Communications Specialist

Kwikwetlem First Nation; Coquitlam; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Kwikwetlem First Nation is seeking a Communications Specialist to develop and deliver strategic communications that support the Nation’s priorities. You will work across departments, report to the CFO, and collaborate with Elders, leaders, government representatives, and external partners.

You will craft messages, plans, and materials, coordinate internal and external communications, and support events, annual reporting, and digital channels while upholding cultural values and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Media Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of progressive communications, public relations, media, government relations, or community engagement experience.
• Experience in an Indigenous government, First Nation, Indigenous organization, non-profit, or government environment is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communications strategies and plans.
• Excellent writing, editing, storytelling, and communications skills.
• Experience creating content for websites, newsletters, social media, and digital platforms.
• Experience with media relations and responding to media inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver strategic communications that support the Nation’s priorities and goals.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, government representatives, and external stakeholders.
• Develop key messages, briefing materials, talking points, FAQs, and other communications tools.
• Coordinate internal communications, including weekly newsletters and information sheets.
• Lead development of the Nation’s Annual Report.
• Manage media relations: releases, advisories, interviews, and media inquiries.
• Plan events and community engagement activities and support government initiatives.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Storytelling

Public relations

Project management

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Communications or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Content management systems

Job description

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering strategic communications that support the Nation’s priorities, programs, services, initiatives, and overall organizational goals. The position works with all departments — Operations and Administration, Community Services, Lands and Resources, and Land Governance — and reports to the CFO. The Communications Specialist also collaborates with senior leadership, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm members, government representatives, media and external stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Develop, implement, and evaluate communications strategies and plans that support the Nation’s strategic priorities, programs, services, and initiatives.
• Provide communications advice and recommendations to the Chief and Council, CAO, CFO and Directors.
• Develop key messages, communication plans, briefing materials, talking points, FAQs, announcements, and other communications tools.
• Ensure communications are consistent with the Nation’s values, branding, policies, strategic direction, and cultural considerations.
• Support the development of communications protocols and procedures for internal and external communications.
• Identify emerging communications issues and provide recommendations to leadership regarding appropriate communication approaches.
• Support crisis and issues-management communications when required.

Community and Internal Communications

• Develop clear, accessible, and timely communications for members, staff, senior leadership, government representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal communications to ensure employees receive accurate and timely information regarding organizational initiatives, policies, programs, and events.
• Prepare and distribute a weekly newsletter, special notices, information sheets, reports, presentations, and other communications materials.
• Coordinate the production of visual, print, and digital materials with graphic designers, photographers, videographers, printers, and other service providers.
• Lead development of the Nation’s Annual Report.
• Coordinate external communications and maintain positive working relationships with representatives from federal, provincial, municipal, Indigenous, and other government organizations.
• Support communications related to government initiatives, agreements, funding announcements, consultations, partnerships, and other matters involving the Nation.
• Ensure external communications accurately reflect approved Nation positions and priorities.
• Respond to communications-related inquiries from the public and community members or redirect inquiries to the appropriate department.
• Support community engagement activities, including the Annual General Meeting, General Meeting, Information Sessions, and other engagement initiatives.
• Gather feedback from members and stakeholders. And then communicate relevant themes and recommendations to leadership.
• Assist departments with programs, services, deadlines, and community opportunities.
• Assist with the development of audiovisual materials, including presentations, videos, photo collections, and digital campaigns.
• Maintain organized communications files, templates, photographs, approved messaging, and other relevant resources.

Digital Communications and Social Media

• Develop, coordinate, and maintain content for the Nation’s website, social media channels, digital platforms, and other communication channels.
• Create and schedule engaging and informative digital content, including written content, graphics, photographs, videos, announcements, and promotional materials.
• Monitor digital platforms and social media for questions, comments, emerging issues, and matters requiring follow-up.
• Ensure digital communications are accurate, professional, accessible, culturally appropriate, and aligned with approved communications standards.
• Coordinate website content updates with relevant departments and service providers.
• Track digital engagement and prepare reports or recommendations to improve communications effectiveness.
• Support the development and implementation of social media and digital communications guidelines.

Media Relations and Public Relations

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with local, regional, provincial, and national media.
• Prepare and distribute media releases, media advisories, statements, backgrounders, and other media materials.
• Coordinate media inquiries and ensure requests are directed to the appropriate spokesperson.
• Arrange interviews, media conferences, announcements, and other media opportunities when required.
• Prepare briefing notes, talking points, background information, and key messages for approved Nation spokespersons.
• Coordinate with government communications officers, partner organizations, businesses, community organizations, and other external stakeholders.
• Monitor media coverage involving the Nation and provide relevant updates and recommendations to leadership.

Events and Community Engagement

• Plan and coordinate community events, public events, ceremonies, consultations, and special initiatives.
• Coordinate invitations, promotional materials, media notifications, venues, signage, photography, audiovisual requirements, and other communications-related logistics.
• Support the Nation’s participation in conferences, speaking engagements, community events, government meetings, and other public opportunities.
• Coordinate communications requirements for Nation representatives participating in external events.
• Research and make recommendations regarding events and opportunities that may benefit the Nation’s visibility, relationships, and strategic objectives.
• Coordinate with event organizers, speakers, government representatives, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

Communications Planning, Administration and Budget

• Develop and manage communications work plans, project timelines, and priorities.
• Monitor communications projects to ensure deliverables are completed on time and within approved budgets.
• Assist with developing, forecasting, and managing the communications budget.
• Coordinate the procurement and management of communications-related services, including designers, photographers, videographers, printers, media services, and other contractors.
• Evaluate communications initiatives and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Maintain appropriate records of communications activities, media inquiries, publications, campaigns, and related materials.
• Prepare regular reports on communications activities, outcomes, engagement, and emerging issues.

Cultural Awareness and Indigenous Communications

• Ensure communications reflect respect for the Nation’s history, culture, community values, rights, and identity.
• Work collaboratively with leadership, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, citizens, and community representatives when communications involve cultural or community-sensitive matters.
• Support communications that promote awareness and understanding of the Nation, its history, governance, culture, programs, achievements, and priorities.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and sound judgment when communicating information involving community members, leadership, government, media, or external stakeholders.
• Protect confidential, personal, and sensitive information in accordance with applicable legislation, policies, and Nation requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Media Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive communications, public relations, media, government relations, or community engagement experience.
• Experience working in an Indigenous government, First Nation, Indigenous organization, non-profit organization, government, or similar environment is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications strategies and plans.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated experience creating content for websites, newsletters, social media, and other digital platforms.
• Experience managing social media platforms and digital communications is required.
• Experience with graphic design, photography, video production, or content management systems is considered an asset.
• Experience working with media and responding to media inquiries is considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of communications principles, public relations, community engagement, and issues management.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex information into clear, concise, and accessible communications.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with leadership, departments, employees, citizens, and external stakeholders.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.
• Familiarity with social media management, website content management, graphic design, photography, and video-editing tools is an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

(Visit https://careers.risepeople.com/kwikwetlem-first-nation/en/17355_communications-specialist- to view the full job description)