Full-time, term position, starting on October 28, 2024, and ending on October 31, 2025

The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) is located on the unceded ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlil̓w̓ətaɬ nations since 1917, the British Columbia Teachers' Federation, is a union of professionals representing over 50,000 public school teachers in the province of BC. As an organization, we are dedicated to advancing learning conditions for students concurrently with advocating for BC's public school teachers and the teaching profession. We are also deeply committed to democratic decision-making and supporting the engagement of the teachers who make up our member base. Equally, we act on our belief in social justice in schools and the broader community, and actively support our members in striving to achieve equity, inclusion, and a more just society for their students today and into the future.

The BCTF office building is situated in close proximity to the Canada Line and other major transit routes in a central Vancouver location. The BCTF provides an exceptional working environment where respect, learning, and professional growth are championed and valued.

Please note, this is a full-time, in-person position based out of 550 West 6th Avenue, in Vancouver. 

Function and purpose

Reporting to the Communications and Campaigns Director, the Assistant Director, Media and Public Relations is responsible for creating, co-ordinating and implementing the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation’s ongoing media and public relations plans and activities. 

This includes working closely with the BCTF President, Table Officers, and Executive Director to ensure targeted communication of Federation positions and messages to media and public audiences, as well as ensuring BCTF staff, local leaders, and members have the training, tools, strategies, and content to effectively communicate our messages.

Principal duties and responsibilities

• proactively engage and co-ordinate Federation communications in defense of public education through media, broadcasting, external stakeholders, and the public
• provide advice, assistance, training, tools, and strategies to BCTF staff, officers, and local leaders in promoting Federation messages
• identify and plan media announcements and governance events for the Federation in partnership with Executive Office, Executive Committee, BCTF staff, local leaders, and members as needed
• create strategy, plans, and content to ensure the BCTF is at the forefront of digital communications, including maintaining an active social media presence and developing broadcasting/podcasting opportunities
• work with other CCD staff to create and manage a social media calendar and provide content for a social media publishing platform
• monitor media and public communications (print, broadcast, and online) to identify emergent issues and analyze trends
• prepare speeches, magazine articles, web content, online news stories, and supporting materials as needed
• work with other BCTF staff to create content that promotes Federation initiatives and activities
• support the Federation’s political action initiatives and training with communications content, plans, and strategies
• responsible for other duties and Federation initiatives as assigned.

Required qualifications

• Education
  • university degree from recognized and accredited institution in a relevant area of study, preferably with a focus on communications, public relations, media, journalism, or similar studies.
• Experience
  • minimum of three (3) years of experience in a role developing and managing strategic communications plans, media, broadcasting, journalism, and/or public relations
  • voluntary and/or elected service or other related labour experience
  • understanding of BC’s public education system and union movement
  • experience working in a fast paced, deadline driven environment across different media where irregular hours of work may be necessary.
• Skills and abilities
• demonstrated professional communications skills including strategic planning, content development, broadcast and print production, social media, and public relations
• excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and facilitation skills
• excellent time management, organizational, analytical, and technical skills
• ability to function successfully both within a team and with direction
• ability to operate effectively at various levels within the Federation to implement and manage communications strategies
• ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy, tact, and discretion.
• Other desired qualifications
  • flexibility to work evenings and weekends
  • flexibility to travel
  • understanding of issues of social justice, equity, diversity, decolonization, and inclusion with a desire to further develop in this area.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package will be provided including a starting salary of $108, 382.84 per annum (however, may differ if applicant has previous BCTF staff experience), a Special Allowance of $3,232.43 per annum, and excellent benefits including:

• extended health and dental (employer paid)
• long-term disability
• life insurance (employer paid)
• Teachers’ Pension Plan (shared contribution)
• seven (7) weeks of vacation per year plus paid time off between December 26 and January 1
• thirty-five (35) hours weekly schedule Monday to Friday with flexible work hours
• generous professional development allowance
• on-site parking available /subsidized transit
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• a supportive team environment.

Appointment date

October 28, 2024, or a mutually agreed upon date, and ending on October 31, 2025.

Only applications received in writing by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, will be considered. Please submit a letter of application and résumé, including reference contact information, via the link A0202-2024-01.

Diversity and accessibility statement

The BC Teachers’ Federation is committed to furthering social justice, diversity, decolonization, equity, and inclusion within our community. Applicants are encouraged to disclose, on a voluntary basis, whether they self-identify as a member of an equity-deserving group, which includes female, 2SLGBTQIA+ person, a person of colour, a person who has experienced racism, Aboriginal (Indigenous) person, and/or a person with a disability.

The BCTF strives for compliance with the Accessible British Columbia Act and ensuring our communities are as barrier-free as possible. Applicants requiring an accommodation are encouraged to contact the hiring manager at 604-871-2200.