Interim Communications Specialist

About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca 

The Communications Specialist serves as the central point of contact for all communications for the Musqueam Indian Band (MIB) and reports to the Marketing & Communications Manager. This position is responsible for implementing MIB’s communications plan (as approved by Chief and Council), to ensure a strategic and coordinated approach that effectively engages and communicates with MIB members, other priority audiences, and the broader community. This is a full-time, undefined interim position to provide coverage during an employee leave. 

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Facilitate the implementation of communications and engagement strategies to ensure that MIB’s priority audiences are regularly informed and engaged and strategic objectives are met. 
• Develop and deliver a variety of communications resources designed to inform MIB members, employees, and the general public of Musqueam initiatives; develop tools and templates to support consistent communications initiatives across administration. 
• Support outreach and community engagement initiatives, establish consistent channels for regular feedback / two-way communication with and reporting on outcomes to MIB members. 
• Develop and design media, including the community newsletter to focus on the informational needs and priorities of MIB members, and create corporate content for the newsletter on an ongoing basis. 
• Conduct research, and analyze qualitative and quantitative information relating to communications and engagement strategies. 
• Direct the development and maintenance of MIB web pages.
• Update content and actively promote websites amongst priority audiences.
• Provide document control of fact sheets, newsletters, brochures, handouts, etc. 
• Other related duties as required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A post-secondary degree or diploma/certificate in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, web and graphic design or a related discipline, and/or a minimum 4 years applied experience in the field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of digital marketing best practices for social media, digital ads, search engine optimization, and basic website management.
• Demonstrated experience leading effective communications programs in an Indigenous context, and/or with diverse communities. 
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, demonstrated ability to present clear and concise information to diverse stakeholders, and high standards of quality and attention to detail. 
• Demonstrated cultural competency, and familiarity with Musqueam community and its cultural traditions. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in desktop publishing, document layout and basic graphic design and layout. 
• Valid BC Driver’s License. 
• Criminal Records Check. 

Working Conditions 

• The work is performed in an office environment. 
• Evenings and weekends may be required. 

Why work for Musqueam?
Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, the initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band.  Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.

• Competitive salary
• Training and career development
• Business casual environment
• Community fitness and gym access
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.