Senior Communications Specialist - YVR

 YVR is made up of a team of diverse people who are working collaboratively to Connect BC Proudly to the World. Safety is at the core of everything we do; we’re innovative, fun, and we invest in our people. We’re a BC Top Employer for 14 years standing, with high engagement scores, an abundance of learning and development opportunities, and a holistic approach to wellness. And we’re looking for someone to join our team.

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Vancouver Airport Authority strives for a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We support the Employment Equity Act and take measures to ensure fair employment practices and treatment of employees across our organization. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. We encourage applicants to self-identify with a designated group(s) to support our team in filling gaps in areas where we can be more diverse. We are also happy to provide reasonable accommodations throughout the selection process and while working at YVR. If you require support applying online because you are a person with a disability, please contact us at 604-303-3152 or careers@yvr.ca. Check out the reasons that make us a Top Employer at: https://content.eluta.ca/top-employer-vancouver-airport.

We have a permanent, full-time opportunity for a Senior Communications Specialist. Reporting to the Manager, Communications, the successful candidate will be responsible for planning and executing corporate communications programs and activities that support Vancouver Airport Authority’s business objectives and target key external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Promote, protect and enhance the reputation and YVR brand through media relations, issues management and public affairs activities
• Manage proactive communications and relationships with key media; maximize opportunities with media and policy leaders in positioning key executives, programs and special projects
• Assist with issues management on behalf of the organization, identify, monitor and execute response strategies
• Assist with development, revision and testing of the Airport Authority’s Crisis Communications Plan 
• Handle media inquiries, provide key talking points and coach executives prior to media interviews
• Collaborate with all departments and stakeholders to develop comprehensive communications plans and provide counsel to support strategic priorities
• Provide project management for key communications initiatives and programs
• Draft media materials including news releases, backgrounders, corporate positions on various matters, speeches
• Produce and disseminate written materials for internal and external publications and all online communications tools, including website, blog, social media and intranet
• Coordinate with various levels of government to organize media events and announcements
• Share responsibility of 24/7 media and social media coverage with key members of the team
• Represent the Airport Authority on industry committees and multi-agency teams
• Lead event planning and execution for marketing communications initiatives

Key qualifications include:

• Five to seven years of experience in communications with an agency or corporation, supplemented by a degree in Communications or a related field (or a combination of a diploma in Journalism or Public Relations and experience in public relations); or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with experience writing media materials, articles, speeches, and other types of business communications for a variety of audiences—technical writing an asset
• Significant experience managing media and crisis communications while working closely with senior executives
• Proven issues management and crisis communications response required. Operations experience an asset.
• Proven track record of managing successful local and national media relations, and experience handling sensitive and confidential issues
• Proven ability to develop media relationships in order to enhance awareness and image of the organization
• A strong understanding of how earned, owned, paid and social media can work independently and together to advance the organization’s goals
• Knowledge of and experience managing social media and owned media channels, including web publishing
• Strong organizational skills and keen sense of priorities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet very tight deadlines in an environment with conflicting priorities
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills

This position is open to both Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external candidates. Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.