Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide issues management and media relations expertise and advisory services in support of the ministrys issues management process and media relations program and to ensure consistent messaging and positioning of ministry programs, policies and directions and ongoing monitoring and management of contentious issues. To engage in proactive media relations in support of the ministrys key priorities.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Working within the Communications Services Branch and reporting to the Manager, Issues Management & Media Relations, the position specializes in issues management, this position will work closely with the position of Corporate Communications Officer (Media) to ensure that the Issues Management and Media Relations Unit of Communications Services Branch has a depth of support on both media relations and issues management. The position has the following areas of responsibility:

1. Provides issues management expertise and support for the development, delivery and ongoing evaluation of the ministrys ongoing issues management including anticipating potential contentious issues, preparing strategies and materials to respond to emerging and ongoing issues, advising staff on the best approach to respond to stakeholder inquiries in support of ministry directions and government priorities. Provides expertise and advice to Ministers Office staff on stakeholder and audience relations for the ministry on key program, enforcement and policy matters. Engages in detailed issue analysis to prepare the ministry in advance of significant events in which the Minister participates.
2. Acts as back up to the Manager, Issues Management and Media Relations, in supporting the Minister, Ministers Office and senior management in preparing responses and action plans in preparation for the Legislative Assembly and during emergency situations.
3. Leads the identification, analysis and response to emerging and contentious issues affecting the program, policies and services of the ministry through environmental scanning, jurisdictional and media analysis and monitoring of activities in the Legislature. Develops and implements strategies for consistent messaging of corporate policies and objectives.
4. Provides issues management expertise and works with the Corporate Communications Officer (Media) in the development, delivery and ongoing evaluation of the ministrys issues management framework and collaborative issues management processes to ensure the timely identification and analysis of, and response to a range of emerging and contentious issues affecting the programs, policies and services of the ministry.
5. Undertakes background research and analysis projects and environmental scans of the media and legislative process to ensure emerging issues and trends that have major implications for the ministry are anticipated and that appropriate, clear and immediate response and action is taken to ensure that negative effects of issues are minimized through issues management strategies and that messages are consistent with corporate policies/objectives.
6. Coordinates/prepares/edits a range of reports, briefing materials, house notes and briefing notes to ensure timely and strategic positioning and response to emerging and/or contentious corporate issues and response to requests from the offices of the Minister and Deputy Minister. Prepares and co-ordinates formal and ad hoc materials needed for projects related to the legislative process and corporate issues management within strict deadlines.
7. Consults with senior ministry staff and the offices of the Minister, Deputy Minister and ADMs to recommend methods for addressing a range of issues, particularly issues that arise in the legislature and to provide briefings. Ensures a co-ordinated and timely strategic positioning and response to corporate issues. Maintains strong linkages Cabinet Office, colleagues and counterparts in own and other ministries and central agencies, as well as key stakeholders, media and interested parties outside of government to keep abreast of issues, share best practices and collaborate on mutual efforts.
8. Participates in, and acts as backup to the Manager for, emergency communications and any training and planning related to emergency preparedness and crisis management.
9. The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and any workplace policies, procedures or practices as directed by their immediate supervisor, report any hazards of which they are aware to their immediate supervisor, report all work related injuries and illnesses to their immediate supervisor.

Staffing and Licencing :

A valid drivers license to attend events and deliver media materials, displays, etc. is required.

Knowledge :

Position requires:
Knowledge and understanding of contemporary communications and issues management theory, principles and practices with specialization in public relations, media relations and issues management to provide expertise and advisory services for the development, delivery and ongoing evaluation of the ministrys media relations framework and to support the issues management program.

Knowledge of the governments issues management process and strong issues management, analysis and research skills to identify controversial and politically sensitive issues, to conduct background research and analysis projects and environmental scans of emerging issues/trends.

Knowledge of the ministrys strategic directions, programs, policies and current and emerging issues to provide expertise and advice to Ministers Office staff on strategic positioning and response to corporate issues that have major implications for the ministry.

Knowledge of ministry/client program objectives and business requirements, services, organization, operations, reporting and accountability requirements, regulatory affairs and business plans and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to identify emerging or contentious issues, assist clients in identifying communications objectives, develop strategies to address emerging/contentious issues, identify appropriate communications methods, coordinate communications design and implementation, and assess the implications of new policy and program initiatives.

Political acuity to develop communications vehicles and approaches that meet the standards, policies and expectations of the client, the ministry and Cabinet Office.

Knowledge of media relations within the government context, to handle media calls on behalf of the ministry, which may deal with politically sensitive or contentious issues, provide communications advice regarding contentious issues support and to produce materials which encourage support and understanding of the ministrys position on issues, events and activities.

Job requires knowledge of project management and leadership techniques to effectively plan, organize, execute, monitor and evaluate communications projects, lead staff and participate in ministry and cross ministry projects and committees.

Knowledge of personal computers and related software packages (e.g. Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) to prepare speeches, news releases, communications plans, reports and other documents, as well as to research information on the Internet, intranet and other data bases.
Knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regulations.

Skills :

Advanced research, analytical and problem solving skills to identify, analyse and advise on potential, emerging and existing contentious issues, and to develop, implement and evaluate information management processes and systems. Ability to resolve contentious or politically sensitive issues by researching issues or amending communications strategies and making recommendations to senior management and political staff. Utilize research and analytical skills to prepare materials by identifying/determining the extent and nature of information required and likely sources, interviewing technical and program experts, gathering information from external sources (e.g. books, journals, media clippings, reports, Internet). Job requires verifying the authenticity and accuracy of information.

Written communication skills to develop issues management/media relations strategies and a range of reports, briefing materials, house notes and briefing notes. Superior writing and editing skills to write a variety of materials describing ministry programs, services and new initiatives to ensure public/media understanding of ministry programs and policies; to translate technical and/or specialized material and terminology into plain language for public dissemination while maintaining accuracy; to edit copy for style, language usage, flow, logical presentation of information.

Oral communication, presentation, and consultative skills to; provide expertise to ongoing contacts, discuss client program objectives, new initiatives, and communication requirements, and explain recommended communication, media relations and public information strategies.

Political acumen, diplomacy, consultative and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with the Minister, Ministers staff and ministry staff at all levels and to coordinate communications activities with other ministries and liaise with Cabinet Office staff. Ability to deal with the media, anticipating and meeting the needs of reporters and strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities to research topics, keep abreast of current and emerging issues and to provide accurate and complete information to answer media inquiries. Ability to work independently, to meet deadlines, often under pressure.

Organizational skills to manage competing priorities and provide services within often tight deadlines. Planning, coordination and project management skills to deliver a number of concurrent projects, establishing objectives in consultation with the client, senior management and political staff; determining and conforming to project schedules often within inflexible deadlines; preparing or assigning preparation of materials; coordinating editing/review/approval of draft materials among program, senior management and ministry officials, other ministries and central agencies.

Interpersonal skills to effectively address contentious/emerging issues, clarify client communication objectives, and design/develop communication materials and products that meet ministry requirements of promoting services or initiatives, developing support to changes to policies and program guidelines or ministry mandate, explaining the nature and intent of program and policy changes and producing issues management materials which encourage support and understanding of the ministrys position on issues, events and activities

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working under the general direction of the Manager, Issues Management and Media Relations, with latitude for making independent decisions and exercising judgement to meet varying situations. Job has access to the Director on a consultative basis and exercises judgement within the broad framework of the ministrys strategic direction, policies and programs.

Working in accordance with ministry/government policies, guidelines and directives related to communication planning, media relations and contentious issues management within recognized communication practices and standards.