Communication Advisor--(12 Month Leave)

Position Title:   Communication Advisor (12-month leave)

The Communications Advisor, reporting to the Director of Communications & Corporate Services, is responsible for providing strategic communications advice and managing CCSA's public relations functions.

Key Activities:

• Provide strategic communications advice, services and products for the organization and its associated priority areas.
• Contribute to the design and ongoing implementation of CCSA's social media strategy.
• Monitor and moderate communication interactivity on assigned websites.
• Contribute to the development of communication strategies and messaging for various external community audiences.
• Proactively analyze both the internal and external environments to best determine appropriate strategies.
• Provide support and advice to ensure that all communications reinforce and leverage CCSA's positioning and brand.
• Develop, implement and distribute communication materials to support CCSA knowledge products such as the annual report, website and A Drug Prevention Strategy for Canada's Youth.
• Assist in the organization and coordination of the Issues of Substance biannual conference, including the development and maintenance of the conference website, development and production of required conference materials (e.g., sponsor and exhibit materials, communication with speakers, and scenario and speaking notes), participation in partnership solicitation, and sales of exhibit spaces.
• Lead the Issues of Substance conference communication strategy development and execution (e.g., conference promotion) and liaise with conference vendors where necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:

• Proven experience in developing strategic communications plans.
• Well-developed social media and media relations skills.
• Ability to simultaneously plan, develop and manage both public and national communications products and projects.
• Track record in collaborating with government departments and/or partners.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Well-developed analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal relations and team building skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities/activities.
• Proficiency working with various office software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, database management systems).

Education and Experience:

• Completion of a Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Communications, a three-year Journalism or Communications diploma program, CEGEP or the equivalent.
• Five to seven years of equivalent relevant experience.

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter by email to hr@ccsa.ca no later than August 12, 2011. We thank all respondents; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.