Contribute your professional communications expertise and collaboration skills in this rewarding and dynamic opportunity

Government Communications and Public Engagement (GCPE) is a dynamic, progressive organization that supports the government in its ongoing dialogue with British Columbians. GCPE leads and coordinates government communications and public engagement through three divisions: Strategic Communications, Communications Operations and Corporate Priorities.

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Senior Public Affairs Officer provides a range of professional communications expertise and services on behalf of the ministry. This includes preparing a variety of written communications products, developing and executing communications plans, and providing issues management advice; event coordination services, and media relations expertise. The Senior Public Affairs Officer works on high-priority and complex files and serves as a mentor to other staff in the office.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as journalism, public relations, public policy, political science, writing, English, or a communications-related discipline AND 3 years related work experience; OR
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Related work experience is defined as a combination of the following:

• Experience in public relations, communications and/or media relations in a large organization
• Experience building and maintaining productive relationships with media, stakeholders and clients, including at the executive level.

Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• Experience in concisely and persuasively writing a variety of materials such as communications or engagement plans, newsletter articles, key messaging
• Experience working in a mentorship capacity
• Experience working with First Nations or Indigenous organizations
• Experience working in reactive communications (e.g. crisis communications, stakeholder communications, media relations, issues management, social community management)
• Experience working in proactive communications (e.g. event planning, capital announcements, social media, strategic communications planning, etc.)
• Event management experience.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Chelsea.Blyth@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
This position is excluded from union membership.

Flexible work options are available, this position may be able to work one or more days at home per week subject to an approved Telework Agreement.

This posting is to establish a pre-qualified pool of applicants who will be eligible to be appointed to full-time, permanent and temporary positions in GCPE offices in all provincial government ministries. This pool has been designed so applicants can be considered for multiple Senior Public Affairs Officer opportunities across the Government Communication and Public Engagement organization. Applicants who are successful in the competition will be placed into the pre-qualified pool and appointments will be made based on the requirements of the hiring ministry, using preferred qualifications.

The starting salary for this position is $74,300.00 - $81,975.00 annually and will be determined by the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service can help Indigenous applicants (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis or Inuit) interested in BC Public Service job positions.

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements list above.

Cover Letter: No - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: Yes - A resume is required as part of your application; however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.

Questionnaire: Yes - You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Helpful tips, videos and more regarding the application process can be found on the Your Job Application website. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, e-mail BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca, before the stated closing time, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Additional Information:
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies as outlined in the attached Job Profile located at the bottom of the posting.

Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on the closing date of the competition.