to minimize reputational impact.

Project Management
Develop internal/external communication projects and services.
Plans, coordinates and executes special projects as required.
Implements approved communication programs and strategic plans, and assembles necessary resources.
Provides advice to non-communications staff on communications projects.