BC Transit is a provincial Crown corporation and coordinates the delivery of safe, reliable, cost-efficient and market-focused transit services in British Columbia outside of the Greater Vancouver region. Working in partnership with local governments and private companies, BC Transit provides direct services in fleet acquisition and management, contract administration, transit planning, marketing and financial services.

This position is based in Victoria which is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Victoria (regional population 330,000) is the capital of British Columbia and a community of choice for many, due to our temperate climate, natural beauty and diverse economic opportunities. Victoria is an international resort destination with a transportation network that includes airport, helicopter and seaplane services, buses, ferry and cruise ships.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Manager of Corporate and Online Communications, the Media and Public Relations Advisor is responsible for enhancing the public reputation of the company, maintaining positive media and community relations and producing events, in support of corporate goals and objectives. The position is part of the Sales, Marketing and Communications department.

Key accountabilities include:

Media spokesperson and public relations liaison for BC Transit including the Victoria and Regional Transit Systems. Organizes media and corporate events and opportunities as required in support of corporate priorities and initiative
Builds and protects the organization’s reputation through effective issues management techniques and stakeholder relations
Monitors, measure and evaluates media and social media coverage activities, tracks status of corporate issues frequently
Develops and manages effective relationships with media representatives, staff of provincial government, other public agencies, local governments and operating partners
Prepares various communications materials including the research and writing of media releases, advisories, fact sheets, briefing notes, issue notes, backgrounders, editorials, speeches and talking points
Production of multimedia content (e.g. video, audio podcasts, presentations) and use of social media
Work with internal partners to promote service changes and organize/participate in corporate events
Will be required to act on behalf of the manager on occasion

The successful candidate will bring:

A university degree in communications and at least five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
A demonstrated record of success as a corporate media spokesperson and the ability to develop community partnerships and create and manage corporate events
Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills and experience
Strong communication skills including knowledge and experience of the concepts, practices and techniques of corporate communications, public and media relations
Demonstrated ability to articulate clearly using both the written and spoken word
Confident, motivated, quick learner
Exceptional planning and coordination skills and attention to detail to deliver events and programs within allocated resources and timelines
Communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective internal and extensive external relationships, including those at senior government levels
Problem-solving and decision-making skills to articulate and present complex, multi-stakeholder issues
Research and analytical skills to ensure that programs are consistent with best practices
Skills in the use of online technologies, including multimedia, social media and media monitoring tools, to support media and public relations activities

Note: Frequent travel required to produce and attend media and community events

Additional Information:

This position requires the completion of a clear Criminal Record Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Search.

BC Transit Offers:

Competitive compensation
Extensive group benefits (medical, extended health, life insurance) and pension program once eligible
Fitness centre, health and wellness programs, and an employee and family assistance counseling program