Job Description

Communications Officer

Non-Standard Hours, Thursday - Monday

BACKGROUND:

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples' inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Officer will be responsible for creative content development in support of internal and external communications, including graphic design, photography, and videography. They will work collaboratively with internal departments, First Nations leadership, collateral organizations, partners, the public, and media.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Graphic design, photography, and videography:

Take the lead in designing SCO promotional materials such as brochures, posters, and reports

Be onsite for media events, engagement events, summits, staff gatherings, etc. to provide livestreaming on social media and capture still photography and/or videography

Where appropriate, effectively conceptualize, shoot, and edit short-form video and/or drone content optimized for SCO's social platforms

Edit, colour grade, and finalize content for publication

Maintain any SCO video or drone equipment on an ongoing basis

Writing and editing:

Write, edit, proofread, and format content for communications materials

Monitor new and current events, and issues affecting southern First Nations, thinking critically about what to bring forward

Create and distribute media, including news releases, education and awareness materials, and background information sheets

Assist in preparing briefing notes

Social media and website:

Use creativity and knowledge of social media to plan and execute various social media campaigns that connect with SCO citizens and followers

Assist with social media scheduling and posting, ensuring all important days, announcements, events, elections, etc. are included and planned for appropriately

Monitor all SCO social media platforms

Maintain, update, and continuously review and improve the content and organization of SCO's website

Collaboration and administration:

Monitor the media inbox, organize emails and assign to the appropriate team member, and escalate when appropriate

Coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders (First Nations, media partners, collaterals, SCO departments, etc.) on gathering information and producing media content in alignment with SCO strategies and services

Prepare speaking notes to support the Grand Chief and other SCO leadership for public speaking events and/or delivering media interviews

Update databases and media lists

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Post-secondary education in Creative Communications, Journalism, English Literature, graphic design, and/or a related discipline

Three years of experience in communications and/or as a content creator specializing in videography and the use of drones. A combination of education and experience will be considered

Strong writing skills, including experience translating complex subjects into plain language

Experience proofreading and copyediting materials before sharing with public audiences and stakeholders, with exceptional attention to detail

Experience creating engaging content for multiple platforms such as social media, websites, newsletters, and internal communications

Strong knowledge of social media platforms and analytics tools, website design software, graphics/editing software, Google Analytics, etc.

Experience working with the media

Demonstrated understanding of First Nations cultures and traditions

Exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build trust, work well in a team, and facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders

Ability to manage competing deadlines, work independently, and handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment

Proficiency in the use of computers and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Teams)

Ability to speak Anishinaabe or Dakota languages is an asset

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Must provide a current and satisfactory criminal record check

Must hold a valid Class 5 MB driver's license with access to a reliable vehicle for business travel

Flexibility to work variable hours, including a non-standard work week of Thursday to Monday

This role will require a combination of weekday, in-office work and hybrid remote weekends

WAGE RANGE: $70,000 - $85,000 Annually

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at 4:00 PM CST

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs' Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5

Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.

Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.

Testing may form part of the selection process.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for up to six months.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $70,000.00-$85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking Paid time off RRSP match Vision care
Work Location: In person