The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC) is launching a ground-breaking engagement initiative across Canada! Over the next three years, we will be working with communities to improve public understanding of drug policy, promote a public health and human rights-based approach to drugs, and develop momentum for sustained and coordinated efforts to improve responses to harms related to substance use and public policies. To help us reach our goals, we are seeking a Strategic Communications Manager who is experienced in public engagement, strategic communications planning, media relations, stakeholder communications, and website and social media development. The candidate will be in a leadership role within CDPC.
CDPC is a national coalition at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, that promotes a drug policy for Canada based on principles of public health, human rights, and social inclusion. CDPC fosters public education, dialogue and action on public policy as it relates to reducing harms and maximizing benefits related to substance use in our communities and promotes policies that improve the health and well-being of people who use substances in Canada and internationally.
Job Responsibilities:
- Develops and implements an organization-level communications strategy
- Develops media engagement strategies for CDPC projects
- Researches, writes, edits, and produces print and digital materials for the website and social media channels
- Develops materials that support CDPC projects and organizational strategies and objectives
- Oversees quality of communications materials and ensures appropriate clearances and approvals
- Leads the process of redeveloping the CDPC website, including working with external contractors
- Oversees CDPC’s communications with our coalition and stakeholders, and recommends system improvements as needed
- Develops and produces communications materials for meetings and events including press releases, policy briefs and op-eds
- Coordinates press conferences as required
- Provides support related to media requests
- Develops and maintains relationships with key media organizations and people across Canada
- Supervises communications assistants
- Works closely with CDPC staff team, steering committee, project partners, and volunteers
- Participates in organization or project-based evaluation and modifies strategies and activities accordingly
- Frequent travel within Canada as required
- Performs other duties as required
Knowledge and skills required:
- University degree in Communications or Journalism or an equivalent degree in a related discipline or a combination of education and relevant experience
- Minimum of three (3) years working in communications in a leadership role
- Experience developing strategic organization-level communication plans
- Skilled and versatile writer with excellent interpersonal communications
- Experience drafting policy briefs, op-eds and press releases/advisories
- A strong grasp of social media and digital strategy and has the technical skills to maintain and update CDPC’s website
- Experience in building and maintaining relationships with digital and traditional media organizations
- Experience organizing and running digital campaigns
- A good understanding of the directed network campaign model
- Knowledge of best practice and tools for meaningful supporter engagement
- Proficient management of a supporter database (CDPC currently uses NationBuilder)
- Experience in knowledge translation and dissemination of complex and controversial concepts into accessible materials for diverse audiences
- Awareness of current issues relating to substance use and the overdose crisis, or a strong willingness to learn
- Proficiency in commonly used software applications
- Ability to effectively manage staff and delegate appropriate work
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Assets:
- Fluency in written and spoken French
- Familiarity with the drug policy landscape in Canada
We encourage applications from members of marginalized groups, including but not limited to: those with lived and living experience with substance use.
This position is based at Harbour Centre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC
Contract Position: 2.5 years with possibility of renewal
Salary range: $65 – 70,000 Annually
Contact: Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Application Deadline: January 25th 2019