Job Description

Overview

Through a combination of professional communications and public relations expertise, stakeholder awareness, and an in-depth understanding of NICHI's vision and strategic goals, the Manager, Communications and Public Relations is a key contributor in establishing and implementing all internal and external communications strategies and related initiatives on behalf of the organization. In collaboration with NICHI's leadership, the individual in this role is accountable to advance NICHI's brand, create content and messaging across various channels and platforms, develop relationships with stakeholders, and ensure quality and consistency of all internal and external communications.

Duties

Participate in the development and implementation of communication and public relations strategies and related initiatives to advance the goals and vision of NICHI; drive brand awareness, relevance, and reputation; maintain brand integrity

Research, draft, write, edit and evaluate a wide range of internal and external communication materials, including speeches, briefings, presentations, publications, news releases, all staff emails, and other materials and documents; assists with the development of NICHI's annual meeting and annual report

Establish key messaging and create compelling content for all communications initiatives across various communications channels and platforms (digital, video, audio, and print); ensure consistency and appropriateness of content and manage production and delivery

Create short-term communications plans and materials as needed for specific initiatives (i.e., advocacy, awareness campaigns, funding allocation, etc.)

Manage the organization's digital presence, including the website, social media, and other platforms; monitor to determine engagement

Ensure communication or public relations issues are immediately and effectively managed; develop crisis communication plan; ensure internal stakeholders are kept apprised of the plan and any changes

Collaborate with team members to effectively communicate NICHI led events, meetings, and projects; participate at external events to monitor stakeholder concerns, inquiries, and comments and provide feedback to leadership as appropriate

Articulate NICHI's 'voice' as an advocate for Indigenous-led housing and housing service providers

Assess the communications efforts in the urban, rural, and northern regions to determine effectiveness of communications and delivery channels in all areas

Ensure best practice communication practices and procedures and established, communicated internally and managed accordingly

Establish sound working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and the public to advance the NICHI brand, deliver key messaging, and build awareness/understanding.

Collaborate with NICHI leadership and staff to ensure quality and consistency in communication-related initiatives and related messaging throughout all communication channels utilized by NICHI

Engage Indigenous housing Stakeholders to ensure their voices are part of a national urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing strategy

Attend meetings and/or participate in presentations involving government officials and other stakeholders; ensure awareness of issues facing Indigenous peoples in urban, rural, and northern communities is well communicated and understood and articulate NICHI's 'voice

Collaborate with internal stakeholders to determine communication and public relations related priorities; ensure internal staff and leadership are regularly kept informed

Establish sound working relations with the media / journalists; responds to media enquiries; drafts press releases and other communication related initiatives; monitors media coverage that may impact the organization's image

Respond to inquiries from the public and other stakeholders on behalf of NICHI; ensure messaging is in support of the goals and objectives of the organization

Maintain budgets and provide financial reports

Negotiate and administer terms and conditions of contractual agreements with suppliers/vendors in support of communications and public relations plans, projects, and events

Education and Experience

University degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field of study (A post-secondary college diploma combined with acceptable combination of experience may be acceptable).

Minimum of 3 years' experience in a professional communications and public relations role

Minimum of 1 years' experience working in the Indigenous housing sector with preference to working with Indigenous-led housing organizations addressing the needs of urban, rural, and northern Indigenous communities

Strong knowledge of government department and agencies, their structures, mandates, and policies as regards Urban Rural and Northern (URN) strategies and issues

Professional accreditation or certification (International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is considered an asset

Preference will be given to individuals who are proficient in both official languages (EN/FR). Candidates are asked to indicate if they are bilingual in their cover letter.

A combination of education, training, or work experience which NICHI deems to be equivalent, may be considered

Cover Letter and CV can be sent to: careers@nichihousing.com

In meeting the objectives and Vision of the organization, preference will be given to qualified indigenous individuals. You are asked to self-identify on your cover letter.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: Remote