Communications Officer - Media

Public Service Alliance of Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 108,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Communications Officer to lead strategic communications and media relations. This role is pivotal in managing crisis situations and enhancing the organization's public image. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in communications, with a focus on political and social issues, and will be bilingual in English and French. The position offers a supportive environment with flexible work arrangements, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. If you are passionate about advocacy and communications, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Group Benefits (Health, Dental, Life Insurance)

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Three weeks' vacation

Generous support for professional growth

Recreation allowance of $800 per year

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years related experience in communications or public relations.
• Ability to develop communication strategies and materials.

Responsibilities

• Manage strategic communications and media relations for PSAC.
• Work closely with the communications team on crisis management.

Skills

Media Relations

Crisis Management

Communication Strategies

Bilingual (English, French)

Political Awareness

Editing and Proofreading

Education

Post-secondary diploma in communications

Job description

Branch: Communications, Political Action & Campaigns Branch

Employment Type: Indeterminate

Position Linguistic Designation: Bilingual (English, French)

Position Global Linguistic Level: C1

Salary: $108,837 - $122,492 + $1,798.58 Bilingual Allowance

Location: Ottawa Headquarters

Search Area: Internal; Membership; Public

Closing Date: 05/14/2025

Employment Equity Designation: As a result of the PSAC Workforce and Availability Analysis and in accordance with the PSAC Employment Equity Plan, preference for this position will be given to a qualified person from one of the following groups: Racially visible persons

Who are we?

Founded in 1966, The Public Service Alliance of Canada is the union that represents over 230,000 workers in every province and territory in Canada and in locations around the world. PSAC is headquartered in Ottawa with regional offices across the country. PSAC strives to enhance its members’ quality of life and has been at the front of significant and successful campaigns for workplace and human rights.

We will support your mental and physical health with:

• Flexible work arrangements. Hybrid employees may have own dedicated workstations.
• Group Benefits (Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Employee and Family Assistance), such as $7,500 for mental health professionals, that are 100% paid by employer.
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (50/50 contribution from you and us).
• Three (3) weeks' vacation to start, plus extra paid leave to support your wellness.
• Generous support for your professional growth and career development.
• Recreation allowance of $800 per year.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Communications Officer – Media plays a key role in managing PSAC’s strategic communications, media relations and crisis management, working closely with PSAC’s communications team.

What you will bring to the table:

Education/Experience

• Post-secondary diploma in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field is required, with a minimum of seven years related experience. Prior experience working with a labour or political organization will be considered.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the political and operational structure of PSAC.
• Knowledge of union and social issues.
• Knowledge of issues affecting the union movement and PSAC members.
• Knowledge of government decision-making and of the Canadian political system.
• Knowledge of media relations including the ability to establish a working relationship with and influence members of the media.

Abilities

• Ability to assess and analyze in order to develop appropriate communication strategies.
• Ability to conceptualize and design variety of communication materials.
• Ability to strategize in order to mobilize members into action.
• Ability to plan and organize in order to meet deadlines.
• Ability to edit for style and length and proofread French and English documents.
• Second language skills as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level indicated above.

Personal suitability

• High degree of initiative, tact, discretion and sound political judgment.

What you need to know:

• Second language skills as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level indicated above. Federal Government valid SLE results can be used toward this. Preferred candidates may have their second language skills assessed as part of the hiring process.
• Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements.
• While we appreciate all the candidates’ interest, only those considered in the process will be contacted.
• A full job description is available upon request.

NOTES:

Internal applicants should submit their résumé online through the internal career site.

Indeterminate PSAC employees who meet all the qualifications of this position can request a transfer in accordance with the relevant collective agreement by uploading a cover letter indicating it is a transfer request, on or before the closing date. Please also upload a resume in your candidate profile (if not previously done) and indicate “Yes” under “Employment Information”, in your candidate profile when requesting a transfer.