JOB DUTIES/QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES(QSA)

Job Duties

Reporting to the Manager of Communications, the Communications Advisor, Crisis and Risk, is a versatile and experienced communications professional. Skilled at effectively reaching and engaging internal and external audiences, across multiple channels (traditional and digital), the Communications Advisor, Crisis and Risk is an experienced practitioner who provides advice and support to Saskatchewan Polytechnic's senior leadership on managing risk and crisis (brand and reputation) communication projects.

The Communications Advisor, Crisis and Risk is an exceptional planner, strategist, and writer, and is responsible for conducting risk communications assessments, developing and implementing risk and crisis communications strategies, and developing and implementing select internal communication projects.

The Communications Advisor, Crisis and Risk will develop and execute communication strategies for specific projects, including those with potential impact to institutional reputation. In addition, using expertise, the strategist will devise and implement strategies to support institution-wide projects through thoughtful, strategic and creative internal communication approaches.

Based in one of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's campus cities, the Communications Advisor, Crisis and Risk is required travel to various campus city locations to interact with colleagues and provide strategic input into risk and reputational issues. This position works collaboratively with all levels of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic community and is part of the Communications and Marketing department.

Specific Accountabilities

• Communications Expertise
• Proactively identify, evaluate and assess potential issues that could impact the institution.
• Develop and implement risk and crisis communication strategies and plans.
• Recommend crisis and risk communication approaches and strategies that ensure timely and effective responses to minimize potential institutional risk.
• Strategic thinker and planner, able to take complex issues, analyze risk and provide strategic recommendations.
• Ensure risk and crisis communication messages have consistent, proactive and positive. messages that are tailored to the needs of specific audiences and support the institution's overall goals.
• Ensure consistency of strategies and messages in alignment with institutional priorities.
• Evaluate and consider external stakeholders and factors in messages and strategy recommendations.
• Track and leverage metrics to measure effectiveness of communication strategies and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Conduct and incorporate best practices and insights from research to improve effectiveness and efficiency while bringing new ideas that drive deeper engagement through creative channels and tactics.
• Demonstrate judgment and understanding of institutional goals to prioritize work projects.
• Manage communication risks on an ongoing basis.

Client Service

• Work with stakeholders (internal and external) to develop stories and creative approaches to share strategic messaging.
• Determine the vehicles, modes or methods to communicate, lead best practices and champion new and innovative ways to support strategic and effective communications.
• Collaborate and work with Saskatchewan Polytechnic schools, divisions and stakeholders to ensure timely and appropriate communication recommendations and strategies.
• Provide writing/support for printed publications, digital and social media posts, media and public relation activates, channel development and management, and project management.
• Undertake other responsibilities/projects assigned by the manager of communications.
• Develops key messages and Q&A responses for clients in anticipation of inquiries from a variety of sources.
• Provides advice to non-communications staff on communications projects.
• Researches and develops a variety of communications materials, including articles, editorials, publications and other written/online communications products in order to develop compelling content to advance Saskatchewan Polytechnic's reputation.
• Develops and assesses communications plans and programs, reports findings and recommends improvements for successful implementation of corporate initiatives.

Relationship Management

• Demonstrate cross-enterprise collaboration, open and honest relationships, and a respectful understanding of one another.
• Actively participate within the Communications and Marketing team. Develops and maintains effective relationships with internal client groups including senior-level management.
• Develops trust and credibility with senior management to better offer advice and coaching of a remedial nature.
• Demonstrate collaboration, open and honest relationships and a respectful understanding of one another, both within the Communications & Marketing team and with others throughout the organization.
• Interact with external stakeholders in a collaborative and respectful manner.
• Works with representatives of post-secondary institutions, government ministries and partner organizations as required
• Fosters positive relations with media personnel
• Ensures a positive, diverse and inclusive work and learning environment.
• Develops resourcing/workforce plan(s) for project and program initiatives, identifying the staffing levels, knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully meet objectives.

Risk Assessment and Management

• Undertakes highly sensitive and confidential assignments to support senior management in communicating a variety of information: Supporting senior management in the communication strategies surrounding
• business planning, management re-organizations, budget-related staffing adjustments, annual layoffs, etc.
• Participates in emergency/crisis communication activities.
• Conducts issues management by identifying issues or potential issues that could impact the reputation of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
• Provides recommendations to senior management in response to issues and prepares briefing notes and public/media statements for use in responding to public or media reaction to issues.
• Monitors media coverage, analyzes results, advises senior management and develops strategies to minimize reputational impact.

Project Management

• Develop internal/external communication projects and services.
• Plans, coordinates and executes special projects as required.
• Implements approved communication programs and strategic plans, and assembles necessary resources.
• Provides advice to non-communications staff on communications projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (QSA)

An undergraduate degree in business marketing, public relations, communications, journalism or a related discipline and 5 years of relevant experience in crisis and risk management. The Communications Advisor, Crisis and Risk will also have the ability to demonstrate experience in a complex post-secondary environment or related experience and experience in developing and executing high quality, innovative communications initiative across multiple channels is required or equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

A demonstrated knowledge of project management principles, time management and prioritization skills, a capacity for critical thinking and an enhanced writing ability, including understanding of the Canadian Press Style Guide, are requirements for this position. The Communication Advisor, Crisis and Risk must be capable of multi-tasking, managing multiple complex files and projects including budget management, demonstrate strong teamwork skills and effectively manage relationships with internal and external clients and vendors.

Some travel, including occasional overnight travel, will be required.

Desired QSA