Communications Specialist

City: Kamloops
Program and Site Location: Administration, Stollery Suites
Reports To: Director of Communications and Quality Improvement
Term: Permanent Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm with ½ hour unpaid meal break
Wage Range: $27.53 to $35.52 based on education and related experience.

ASK Wellness Society is an Accredited, not-for-profit organization. Through the generous support of funders, we assist those who are marginalized and at-risk to strengthen the communities we serve in Kamloops, Merritt, Penticton, and Kelowna. We provide housing and support to those who are facing or at risk of homelessness and support those who may use substances, or who require mental health supports, harm reduction, or health education. Ultimately, we aim to provide the skills to re-enter the workforce.

Position Summary: As a Communications Specialist, you will work alongside the Director of Communications and Quality Improvement to develop engaging internal and external communications that support the Society’s mission, strategic priorities, and brand. You will contribute to public relations and media activities, including coordinating media releases, advisories, key messages, and other materials for review and approval. You will also monitor relevant social media and media coverage and assist with media and community inquiries. You will develop print and digital communications assets, including posters, brochures, trifolds, pamphlets, fact sheets, event materials, and social media content. You will support copy development for the Society’s social media, website, newsletters, and other communications channels. You will support the planning and coordination of Society and community events and collaborate with programs and departments across Kamloops, Merritt, Penticton, and Kelowna. The position will also support Council on Accreditation (COA) Standards and Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) activities, including tracking survey results, action plans, and outcomes. Administrative responsibilities include research, data entry, document development, reporting, and maintaining policies and procedures.

Typical Duties Include:

• Draft media releases, media advisories, backgrounders, key messages, talking points, and other public relations materials for review and approval.
• Assist with responding to media inquiries and coordinating information and interviews with Society representatives as directed.
• Monitor social media sites and local media coverage relevant to the Society and its areas of service and bring relevant opportunities or issues to the attention of the Director.
• Research communications and media opportunities and assist with maintaining media contact lists and communications resources.
• Develop and coordinate print and digital communications assets, including posters, brochures, trifolds, pamphlets, fact sheets, event materials, social media graphics, and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with the Director to develop engaging content for social media platforms, including videos, reels, posts, stories, and other digital content.
• Manage and coordinate the scheduling and cross-promotion of content across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other Society platforms as required.
• Support internal communications, including drafting and coordinating content for the Society's quarterly newsletter and other staff communications.
• Assist in maintaining consistent application of the Society's brand, visual identity, tone, and communications standards across print and digital materials.
• Assist with website content updates and other digital communications as required.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute Society events with cross-departmental collaboration.
• Work closely with the leads of the Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) Committee to support quality improvement activities, including the development, implementation, and tracking of action plans
• Maintain files, documentation, and statistics as required to support accreditation standards.
• Assist with the ongoing implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of COA Standards across the Society
• Assist with the integration of documentation to create consistent agency forms and fillable documents.
• Prepare, organize, and store information in paper and digital formats.
• Organize, research, gather, and input data as necessary to assist the Director.
• Create and maintain documents, tracking forms, reports, and other administrative resources.
• Support the clerical maintenance and organization of policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with programs and departments in all Society locations, including Kamloops, Merritt, and Penticton.
• Ensure compliance with all Society policies and procedures.
• Occasional travel will be required to Penticton and Merritt and within Kamloops.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Post-secondary Diploma, Certificate, or Degree in Communications, Business Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience in communications, social media management, public relations, marketing, media relations, or a related field is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience drafting professional communications, including media releases, public-facing materials, newsletters, and social media content.
• Experience developing print and digital communications materials using graphic design or content creation tools is an asset.
• In-depth knowledge of social media platforms, algorithms, and best practices.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing concepts and SEO principles.
• Proficient in using social media management tools such as Vista Social.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Forms, and SharePoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, editing, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain consistent branding and messaging.
• Ability to work as an effective member of an integrated administrative and communications team.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative to achieve objectives within established timelines.
• Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous, and detailed tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Valid driver's license and clear driver's abstract required.
• Access to personal vehicle for business use required.
• Must pass an acceptable criminal record check for the vulnerable sector.
  
• It is noted that this is a pet-friendly environment.

ASK Wellness Society is dedicated to promoting diversity/multiculturalism with inclusion as one of our Core Values.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

You must already hold an open work permit, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), permanent residency, or Canadian citizenship. ASK Wellness Society will not apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or sponsor a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-based work permit.

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