We're Hiring: Communications and Public Relations Officer

Position: Communications and Public Relations Officer

Reporting to: Executive Director

Organization Status:  Full-time, contract

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Compensation: $50,000-$53,000 (37.5-44 hours) + Benefits (Health, Dental and RRSP matching)

Posted: January 22nd, 2025 

Closing: February 12, 2025

Applications must include: Cover letter, resume

Submit application to: [email protected]

Who We Are

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) believes that any academically qualified student with the desire to pursue post-secondary education should not face a barrier, financial or otherwise, to obtaining that education. We are an alliance of 26 student associations from coast-to-coast, advocating that Canada’s post-secondary education system should be affordable, accessible, innovative, and of the highest quality. 

Position Profile:

Based in downtown Ottawa and reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications and Public Relations Officer (CPRO) is responsible for CASA’s internal and external communication efforts. Working in a small, dynamic team, the CPRO will be charged with promoting CASA’s objectives and upholding its public image through a variety of activities, including: developing communications strategies, creating written and multimedia content, engaging in media relations, and managing the organization’s websites and social media accounts. For those who are creative and driven, this is an excellent opportunity to exercise your skills and spearhead projects of your own imagination.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• A degree from a college, university, or technical institute in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro
• Graphic design, video editing, photography, or other multimedia content generation skills
• Experience with public relations practices, particularly media relations
• Experience in creative content to internal and external audiences 
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive, and Mac OS
• Knowledge of HTML
• Experience with website content management platforms (i.e. Wordpress and/or NationBuilder)
• Experience managing social media accounts, such as LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook and another other relevant social media
• Demonstrated initiative, project management skills, organization skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative team environment

Asset  Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong communication skills (written and oral) in both English and French is preferred
• Strong public speaking skills
• Experience with event planning
• Experience in running national campaign 
• Relevant experience in the post-secondary education sector
• Familiarity with the major issues facing post-secondary students in Canada
• A clear understanding of the role the federal government plays in post-secondary education
• Past involvement in student government and knowledge of how student governments operate
• An interest and understanding of Canadian politics

Position Requirements:

• Some travel within Canada is required
• Based in Ottawa full-time

Responsibilities:

Communications

• Oversee the design, printing process, dissemination, and bilingual translation of all public-facing CASA documents and materials
• Write and edit text with careful attention to clarity, spelling, and grammar 
• Oversee adherence to CASA’s style guide, and update guidelines as needed
• Develop CASA’s communications strategy, conduct regular evaluations, and provide progress reports to the Executive Director
• Develop and maintain a communications calendar
• Draft and distribute CASA’s internal weekly membership update emails
• Ensure internal communication lists are organized and up-to-date
• Oversee continued development and maintenance of CASA’s websites
• Ensure clear communication regarding CASA’s upcoming conferences and events
• Run CASA’s social media accounts, including Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and another other relevant social media
• Proactively Identify and produce creative multimedia content, including infographics, videos, etc.
• Create internal and external materials relating to CASA’s advocacy efforts, promotional efforts, and campaigns

Public Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with national, regional and campus media focused on post-secondary education
• Draft press releases and other public responses to developments in the post-secondary education sector
• Facilitate and organize media interviews
• Provide briefers and support to spokespeople engaging in media interviews
• Assists in the preparation of presentations, government briefings packages, public relations materials, and other CASA publications.

Committee Support

• Prepares background documents, briefs, fact sheets, etc. on relevant topical post-secondary education issues for CASA committees as assigned by the Executive Director
• Assists and advises CASA committees as assigned by the Executive Director in research activities and policy development
• Assists with scheduling and organization of committees, and supports committee chairs and secretaries with knowledge of meeting procedures.  

Additional Responsibilities

• Participates in CASA’s annual conferences, including assisting with session design, preparation of slideshows, and presenting/facilitating sessions
• In collaboration with Head Office and CASA members execute CASA Strategic Plan
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director

Why work at CASA?

• Complete exciting and meaningful work, alongside an inclusive and supportive team
• Make a real difference in post-secondary education in Canada and shape the organization for the better
• Meet important political figures in Ottawa as well as inspiring young leaders
• Flexible working culture
• Benefits & RRSP matching
• Convenient location in downtown Ottawa, close to public transportation and Parliament Hill
• Become part of CASA’s extensive alumni network based across Canada, and have access to this network for advice as needed throughout your term

Interested candidates are asked to submit their resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to [email protected]. All responses will be handled in the strictest confidence; however, only those who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

CASA is committed to employment equity and diversity, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. This includes women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation, and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code. CASA can offer accessibility accommodations throughout the recruitment process, as needed. If you have accommodation needs at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us by sending an email to [email protected].