Communications (Media Relations) Strategist

About Vancity

Vancity is a member-owned credit union built on the principles of inclusion and social justice. A relentless commitment to their values has helped them challenge the status quo and break down barriers since day one in 1946.

They have bold commitments to make Vancity net-zero by 2040 across all mortgages and loans and are pursuing strategies on Indigenous banking and to improve the financial resilience of their members.

Vancity is the largest private sector Living Wage Employer in Canada and has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Employers in Canada.

If you're interested in joining their team of 2,700 diverse individuals and accessing competitive rewards and benefits, all while knowing you are part of a greater movement, then apply today!

The workplace

This is a permanent, full-time role that will enjoy hybrid working arrangements which can be fulfilled primarily from the Vancity head office location and your Lower Mainland based home office.

Periodically, you'll be required to attend in-person activities or events.

The role

As a Communications Strategist (Media Relations) you will be a key member of Vancity's Communications team, reporting to the Senior Manager of External Communications.

Your responsibilities include developing and executing strategic media relations and communications plans that align with our business objectives.

This involves crafting media strategies, responding to media inquiries, drafting news releases, and creating proactive media pitches, key messages, and other communication materials.

Your work will deepen the public's understanding of Vancity's mission, drive member growth, reinforce member loyalty, and elevate Vancity's reputation.

You will :

• Proactively seek opportunities to advance Vancity's profile through media, as well as supporting story-telling activities across other external comms mediums.
• Act as the primary media contact for all media requests.
• Develop and execute media initiatives; produce messaging, briefing materials, issue notes and a wide array of other media-related communications collateral.
• Establish and develop trusted relationships with media and other key stakeholders both within and outside of Vancity.
• Support with issues management and response to mitigate potential reputational risk, providing advice and support to other departments within the organization.
• Be accountable for daily media management and monitoring of coverage.
• Deliver internal media training and coaching, offering strategic communications advice, resources, and tactics to Vancity spokespeople.
• Develop visually engaging presentations to effectively communicate key messages, data, and strategies to internal and external audiences.

You :

• Are an accomplished strategic communicator who knows how to navigate quickly in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment and have a deep understanding of media and public relations as well as issues and crisis management.
• Excel at crafting and delivering proactive media pitches that highlight Vancity's initiatives, values, and stories, ensuring they resonate with target audiences and achieve media coverage.
• Are a collaborative team player who thrives in a strategic communications environment, contributing effectively to collective goals.
• Are detail orientated with experience working to deadline.
• Are a strong and versatile writer with highly developed writing and editing skills.
• Are a critical thinker with a keen ability to grasp the broader context of situations and strategically address complex challenges.

Core competencies

• A minimum of five years of experience in communications focused on earned media relations.
• In-depth knowledge of the fast-paced media landscape.
• Well organized, strong project management skills; ability to prioritize and manage competing deadlines.
• Expertise in crafting communication materials into relevant, timely and engaging story narratives.
• Proficiency in design skills, including experience creating visually compelling content.

Bonus points, if you have :

• Experience working in politics, a non-profit, public relations consultancy, or issues-focused ecosystem.
• Degree in Communications, Journalism, or relevant field, or a combination of education / training, skills and experience.

We value lived experience, so if you are interested in this role, we encourage you to apply even if you feel your skills don't perfectly align with those listed.

The salary range for the role is $81,200 to $122,000. The upper half of the salary range is typically reserved for individuals who have demonstrated consistent strong performance in the role and possess a high level of job knowledge and skill.

Posting Deadline : Posted until Filled

We offer :

• We are the largest private-sector Living Wage Employer in Canada and have been consistently recognized as one of the Top Employers in Canada.
• Our permanent employees qualify for attractive benefit packages that can be customized and changed each year to meet their evolving needs.
• New employees receive between three to four weeks of vacation allowance per calendar year, and the number of vacation days grows - to a maximum of six weeks per year - as their length of service increases.

In addition, full-time, permanent staff may be able to purchase extra days of vacation through our flexible benefits package.

• In addition to the 10 statutory holidays in British Columbia, Vancity provides an additional three statutory holidays. We offer care days for periods of short-term personal illness or emergency family illness, plus opportunities to take unpaid leave for a variety of reasons.
• Our health care & dental benefits offer three levels of health care and dental coverage for you to select from. These benefits will also be effective immediately based on your hire date.
• We understand that retirement means different things to different people and at Vancity we will offer you a Defined pension plan that pays you a retirement income for life.

Please note that all shortlisted candidates for this role will be required to complete a background check which includes employment verification, credit check, and a criminal record check.

Vancity is an inclusive and equitable employer and actively seeks to advance racial equity, inclusion and belonging across the organization.

Vancity offers required accommodations in all stages of the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please advise us, and we will work with you to meet your needs.