Communications Manager

Description

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?akisq?nuk First Nation (?AFN?) is looking for a talented individual to join our team as a Communications Manager. Reporting to the Director of Core Services, the Communications Manager, plays a pivotal role in supporting AFN's mission by effectively communicating initiatives, achievements, and objectives to internal and external stakeholders. This position will collaborate closely with various teams to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies that amplify AFN's efforts within the Indigenous economy and government relations sectors and with AFN's Community.

?akisq?nuk First Nation is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. AFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the AFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan "Our Thinking" and continue to progress and move our community forward.

Job Type: This role is full-time working 35 hours per week onsite.

The primary responsibilities include:

Strategic Planning, Digital Media Leadership & Optimization

• Lead the development and execution of integrated communications and digital media strategies aligned with organizational priorities and long-term objectives.
• Oversee and manage relationships with traditional and digital media partners, acting as a primary organizational liaison.
• Drive growth in digital presence, including social media reach, audience engagement, and search engine optimization (SEO) performance.
• Provide strategic oversight of all digital channels, including website, social media platforms, and email marketing, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and brand alignment.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics (KPIs) to evaluate effectiveness of digital strategies and inform continuous improvement.
• Measure campaign effectiveness through data analysis.
• Ensure organizational awareness of emerging trends, Indigenous economic development priorities, and relevant government policies to inform proactive communications planning.
• Lead the planning and execution of communications for events, campaigns, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic messaging.
• Oversee digital projects, providing direction, prioritization, and support to staff and cross-functional teams.

Communications Strategy, Content Development & Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction in the development of high-quality communication materials, including reports, briefing notes, presentations, press releases, and corporate publications.
• Establish standards, processes, and quality control measures for all communications outputs to ensure consistency, accuracy, and brand integrity.
• Oversee the research, development, and dissemination of communications materials for both internal and external audiences.
• Lead the planning and execution of major communications initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Provide expert guidance and editorial oversight to departments across the organization, elevating the quality and impact of communications.
• Oversee the management and organization of communications assets, ensuring effective systems for storage, access, and use.

Internal Communications & Organizational Engagement

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive internal communications strategy that supports a high-performing, engaged, and informed workplace.
• Advise senior leadership, including Council and executive team, on communications approaches, messaging, and reputation management.
• Oversee media relations strategy, including responding to inquiries, monitoring coverage, and maintaining strong relationships with media stakeholders.
• Provide strategic guidance and tools to leadership to effectively communicate organizational priorities, initiatives, and changes.
• Champion best practices in internal communications, including the design and delivery of innovative and inclusive engagement approaches.
• Ensure consistency, clarity, and effectiveness of messaging across all internal channels.
• Establish and monitor internal communications metrics to assess effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership in addressing sensitive or complex community and organizational issues through thoughtful, culturally appropriate communications.

Storytelling, Brand Leadership & External Engagement

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive storytelling and content strategy that elevates the organization's voice, impact, and visibility.
• Ensure alignment of messaging across all channels, including social media, campaigns, publications, annual reports, and media engagement.
• Oversee the creation of compelling content that reflects organizational priorities, community impact, and Indigenous perspectives.
• Provide strategic oversight of major publications, including annual reports, impact reports, and funding proposals.
• Build organizational capacity by coaching and supporting staff in storytelling, content development, and effective communication practices.
• Monitor and analyze engagement and performance metrics to continuously refine storytelling strategies and maximize reach and impact.
• Lead communications planning for campaigns, major initiatives, and crisis situations, ensuring timely, accurate, and coordinated messaging.

Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management to communications staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Manage budgets, resources, and external vendors related to communications and digital initiatives.
• Establish priorities, allocate resources, and ensure timely delivery of communications initiatives.
• Act as a key advisor to senior leadership on communications risks, opportunities, and strategic positioning.

Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a Degree or Masters in public relations, communications, journalism, or equivalent field
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively more responsible communications experience, including supervisory experience
• Experience with public speaking and strong writing and editing skills for creating various communication materials such as reports, press releases, newsletters, and presentations
• Experience leading in crisis management situations
• Ability to analyze metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and adjust accordingly
• Ability to work flexible hours to respond to communication needs as required
• Experience working with First Nations/Aboriginal/Indigenous communities
• Excellent attention to detail
• Experience in digital media management and content creation
• Ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary (starting salary $80, to $90, commensurate with education and experience)
• Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, as determined by the Council each year
• Paid annual vacation
• Paid sick days
• Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, Employee and Family Assistance Program, Short- and Long-Term Disability, available after 3 months of service
• Matched RRSP program with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employee's salary, available after 4 months of service
• Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia

Akisqnuk supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.