Job Description
The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 45,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all.
Job Title: Communications Officer (Editor)
Regular Full-Time
Posting #: USW-008-23
Bargaining Unit: USW 2009
Pay Grade: 5 ($7,975.32 monthly)
Position Overview
Under the direction of the Manager, Communications and Campaigns and working closely with the department coordinator, the incumbent oversees the production and design of the BCNU magazine including photography, writing, soliciting copy and editing content. The incumbent will support the development of written communication materials including news releases, public statements and other external information materials related to union campaigns, policies, programs, and activities. Responsibilities include assisting with the formulation of communications plans to support strategies and initiatives intended to inform the general public, BCNU members and other primary and secondary audiences of the union’s policies, objectives and functions; and providing support for the department in the planning and implementation of conferences, conventions and special events.
Key Responsibilities
Assists with the formulation and implementation of communications plans for the union.
- Contributes to the overall department goal of keeping union leadership, members and staff informed of current issues; contributes to the department’s creativity, brand adherence, risk management, efficiency, and accomplishment of broad goals and policies identified by the strategic plan.
- Identifies issues relevant to BCNU members to be included in union communication programs and publications. Researches, writes, and edits articles on topics relevant to union members.
- Prepares materials and arranges the production of membership bulletins, brochures, reports, advertising, social media, videos, and other marketing collateral related to union policies, programs, and activities.
- Stays informed of developments and trends in legislation and policies as they affect BCNU campaigns and communication strategies.
Assists with the planning of campaigns and organizing stewards and members around BCNU issues.
- Participates in department planning of membership and media campaigns; prepares news releases and contributes to the production of information materials related to union campaigns.
- Collaborates with the department coordinator in writing project specifications for internal and external communications initiatives including advertising campaigns, sending out bids and working with external vendors to manage production schedules and advise on content.
- Supports the implementation of strategies for social media use to enhance the BCNU brand and promote positive engagement and interactions that support the public relations and campaigns priorities of the union. This may include monitoring, administrating, and managing postings on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms in accordance with BCNU’s social media policy.
Assists with activities intended to inform the general public, union members and others of the union’s policies, objectives and functions.
- Writes and arranges for the distribution of bulletins, news releases, public statements and other external and internal information materials related to union campaigns, policies, programs, and activities.
- Supports tele/web conference meetings, live town halls and broadcasts, news conferences and media interviews with elected representatives as required. Assists with drafting key messages and speaking notes for elected union representatives.
- Takes photographs for publications and is responsible for maintaining equipment. Organizes, supervises, and provides creative direction at shoots of professional photographers and video production crews.
Assists in the planning and implementation of workshops, conferences, conventions, and special events.
- Participates in the preparation of materials for and planning of union conventions, workshops, and other special events.
- Assists with drafting key messages, speaking notes, media releases and advisories. Acts as the media liaison as required.
- Assists in the development of presentation resources related to communications for stewards and members.
Act as department liaison to the other staff departments.
- Meets regularly with department team as assigned to provide communications support and strategy in the development and implementation of communications plans, materials, resources, and messaging to further the work of the department and its programs and events.
- Provides communications support to research team staff, including the development of member surveys and online forms.
Provides work direction to assigned administrative staff.
- Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
The successful applicant must have:
1. College or university education in an approved Social Sciences, Journalism, or Communications program, and/or Nursing program including or supplemented by courses in communication techniques, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
2. Extensive and progressive experience (3 - 5 years) in public relations and/or communication services, and with the coordination of publications and the planning and implementation of campaigns.
3. Demonstrated ability to research, write and edit articles and bulletins on trade union, membership, and policy issues.
4. Demonstrated understanding of the media industry including current social media utilization.
5. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple assignments and tasks while meeting deadlines.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which enable the incumbent to present and explain materials, liaise with diverse personnel and deal with sensitive issues.
7. Ability to thrive in a challenging and collaborative work environment.
8. An understanding of and ability to utilize and implement member consultation and participation models (BCNU’s member-centric model).
9. Good knowledge of trade union and nurses’ employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing. A thorough understanding of and commitment to trade union philosophy.
10.Ability to travel through the province and carry a valid driver's license.
Required Competencies
- Functional/Technical Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Teamwork
- Member Focus
- Political Savvy
- Written Communication
- Creativity
- Informing
- Composure
- Planning
- Dealing with Ambiguity
- Knowledgeable about Relevant Legislation/Jurisprudence/Regulations/Acts/Standards of Practice (as appropriate for the role)
- Ethics and Values
- Managing Diversity
- Intellectual Horsepower
Why BCNU?
BCNU values, respects and protects diversity. We take pride in representing a diverse membership and staff. We offer an inclusive and supportive workplace with opportunities for career development and professional advancement as well as a competitive compensation and benefits package.
If you are seeking an opportunity to join a passionate and committed team, we’d like to hear from you!
Apply
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