Under the general direction of the Associate Director, College Relations – Design and Content (AD), the Communications Advisor, Student and Staff Relations develops and implements communication plans, products and campaigns aligned to Okanagan College’s priorities and OC’s strategic plan.

In this role, the Advisor provides supervision and guidance to a group of communications professionals, overseeing their work, setting priorities, and ensuring effective execution of communication plans, products, and campaigns aligned with Okanagan College’s priorities and strategic plan. The Advisor is a leader in the College Relations portfolio and works collaboratively with peers and senior leaders OC-wide to deliver communications that engage, connect and motivate audiences. The Advisor is a skilled storyteller, writer and editor, and leverages interpersonal and organizational abilities to deliver content aligned to OC’s Vision, Mission and OC’s Strategic Plan applying the lens of equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice, and reflecting OC’s commitment to reconciliation within Indigenous Peoples, while meeting project-specific goals and requirements.

When required, the Advisor provides strategic advice/support to the AVP, College Relations and other Executives on confidential/sensitive communications where the College’s reputational risk is a consideration, including those such as departmental reorganizations and service change(s).

This position supports corporate and change management communications; is responsible for delivering and coordinating OC employee communication strategies and channels; creating, editing and publishing engaging content that appeals to internal audiences; and leading and/or supporting College communication projects, as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or marketing. Five years of relevant experience in a progressively senior roles within the post-secondary or comparable sector, with a focus in areas including, but not limited to: writing, editing, communication planning, channel management, brand strategy, engagement, corporate communications.

1) Plan, execute and oversee OC’s internal communications channels.
• Researches, compiles and handles confidential and sensitive information in the development and activation of communication initiatives.
• Produce employee communications, including authoring a variety of internal communications including announcements, stories and memos/notices delivered across a variety of communications channels.
• Lead and coordinate processes for staff to submit content to OC internal channels; develop and implement strategies to build communications capacity across portfolios and in alignment with OC employee engagement strategies;
• Maintain OC’s corporate Editorial Calendar, including content posted on the website, intranet news, distribution lists and additional channels as necessary. Coordinate the calendar for the College Relations portfolio.
• Manage and distribute College’s internal e-newsletter. Conduct regular audience engagement to solicit feedback that can be incorporated as channels grow and are strengthened. Research and maintain awareness of internal communication best practices.

2) As assigned, lead/support OC communications plans, ensuring integration and alignment with the College’s broader communication strategies, and consistent application of OC Brand Guidelines.
• Participates in confidential discussions and briefings with College executives and senior administration regarding items of a confidential nature with regards to communication strategies, internal partners, labour relations, legal matters, personnel changes, as well as program and Faculty changes.
• Works with senior executives in the college to incorporate vision and strategic priorities into critical communications materials.
• Consider OC-wide context, change management requirements and the Inspire roadmap.
• Research and produce content, including: written stories, videos, and photography and other multimedia pieces for use on College channels.
• Produce tailored content for specific audiences, demonstrating a clear understanding of messaging, positioning and stakeholder needs.
• Cultivate and maintain internal relationships, and act as a brand advisor and resource.

3) Provide supervision and guidance to a select group of communications professionals, overseeing their work, setting priorities, and ensuring effective execution of projects and initiatives.
• Responsible for making critical decisions on hiring, firing (discharge), and disciplinary actions of employees, ensuring adherence to company policies, legal requirements, and labor regulations.
• Contribute input on labor-related matters as needed.
• Manage workflow, set goals, provide feedback, and foster a collaborative team environment while ensuring adherence to communication strategies and maintaining a consistent brand image.
• Support team development, identify training needs, and provide leadership, mentoring, and performance feedback to maintain high communication standards, while managing resources and ensuring timely project completion.

4) Participates in and supports communication planning and implementation related to emergency or crisis situations, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Exercises professional and Advisory judgment and discretion in advising and executing communications activities internally.

5) Work with other College Relations team members as required to support digital communications, marketing, alumni relations, donor relations, media events, design, etc.

6) Maintain an awareness of new developments and trends in communications through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations, industry advisor groups, professional associations and/or attendance at seminars, workshops and education programs.

7) Support efficiency and effectiveness by using a continuous improvement lens with respect to departmental systems and processes.

8) Contribute to the overall communications leadership of Okanagan College; model leadership qualities within the College Relations portfolio and in working with other portfolios; help ensure clients (executive, leaders and portfolios) feel supported in their requests.

9) Limited travel within the Okanagan to other campuses as required.

10) Perform other duties as required.

– The ability to maintain a high degree of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
– Excellent, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills. Proven comfort being a spokesperson for an organization
– A team player with the ability to communicate and build effective relationships with individuals in communities internal to the organization.
– Experience working with executives and senior managers to provide strategic advice, develop culture, promote priorities and support change.
– A successful track record of delivering effective communications, with an awareness and sensitivity to current sociopolitical issues (e.g. decolonization, reconciliation and EDI)
– Self-motivated, professional and creative
– Ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy while managing high work volume and competing priorities to meet deadlines
– Experience dealing with issues management at a corporate level
– Excellent strategic leadership and planning skills
– Superior written and verbal communication skills
– Strong interpersonal skills
– Proven problem-solving skills
– Strong team player and ability to work independently
– Proficiency with digital cameras and photo editing
– Excellent computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and the Internet
– Knowledge of Content Management Software
– Understanding of Google Analytics and other data reporting tools
– Experience with government policies and legislation including FIPPA, PIPA, FOIPOP, CASL, and copyright