Communications Officer

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

SCO provides competitive compensation and excellent pension and benefits, as well as a positive work environment.

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Officer writes, edits, proofreads, and creates content for use in external or internal communications. The Communications Officer will work collaboratively to assist and coordinate communications materials for the public, media, and organization’s members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists with day-to-day communications tasks, with a focus on continuing to grow audiences through multiple channels (social media, website, newsletter subscriber list, etc.)
2. Creates and distributes media materials including press releases and information sheets, as well as preparing speaking notes to support the Grand Chief in delivering media interviews.
3. Coordinates and administers media relations and assists in creating responses to incoming media inquiries and in media outreach and distribution of SCO media releases.
4. Supports communications efforts during events, including social media scheduling and posting, content collection, media outreach, and speaking notes.
5. Identifies potential news stories to cover on social media and tracks key social media and websites for content to share across SCO’s channels.
6. Ability to tell the story of an event capturing video and pictures on a smartphone, tablet, and camera.
7. Uses creativity and knowledge of social media to plan and execute various social media campaigns that connect with citizens and followers.
8. Coordinates and collaborates with stakeholders (First Nations, partners, etc.) on producing social media content in alignment with SCO strategies, plans, and services.
9. Contributes to social media schedule, ensuring all important days, announcements, events, elections, etc. are included and planned for appropriately.
10. Compiles monthly analytics for social media, media, and our website to assist with evaluation efforts.
11. Assists in gathering information from program areas to create and/or update communications materials, e.g. brochures, posters, and reports.
12. Copy edits communications materials including brochures, posters, and reports.
13. Maintains, updates, and continuously reviews and improves the content and organization of SCO’s website.
14. Assists in producing and writing the SCO e-newsletter.
15. Updates databases and media lists.
16. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A degree or college diploma in creative communications or journalism with a minimum of three years of work experience.
2. Strong writing skills including experience in writing in plain language.
3. High attention to detail with experience proofreading and copyediting materials before sharing with public audiences and other stakeholders.
4. Experience creating engaging content for multiple audiences and across multiple platforms such as social media channels, websites, newsletters, etc.
5. Ability to manage social calendars, with the ability to handle multiple requests and deadlines and adjust plans and schedules accordingly.
6. Strong knowledge of social media platforms and analytics tools, website design software, graphics/editing software, Google analytics, and other relevant software.
7. Experience working dashboard/reporting tools.
8. Connections with and an understanding of First Nations citizens living on and off reserve.
9. Self-starter with demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills.
10. Able to handle pressure of working in a fast-paced organization and under time-sensitive situations.
11. Political acumen and able to be discreet when dealing with sensitive information.
12. Experience working with media.
13. Excellent computer knowledge and typing skills, knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is essential.
14. Flexible in terms of work schedule and ability to travel as necessary.
15. Ability to work within a team.

ASSETS:

1. Working in a political advocacy environment.
2. Drafting news releases, op-eds, and other media content.
3. Graphic design and/or video production or editing.
4. Working in a not-for-profit environment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
2. A valid class 5 MB driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle for business travel.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates.

Please self-identify in your cover letter.

Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered complete.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contacted for further consideration.