Communications Officer

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 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.

SCO provides competitive compensation and excellent pension and benefits, as well as a positive work environment.

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Officer will monitor news and emerging issues, ensuring timely, strategic responses. This role requires excellent communication skills, media insight, and the ability to prepare messages that align with our vision. The Officer will support communications for the public, media, and organization’s members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for writing, editing, proofreading and content creation for communications materials including brochures, posters, and reports.
• Identify potential news stories for social media coverage and monitors key media platforms to share relevant content across SCO’s channels.
• Monitor issues, news and critically thinks through what matters for SCO and organization’s members to bring forward.
• Create and distribute media materials including news releases and background information sheets.
• Assist during events with social media scheduling and posting, content collection, media outreach, and speaking notes.
• Ability to tell the story of an event capturing video and pictures on a smartphone, tablet, and camera.
• Uses creativity and knowledge of social media to plan and execute various social media campaigns that connect with citizens and followers.
• Coordinates and collaborates with stakeholders (First Nations, partners, etc.) on producing social media content in alignment with SCO strategies, plans, and services.
• Contributes to social media schedule, ensuring all important days, announcements, events, elections, etc. are included and planned for appropriately.
• Maintains, updates, and continuously reviews and improves the content and organization of SCO’s website.
• Prepare speaking notes to support the Grand Chief in delivering media interviews.
• Assists with day-to-day communications tasks, with a focus on continuing to grow audiences through multiple channels (social media, website, newsletter subscriber list, etc.)
• Compiles monthly analytics for social media, media, and our website to assist with evaluation efforts.
• Assists in gathering information from program areas to create and/or update communications materials, e.g. brochures, posters, and reports.
• Writes and produces the SCO e-newsletter.
• Updates databases and media lists.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree or college diploma in creative communications or journalism with a minimum of three years of work experience.
• Connections with and an understanding of First Nations citizens living on and off reserve.
• Strong writing skills including experience in writing in plain language.
• High attention to detail with experience proofreading and copyediting materials before sharing with public audiences and other stakeholders.
• Experience creating engaging content for multiple audiences and across multiple platforms such as social media channels, websites, newsletters, etc.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and analytics tools, website design software, graphics/editing software, Google analytics, and other relevant software.
• Experience with managing social calendars, with the ability to handle multiple requests and deadlines and adjust plans and schedules accordingly.
• Experience working dashboard/reporting tools.
• Self-starter with demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Able to handle pressure of working in a fast-paced organization and under time-sensitive situations.
• Political acumen and able to be discreet when dealing with sensitive information.
• Experience working with media.
• Excellent computer knowledge and typing skills, knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is essential.
• Flexible in terms of work schedule and ability to travel as necessary.

ASSETS:

• Working in a political advocacy environment
• Drafting news releases, op-eds, and other media content
• Event communications
• Graphic design and/or video production or editing
• Working in a not-for-profit environment

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check
• A valid class 5 MB driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle for business travel

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 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 | [email protected]

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.

Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.

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