Pension Communications Officer

University of Victoria; Victoria; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Victoria is seeking a Communications Officer to lead effective communications for its pension plans. This role focuses on developing communications strategies, managing internal and external communications, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The CO will play a key role in enhancing member engagement through various communication channels.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a communications professional is preferred.
• Experience in strategic communications, issues management, and communications planning.
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement communications strategies for pension plan member communications.
• Conduct research and analysis for communication projects of strategic importance.
• Develop and deliver various communications for plan updates and member statements.

Skills

Strategic communications

Internal communications

Issues management

Project management

Graphic design

Web design

Writing and editing

Communication to diverse audiences

Microsoft Office suite

Adobe Creative Suite

Web content management systems

Education

Undergraduate university degree in communications

Job description

The Pension Services office administers the pension benefits for members of the University of Victoria’s three pension plans, to supports the governing bodies (Boards and Committees) of each of the plans, provides information and communications to plan members and ensures regulatory compliance in all areas. The Plans include close to 7,500 members and beneficiaries and $2.0 billion in assets.

Role Mandate

Reporting to the Director, Pension Services, the core purpose of the Communications Officer (CO) position is to lead, develop and implement effective pension plan member communications and to provide strategic communications advice to the Pension Services department and governing bodies of the university pension plans. The CO’s portfolio includes member communications; corporate (university focused) and internal (department focused) communications and engagement; research and analysis, and communications policy development; leading to effective, efficient and accessible communications to plan members. Communications transformation is a priority for the department over the next year, and the CO will be instrumental in its success.

We are committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our office. In pursuit of our values, our team works respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. Read our full equity statement here: https://www.uvic.ca/equity/employment-equity/statement/

Summary Of Role

The CO develops communications strategies and develops and delivers communications on behalf of the pension plan governing bodies, including elections, plan updates, required regulatory communications (e.g., member statements), presentations, issues management, annual and ad hoc reporting, website development, design and maintenance and communication of decisions as required. The CO leads and undertakes communication projects of strategic and operational importance for the Board, committees and the office, and conducts related research and analysis.

Qualifications And Experience

• Undergraduate university degree in communications or other related field; or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience.
• 3 or more years of experience as a communications professional preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, internal communications, issues management, communications planning and project management.
• Experience in creative development including graphic/ web design, production for print and digital media.
• Experience writing and editing clear and concise written material including reports, presentations newsletters, forms and statements.
• Experience communicating complex concepts and ideas to diverse audiences.
• Advanced computer skills including: Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Skills in web content management systems (CMS) or their equivalents.
  
  

Key Job-Specific Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-driven, able to work independently and in a team setting.
• Demonstrated experience in problem solving and change management practices.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills.
• Strong organizational skills including ability to prioritize work to meet non-negotiable deadlines.
• Flexible, diplomatic and tactful.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to quality and attention to detail.
  
  

Unusual Working Conditions

• The pace of activity can occasionally be intense, with regulatory and Pension Board deadlines for certain communications being critical. This may lead to occasional hours extended beyond the regular workday (quarterly to bi-monthly).
• Position requires an individual who can both think strategically, yet also pay strong attention to detail, given the regulatory nature of the department.