Communications Officer

Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association

JOB POSTING

JOB TITLE: Communications Officer

REPORTS TO: Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association Executive Director

The Nova Scotia Native Women's Association (NSNWA) has been in existence since 1972. The association is a non-profit organization representing approximately 8,000 Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA peoples in Nova Scotia. The association was formed to address the social, political, emotional, health concerns and aspirations of Mi'kmaq women, as well as to, address gender-based violence and discrimination. Indigenous women continue to face life- threatening, gender-based violence and disproportionately experience violent crimes because of hatred and racism. NSNWA envisions a future where Indigenous women are free from violence and our lives are valued and protected as equally as non-Indigenous women in NS and Canada.

NSNWA is committed to leading this effort in our territory and will continue to work collaboratively with all levels of government and service organizations to create and implement actions to eliminate violence against Indigenous peoples as well as to ensure that the systems and supports are available for those in need.

The NSNWA is seeking a Communications Officer in Truro, Nova Scotia. The Communications

Officer will act as a liaison between the NSNWA, their clientele and the public developing and maintaining good-natured, cooperative relationships with the news media, consumers, the government, local communities, and other public-interest groups on behalf of the NSNWA. The

Communications Officer will report directly to the Executive Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

• Develop and implement advertising campaigns and strategies
• Coordinate consistent branding for documents and information shared outside of the organization

• Prepare communications for internal and external audiences, such as press releases, promotions, speaking notes and speeches, pamphlets, brochures news articles (regular articles in the Mi’kmaq Maliseet Nations News)
• Work collaboratively with staff on events
• Establish and maintain relationships with the media, consumers, community, employee, and public interest groups
• Plan or direct the development of programs to maintain favorable public and stakeholder views of all aspects of the organization
• Arrange interviews and news conferences and respond to requests for press conference or information from the media or designate a spokesperson or source of information
• Coach staff or identified spokespersons in effective communication with the public and media
• Stay current on the organization's programs, services, objectives, and develop promotional policies and strategies that influence public opinion and promote products, ideas, and services
• Prepare, edit, and distribute organizational publications, including employee newsletters or annual reports, for internal and external audiences
• Update and maintain Web content and social media including Facebook, Twitter,

Instagram and website

• Coordinate communications with vendors, exhibitors, and stakeholders
• Create and distribute event listing pages on social media, local news outlets and all appropriate forms of communication
• Stay current on topics related to the organization in the news and on social media platforms
• Preparation of newsletters, brochures, annual reports, Board updates, MMIWG video and other material as required
• Capturing and maintaining NSNWA events through photos
• Track progression of the calls to justice through the means of an evergreen document
• Collaborate on community information sessions
• Contribute to and maintain an annual communications strategy/plan
• Establish work priorities and ensure deadlines are met
• Ability to manage stress, including creating and implementing a self care plan
• Be honest, trustworthy, respectful, empathic, motivating, reliable, enthusiastic, and flexible
• Strong social skills with the ability to operate with diplomacy, tact, and empathy
• Maintain high level of confidentiality
• Demonstrate sound work ethics
• Other related duties as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Certificate, Diploma or Degree in business marketing, public relations, communications, journalism, or related field
• Indigenous new graduate with a demonstrated knowledge of community will be considered
• Experience working in public relations, journalism, business marketing is an asset
• Knowledge, awareness, ability to work with and sensitivity to Indigenous people and culture including an understanding of the historical and current issues they face in Nova Scotia
• Understanding and empathetic to Indigenous women and girls affected by Human

Trafficking and its impacts

• Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form paying attention to details and accuracy
• Knowledge of Indigenous communities and organizations in Nova Scotia and the services they provide, both on and off reserve
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse clientele demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Strong computer literacy skills including experience working with word, excel and video communications such as zoom etc. and other office equipment
• Strong time management, organizational skills, including the ability to efficiently prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Proven ability to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline
• Proven ability to be a team player with experience working with others to develop a timeline, create schedules, and oversee progress to make sure goals are met on time
• Ability to manage complex and highly confidential information and maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to proactively identify issues, adapt and recommend suitable solutions
• Ability to work with vulnerable populations
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and be a team player
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and the ability to travel throughout the province including overnight stays
• Criminal Record Check – Vulnerable Sector and Child Abuse Registry.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $45,000.00-$50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Experience:

• public relations: 1 year (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Truro, NS B2N 6N8 (required)

Work Location: In person