Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President, Corporate Services and as part of the Corporate Services Management Team, the Department Manager, Communications is responsible for planning and managing the image of the Co-op System in the North, including Arctic Co-operatives Limited, with effective and consistent communication initiatives, structures, operations, events, and sponsored activities. The Department Manager, Communications will lead the development and execution of a member/public relations strategy, the associate budget and the various external/internal communication vehicles.

As a member of the Corporate Services Division and as a member of the broader organizational team, this position is instrumental in the delivery of consistent and effective communication strategies towards achieving and maintaining a positive image of the Co-op System in the North and of Arctic Co-operatives Limited.

Department: Corporate Services
Competition Number: 226

Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify strategies and opportunities to promote Arctic Co-operatives System to members, the government and the co-ops in collaboration with various divisions and working groups within Arctic Co-operatives. Maintain effective media contacts and relations to promote public awareness of the Arctic Co-operative System through press releases and arranging media conferences as required.
• Develop and maintain contacts with the Aboriginal organizations nationally.
• Provide Member Co-operatives with communication and advertising strategies and materials for store openings, receptions, and events.
• Assume primary responsibility for the design, writing/editing, production and distribution of the following, but not limited to :
  
  • The Annual Report
  • Internal Newsletters and Board highlights
  • Informational Brochures
  • Annual Co-op Calendar
  • Information Packages for Annual Meeting Delegates and Managers’ Annual Conference Attendees
• Produce PowerPoint presentations and speeches for senior management and board as required.
• Chair Co-op Week Advisory Committee.
• Provide communications expertise and participate as a member of the planning team for the Annual Meeting and Manager’s Annual Conference.
• Participate in working teams to plan, coordinate and execute communication products and publications related to other special events and initiatives as required.
• Create, monitor, manage and maintain a member and public relations budget.
• Manage Association website content for consistency, accuracy, currency and overall professionalism.
• Co-ordinate and maintain the Corporate Giving programs.
• Maintain written and pictorial historical archives for the Member Co-ops and Arctic Co-operatives Limited.
• Provide supervisory backup to the Office Services department.
• Other duties as assigned; periodic travel will be required in this position
   

Qualifications

• University degree in journalism or equivalent experience (3-5 years).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated competence in planning and evaluation.
• Knowledge of proven and emerging communication techniques and technologies in a variety of media (print; web; e-mail).
• Knowledge of co-operatives or credit unions governance.
• Ability to speak, read and write in an Aboriginal language would be a definite asset;
• Ability to communicate (orally) with varied groups such as co-operatives, media, the general public, and elected officials.
• Ability to write for varied media (e.g. print, web pages) and varied audiences.
• Demonstrated competence in office applications (Word, Quark and PowerPoint), including e-mail and Internet efficiency.
• Ability to work well independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multi initiatives.
• Experience working in a cross cultural environment.
• Experience in photography would be an asset.
• Excellent judgment and time management skills.
• Some travel may be required of this position.

Application Process

Candidates interested in the above opportunity should submit an up-to-date résumé with covering letter to:

Human Resources Division, Arctic Co-operatives Limited, 1645 Inkster Blvd, Winnipeg, MB, R2X 2W7.
By fax: 204-632-8575 or by
e-mail: HumanResources@ArcticCo-op.com

Applications must be received prior to the closing date to be under consideration.