Communications and Outreach Officer

Objective/Function of Position
The Communications and Outreach Officer (COO) supports MLAs and Government Caucus by developing and implementing strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, research, and outreach initiatives that advance caucus priorities and strengthen relationships with communities throughout British Columbia. The position provides communications, research, and outreach expertise to support constituency, regional, and legislative activities while enhancing public awareness and engagement.

Key responsibilities: 

Strategic Communications and Research

• Identify emerging issues, opportunities, and trends, and develop communications strategies, messaging, and recommendations for MLAs.


• Provide strategic advice and support to MLAs in their constituencies.


• Assist MLAs in preparing for public appearances, stakeholder meetings, and community events.


• Draft and edit a range of communications materials, including stakeholder correspondence and briefing notes.


• Monitor media coverage, opposition activities, government initiatives, legislation, ministry programs, and stakeholder developments.


• Research, analyze, and evaluate legislation, policies, programs, regulations, and emerging issues affecting British Columbians.


• Prepare briefing materials, backgrounders, and strategic recommendations to support advocacy, communications, and legislative priorities.


• Respond to requests for information from caucus members, staff, stakeholders, and community partners.
  

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support MLAs and constituency offices in planning and implementing local and regional outreach initiatives.


• Assist in developing and maintaining stakeholder, validator, and community contact lists to support outreach efforts.


• Support constituency offices with outreach inquiries, event participation requests, and stakeholder engagement activities.
  

Event Coordination and Regional Support

• Coordinate and support caucus outreach activities, tours, public events, celebrations, and community engagement opportunities.


• Plan, coordinate and execute the annual Constituency Advisor Conference.


• Work collaboratively with caucus staff, constituency offices, ministerial offices, and government stakeholders to support aligned messaging at meetings and events.


• Assist in planning and delivering outreach components of caucus-wide events, regional meetings, retreats, and stakeholder forums.
  

Collaboration and Project Management

• Work collaboratively with MLAs, constituency offices, caucus staff, and external stakeholders on strategic projects and initiatives.


• Participate in cross-functional teams, committees, and task forces as required.


• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines and competing priorities.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  

Diversity:
The New Democrat BC Government Caucus is committed to recruiting and developing employees that are representative of the diversity of the people of British Columbia.

To support employment equity and diversity in the workplace, we welcome applications from all groups. This includes women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with diverse abilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who may contribute to diversity in the New Democrat BC Government Caucus.

Qualifications:

A combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the following:

• University degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Strong research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex issues and develop practical recommendations.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.


• Experience developing communications materials and implementing stakeholder engagement or outreach initiatives.


• Experience working with elected officials, government, political organizations, or public-sector stakeholders.


• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.


• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, MLAs, and colleagues.


• Knowledge of British Columbia's political, social, and community landscape.


• Experience organizing events, consultations, community engagement activities, and public meetings.


• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.


• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.


• Flexible, adaptable, and responsive in a fast-paced environment.


• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement long-term strategic communications and outreach plans.


• Familiarity with research tools, databases, media monitoring platforms, and communications technologies.


• Familiarity with using Outlook and Microsoft 365 suite


• Willingness to travel throughout British Columbia.


• Valid BC Driver's License; access to a vehicle is considered an asset.


• Knowledge of rural, remote, and non-urban communities in British Columbia, including the unique perspectives and priorities of those communities, is an asset.


• Knowledge of the structure and policies of the New Democratic Party and a fundamental knowledge of the role of the three levels of government.
  


• Experience working with Constituency Offices and MLAs an asset.

OTHER DETAILS 

• Benefits as per the collective agreement, including extended health and dental plan, BC Public Service Pension Plan, generous paid vacation, paid sick leave, and other paid leave provisions and benefits.


• Regular hours are Monday to Friday, 7 hours a day, 35 hours per week.


• Any qualified internal applicants will be considered prior to external applicants.


• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This is a Union position governed by a collective agreement with the BCGEU.