As the Communications and Media Relations Specialist with YWCA Metro Vancouver, you will play a pivotal role in supporting organizational communications, events and media relations activities. In this hands-on position, you will also work collaboratively with departments and programs to develop marketing communications strategies and materials. Our close-knit team is ambitious, collaborative and emotionally intelligent. We are deeply invested in our vision and mission and use a strengths-based approach to work together and serve the organization. 

Your role:  

1. Contribute to the YWCA’s internal and external marketing communications efforts 

• Collaborate with the marketing communications team to develop and execute marketing strategies and campaigns that align with the organization's mission and objectives. 

• Assist with internal communications, with an emphasis on cross-departmental relationship building. 

• Create written content for social media platforms, websites and email newsletters to effectively communicate our initiatives and engage our audiences. 

• Support the design and distribution of promotional materials such as brochures, flyers and digital graphics. 

• Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas to enhance our marketing communications and outreach efforts. 

• Assist in the planning, promotion and execution of events, including photoshoots. 

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. 

• Other duties as required. 

2. Support the development and implementation of media and public relations activities, including:  

• Manage day-to-day media relations/media requests.   

• Collaborate with the marketing communications and advocacy team, subject matter experts and program participants in a timely manner to determine appropriate media responses.   

• Build relationships with key media contacts and identify opportunities to proactively pitch topical stories that support the organization’s strategic goals.   

• Develop written materials including press releases, Q&A and key messages.  

• Media train and prep spokespeople before interviews.   

• Research relevant topics to the organization to determine stats, facts and figures, and areas of interest and relevance in the non-profit/housing/child care sectors for pitching and understanding of the media landscape.    

• Keep track of all media opportunities taken or dismissed to ensure we meet our media targets. 

• Plan and execute media events, such as press conferences, interviews and housing openings.  

• Help to manage sensitive media requests or coverage.  

• Stay current with emerging media technologies, tools and platforms. 

• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in media communications. 

What you’ll need: 

• Post-secondary education in business, communications, journalism, marketing or a related field.  

• At least two years of progressive communications or marketing experience, including media relations experience.  

• Equivalent education/experience can substitute for all minimum qualifications.  

• Excellent communications skills, including writing and editing.  

• Strong project management skills. 

• Experience working with multiple departments and servicing internal teams.  

• Experience managing multiple requests and timelines.  

• A proven ability to work collaboratively, as well as independently as required.  

• An understanding of gender equity issues with the ability to research, distill and convey information in a clear manner.  

• A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.  

• A valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is required.   

• The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination from COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the YWCA deem it necessary to reintroduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties. 

Bonus qualities (but not required): 

• Experience with issues management. 

• Advocacy or public policy experience. 

• Familiarity with social media and digital marketing tools, i.e., Google Business Suite, Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn/X, MailChimp, etc.    

• Skills in design and experience with related software, such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.  

• Basic html knowledge and Drupal CMS experience 

What we offer:   

We offer our eligible employees the following benefits as part of their total compensation package: 

• 22 vacation days and 3 personal days per calendar year (in addition to sick days), all pro-rated based on your start date. 

• Flexible working arrangements. 

• Free membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care centres. 

• A workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and wellbeing, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our staff mentorship program and three equity committees who help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion. 

Salary: $34.33 per hour (+$1 per hour in lieu of benefits)