Communications Officer

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

Duties

We are looking for people who think independently, work creatively and enjoy contributing to a team environment that supports the priorities of the department.

As a Communications Officer, you will be challenged to:

• write and produce high quality communications products such as news releases, speaking notes, success stories, social media posts and web content
• assist with the coordination of internal and external events, including town halls and announcements
• consult with business partners across the department to develop messaging and materials for both internal and external audiences
• collaborate with external organizations and clients to coordinate communications and visibility/branding opportunities
• support information gathering through media and public environment scanning
• provide creative and graphic design support for communications materials using programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Canva.

Work environment

Not your average team! PrairiesCan is one of the Prairies’ best employers because of its support for employees, innovative workplace and ability to make a difference in the lives of Western Canadians. We are driven to be the best at what we do. We hire top talent and provide an employment experience that brings out the best in people. We are motivated by achieving great results for Canadians.

Why Choose PrairiesCan?
- Work with amazing people who support each other
- Meaningful work that makes a difference to the country
- Excellent compensation package
- Flexible work arrangements
- Modern work tools and technology

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the process, please contact Nathaniel by email at . Information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Intent of the process

The intent is to fill one permanent (indeterminate) position.

A pool of qualified candidates (fully assessed or partially assessed) will be established and may be used to staff similar positions at this group and level. This process may be used for various positions and tenures (including but not limited to term and indeterminate appointments, internal assignments, secondment, deployments, acting appointments, casual) as well as various locations, security requirements, language requirements and conditions of employment. The pool of qualified candidate may also be shared and accessed with other federal government departments.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education:
A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in public relations, communications, marketing, or related field.

NOTES:
• Based on their education, training and/or experience, indeterminate incumbents of positions in the IS classification are deemed to meet the minimum education standard whenever a bachelor's degree without specialization is called for in a position classified as IS.

• An acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience may serve as an alternative to the minimum education standard.

Degree equivalency

*Recent and **significant experience in:

Researching, writing and editing a variety of communication products such as news releases, backgrounders, media lines, speeches, and social media posts in a deadline driven environment.

Providing communications services and advice to internal clients and external partners.

Supporting the planning and organization of public events and the delivery of communications activities (e.g., announcements, news conferences, tours, town halls, etc.).

*Recent is understood to be within the last five (5) years.
**Significant is understood to mean the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of complex, related activities for a minimum of two (2) years.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of communications principles, methods and/or techniques

Competencies:
• Demonstrate integrity/respect
• Initiative/Action Oriented
• Think things through
• Work effectively with others
• Oral Communication
• Written Communication

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Asset Qualifications:
Education:
• Post-Graduate education in a field relevant to the position

Experience:
• Experience in creating innovative and high quality design, artwork and/or layout for communications materials such as PowerPoint presentations, online and offline publications, web graphics, multimedia presentations, and infographics.
• Experience with graphic design and programs including Canva, Adobe, InDesign, SharePoint
• Experience in video production and editing, and/or interest and willingness to learn about video production and editing, including the development of storylines and storyboards
• Experience using online platforms such as Zoom and MSTeams to coordinate virtual events.
• Depth, breadth and scope of experience in any one or combination of the experience requirements.

Degree equivalency

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of event management practices (i.e. logistical, product and program development).
• Knowledge of current and innovative social media and online practices and platforms.

Abilities:
Ability to provide creative and graphic design services, using programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Canva.

Operational Requirements:
• Willing and able to travel
• Willing and able to work overtime, often on short notice, including occasional weekends

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

TIPS FOR APPLICANTS: When answering the screening questions ensure that you provide complete and thorough details of your experience. Do not assume that the screening board has any previous knowledge of your background, qualifications, or work history. You must be specific and provide concrete examples/details for each Experience element, as applications will be screened only on the information provided. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being screened out of the competition.

For this selection process, our intention is to communicate with the candidates by email. Candidates who apply to this selection process must include in their application a valid email address and make sure that this address is functional at all times and accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Depending on the number of applicants, the needs and/or Human Resources plans, volume management strategies such as random selection, top-down approach and/or establishing cut-off scores to determine who will continue in the staffing process, MAY BE USED for the purpose of managing applications.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.