Research and Communications Officer

Objective/Function of Position
Research and Communications Officers provide a wide array of research and communications support and
advice in support of MLAs and to assist in advancing the caucus message and agenda to British Columbians.

Duties:

• Identify opportunities and develop strategies and messages for MLAs to comment publicly on issues of
  importance to the caucus.
• Develop strong relationships with and provide strategic support and advice to caucus MLAs, applying critical thinking and with consideration of target audiences and the most effective communication methods.
• Assist MLAs in preparation for media interviews, legislature debates, and public appearances, ensuring all communications align with the  visual identity and strategic communications plans of caucus.
• Write communications materials (news releases, correspondence, columns, statements, speaking notes, key messages, etc). Develop and edit newsletters, communications and graphic templates
• Monitor opposition parties, government legislation, ministry programs, budget estimates and track government announcements and initiatives.
• Monitor media, key stakeholders, social media, current events, reports and other sources to identify political risks and develop opportunities and engagement strategies for our government and caucus.
• Maintain relationships with local media and maintain an up-to-date list of media contacts.
• Analyze, evaluate and prepare legislation, programs and regulations as required.
• Provide support to members and their involvement in parliamentary and internal committees, and statements and debates in the legislature.
• Research and prepare papers and notes to assist caucus members to effectively advocate BC NDP caucus positions and policy in their legislative and extra-parliamentary duties.
• Assist MLAs in developing relationships and maintaining contact with stakeholder groups and individuals.
• Respond to requests for information from caucus members, staff and others as directed.
• Develop strong relationships with staff in other departments and entities such as constituency offices, the Premier’s office, ministers’ offices and provincial counterparts at the BC NDP Provincial Office.
• Maintain a high standard of service excellence, exhibiting maturity, composure and empathy at all times.
• Additional duties as assigned.
  

Diversity:
The New Democrat BC Government Caucus is committed to recruiting and developing employees that are representative of the diversity of the people of British Columbia.

To support employment equity and diversity in the workplace, we welcome applications from all groups. This includes women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with diverse abilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who may contribute to diversity in the New Democrat BC Government Caucus.

Qualifications

• Must have a university degree or equivalent experience as well as strong applied communications and outreach skills.
  
• Experience creating content for and managing social media accounts, advertising and other communications products with a strong understanding of the latest trends and best practices for building engagement across platforms.
• Proven research, critical thinking and analytical skills including the ability to organize and interpret complex issues and translate into clear, engaging messaging.
• Excellent political judgment and a thorough knowledge of BC’s political landscape and an understanding of the BC NDP and BC Government.
• A can-do personality with an ability to respond well to short deadlines and shifting priorities, serve as a go-to person and lead crisis/issues communication.
• Familiarity with a broad range of research applications and databases.
• A clear, concise writing style and excellent storytelling that conveys facts, empathy and interpretation in an easy-to-understand way.  Attention to detail, grammar, format and spelling.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people, including MLAs, senior management and colleagues in and outside of the department.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team and successfully facilitate resolution to complex situations. Strong interpersonal skills, exhibiting professionalism, confidentiality and diplomacy when interacting with elected officials, senior staff, the media and members of the public.
• Experience in the labour movement or NDP organization and election campaigns would be an asset.
  

OTHER DETAILS 

• Benefits as per the collective agreement, including extended health and dental plan, BC Public Service Pension Plan, generous paid vacation, paid sick leave, and other paid leave provisions and benefits.
• Regular hours are Monday to Friday, 7 hours a day, 35 hours per week.
• Any qualified internal applicants will be considered prior to external applicants.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This is a Union position governed by a collective agreement with the BCGEU.