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Communications Specialist

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Communications Specialist
Who We Are
At BCIT, putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount. This idea is the foundation of BCIT’s People Vision, which describes the Institute’s goals and priorities in respect to our people. In a complex and uncertain world, it’s vital our people feel valued, supported and connected. BCIT champions a culture of innovation and global progress through people’s imagination and creativity. With a competitive compensation package, great work-life balance, and career advancement opportunities, see why we’ve earned the title of one of BC’s Top Employers for over ten years running.
Position Summary
BCIT’s Alumni Relations department is seeking a regular, full-time (1.0 FTE) Communications Specialist. This position is responsible for providing senior-level communications expertise for the Alumni Relations Department and BCIT Foundation division. As the sole communications counsel, this position is responsible for creating and implementing communication plans and strategies in support of the overall goals of the Institute. This position is responsible for establishing strategic key messages, writing, editing, publishing communications to industry partners, donors, more than 180,000 alumni (including C-suite alumni), and a wide public audience. This position coordinates multiple marketing and communications plans, working within the master brand and marketing plan annually.
Duties & Responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Manager, Communications, participates in developing strategic communications initiatives in order to enhance growth and development of the Advancement division’s business objectives:
  • Provides senior-level expertise in strategic communication direction, specifically through elevating content for all aspects of the Advancement division.
  • Liaises with donors and alumni of all calibre to establish relationships, cultivating these individuals for a larger strategy, often developed for donor pipeline, other board and committee work, and larger fundraising initiatives including the INSPIRE Campaign.
  • Provides communications counsel to support management in proactively identifying appropriate messaging for multiple channels.
  • Writes, edits and proofreads a variety of communications pieces for internal and external publication, including writing for the President of BCIT; Vice President, Advancement; and BCIT Alumni Association President.
  • Oversees communication channels, including newsletters to the entire alumni base and donors.
  • Coordinates staff across the department in collecting and creating content for industry, alumni, and donor communications, including online and direct mail.
  • Oversees the development and advises on the continuing evolution of the Advancement division’s key messaging guide and content style guide, and builds awareness of the guides and best practices to ensure branding and communications style and format are consistent across the Institute and tailored to segmented audiences.
  • Oversees website usability design and architecture principles in relation to the variety of platforms used, where extensive experience in writing and editing user-centred content for the web is required.
  • Supports overarching Advancement division with communications strategy through development and implementation.
  • Participates actively in any of the Institute’s positioning initiatives such as crafting new logos, taglines, and brand naming, including alumni chapters outside of Vancouver, anniversary celebrations, and INSPIRE Campaign events.
  • Develops and oversees marketing and communications budgets.
  • Stays current and advises on communications trends and tools, including social media and content development strategies.
  • Participates in Records Custodian training and remains current with record keeping practices, policies and procedures (both BCIT and FOIPOP).
  • Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the job grade of this position.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:

Definition:
The qualifications section for this position was developed using the approved job evaluation plan, agreed to between the BCGEU and BCIT. The qualifications represent the minimum qualifications required in the future (i.e. to be reflected in job postings) and do not reflect the incumbent’s existing qualifications.

Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications or Journalism, including relevant courses in writing, publishing, editing, and marketing.


Experience:
  • Two years of general experience plus six years of relevant, practical experience in a similar position with experience in fundraising or alumni relations.

Software/Computer Application(s) and Expertise:
  • Strong computing and social media skills, including fluency in content management, presentation, word processing software applications, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Premier Pro, WordPress, Constant Contact, Raiser’s Edge, and familiarity with web publishing tools.

Communication/Interpersonal Skills:
  • Excellent communications skills, both oral and written, demonstrating a superior command of the English language.
  • Ability to interview, articulate, and write for a variety of audiences and communication tools.
  • Advanced editing and proofreading skills.
  • A strong grasp of best practices for internal communications, including experience performing internal communications and consultation functions.
  • A depth of experience in communication to specific audience segments and articulating highly technical information to many audiences.
  • Professional demeanour with a demonstrated ability to use ethical decision-making, tact, and discretion in dealing with a variety of sensitive and confidential issues.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to function effectively as a member of a team.

Other Skills/Abilities:
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and effectively handle changing priorities.
  • Experience with executive communications functions such as preparing briefings and speech writing.
  • Familiar with communications platforms and tools, including web publishing, graphic design and e-communications software.
Additional Information
Benefits – Why you’d love working with us

  • Competitive pay
  • Minimum of fifteen days of vacation
  • Competitive employer-paid extended health and dental plan – take a look at our benefit plans!
  • Defined benefit pension plan with employer contributions
  • Flexible hybrid work arrangements available
  • Professional Development funds and resources
  • Access to most BCIT Flexible Learning courses free of charge
  • Wellness and Employee Assistance programs
  • Complimentary membership with free access to the Fitness Centre, Gymnasium, and more


BCIT values diverse experiences, ideas, cultures and perspectives and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity. If you require accessibility accommodations during any part of the application or hiring process, please contact RecruitmentAssistant@bcit.ca so we can best support you. Please note that all applications must be submitted via the careers page portal, email applications will not be accepted.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).
Salary Range Salary Grade 9; $64,353 - $69,868 per annum.
Additional Salary Information
External hires are initially placed at the minimum of the salary range with set progressions to the maximum as per the Collective Agreement. Salary prorated based on percentage and term of appointment.
Position Details

Posting Category Administration
School/Service Area Alumni
Campus Location Burnaby campus
Bargaining Unit BCGEU Support Staff
Job Status Regular
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Start Date 04/29/2024
Anticipated End Date
Competition Information

Competition Number 24B401
Competition Open Date 03/30/2024
Competition Close Date
Open Until Filled? Yes
Quicklink for Posting https://careers.bcit.ca/postings/8253

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * What is the highest level of education attained?
    • GED
    • High School Diploma
    • Certificate
    • Diploma
    • Associates Degree
    • Bachelors Degree
    • Masters Degree
    • PHD
  2. * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
    • 0-1
    • 1-2
    • 3-5
    • 6-9
    • 10+
  3. * New employees to BCIT are initially placed at the minimum of the salary range with set progressions to the maximum as per the Collective Agreement. The salary is prorated based on percentage and term of appointment. Please select which statement best describes your situation:
    • I am a current BCIT employee, this is not applicable to my situation.
    • I am not a current BCIT employee and would be satisfied with placing at the minimum of the indicated salary range.
    • I am not a current BCIT employee and would not be satisfied with placing at the minimum of the indicated salary range.
  4. * All positions at BCIT require on campus presence at the applicable campus location(s). This means the successful candidate must be able to and willing to relocate to the Lower Mainland. Please select from the following that best describes your situation:
    • I currently reside in the Lower Mainland
    • I do not currently reside in the Lower Mainland, however I am willing and able to relocate if found to be the successful candidate
    • I do not currently reside in the Lower Mainland and I am unwilling to relocate

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents