Senior Communications Advisor, Media Relations & Issues Management

BC Housing; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 77,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top employer

Great benefits

Transit pass

Wellness programs

Job summary

BC Housing in Burnaby, BC is seeking a Senior Communications Advisor, Media Relations & Issues Management to develop strategic communications and counsel leadership. The role focuses on guiding media relations, issues management, and messaging across multiple channels.

The position reports to the Manager, Media Relations & Issues Management, and requires strong writing, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills to support corporate objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public engagement, or related field.
• Extensive experience in communications planning, issues management, media relations, and events management.
• Experience advising Communications staff and working in the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic communications planning to support BC Housing objectives.
• Advise executives and staff on media relations and issues management during emerging events.
• Prepare messaging for media events, respond to media requests, and proactively pitch stories.
• Write engaging content for all communications initiatives.

Skills

Media relations

Stakeholder relations

Writing & editing

MS Office

Public speaking

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, public engagement, or other relevant discipline

Tools

PowerPoint

Outlook

Excel

Job description

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR, MEDIA RELATIONS & ISSUES MANAGEMENT

REGULAR/FULL-TIME

Location: BURNABY, BC

• Join one of BC’s Top Employers!
• Be part of an exceptional company culture with great employee benefits and a healthy work/life balance!

BC Housing thanks all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada.

THE ORGANIZATION

BC Housing is a provincial Crown Corporation that develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options for those most in need across the province to address critical gaps across the housing continuum ranging from emergency shelter through to rent assistance in the private market and affordable home ownership. Share in the rewards of working with an organization that offers challenging work and competitive compensation and supports the growth and development of its people.

Our mission

is to provide access to safe, quality, accessible, and affordable housing options. We do this to promote strong, inclusive communities where people can thrive.

BC Housing offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package. But a job is more than a pay cheque. We also offer our staff the opportunity to work together to make a difference. When employees go home at the end of the day, they experience the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped provide safe, affordable housing for British Columbians. And while they’re here, employees can take advantage of many opportunities:

• In-house training, and training at other institutions, for courses related to employees’ current positions or to prepare them for advancement within BC Housing.
• Wellness programs including physical fitness, programs to help employees quit smoking, free flu shots, mental health resources, and lunch-and-learn lectures and seminars.
• Recognition programs including long-term service awards, idea recognition and outstanding performance awards.
• Livegreen incentives include an employee transit pass program, and other initiatives that encourage alternative, sustainable transportation (even a bike purchase program!).
• An active Social Club that organizes special events like seasonal parties and arranges group discounts to other events.
• Participation in community and charitable events.

** Please note: Eligibility for benefits offered is based on employment status **

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR, MEDIA RELATIONS & ISSUES MANAGEMENT:

$77,381.86 - $89848.11 - Annually

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Media Relations & Issues Management, the Senior Communications Advisor, Media Relations & Issues Management is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications planning and advice in support of BC Housing’s corporate objectives. He/she/they is a key contributor in building awareness of the Commission’s media initiatives and is responsible for providing guidance on developing communications, media relations, and issues management strategies. The position would provide advice and support to BC Housing’s Executive, management, and staff as issues emerge. The role prepares key messaging for media events, responds to media requests, proactively pitches stories, develops event plans, and writes engaging content for all communications initiatives.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate will have the following:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public engagement, or other relevant discipline.
• Extensive experience in the communications field in the areas of communications planning, issues management, media relations, and event managements.
• Considerable experience in an advisory role to other Communications staff, as well as in the public sector.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Considerable knowledge and understanding of the philosophy, theories, and principles of the communications discipline.
• Considerable knowledge of the objectives, programs, and best practices of strategic communications planning, media relations, issues management, events management, and stakeholder relations.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong verbal, writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Ability to create and foster strong working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders in planning and implementing communication strategies, providing strategic communications advice, and facilitating problem-solving to manage issues, mitigate risks, and achieve results.
• Ability to draft concise briefing notes, issues notes, and communications plans.
• Ability to synthesize and articulate complex issues, problem solve, and facilitate the implementation of effective solutions.
• Ability to work with a variety of partners and stakeholders, agencies, and contractors.
• Ability to provide strong team leadership on various projects and provide advice and counsel to other Communications staff in the performance of their duties.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and pressures, with scrupulous attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in an appropriate manner and display a high degree of judgement, discretion, and decision-making ability.
• Ability to draft social media messaging.
• Ability to travel on Commission business as required.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required; after hours duties (on call) may be assigned as required.
• Valid BC Driver’s License and must meet requirements to qualify for rental car insurance.

At BC Housing, we're committed to providing a healthy, safe and inclusive workplace where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We invite and welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous People, People with Disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people committed to meaningful work that makes a difference. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail] .