Communications Adviser

hybrid
505 Burrard Street Suite 1650, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V7X 1M6
full-time . August 20, 2025

Description

Position Title: Communications Adviser, Grade: C2

Reports to: Director, Strategic Engagement

Duration of Contract: Permanent

Position Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Direct Reports: None

Commonwealth of Learning (COL) helps governments and institutions to expand the scale, efficiency and quality of learning by using new approaches, appropriate technologies, and open and distance learning methodologies. Headquartered in British Columbia, Canada, COL promotes innovation and works with Member States to facilitate learning in support of sustainable development. COL is financed by voluntary contributions from Commonwealth governments.

Overview of the Position:

The Communications Adviser has a strategic role in communicating clear, engaging, and targeted messaging about COL’s work to its diverse stakeholders across multiple platforms. The job holder is expected to develop and implement a robust, integrated communications strategy to raise the profile of COL and to promote effective stakeholder engagement across the Commonwealth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Support the development and implementation of a robust, integrated communications strategy and action plan (both internal and external) that highlights COL’s work utilising both conventional and emerging information and communication technologies and tools, with a particular focus on digital engagement.
Write, edit, and adapt a broad variety of content and materials for diverse audiences such as news releases, blogs, social media posts, speeches, briefing notes, newsletters and other feature articles to advance strategic communication goals.
Produce and disseminate high-quality open access materials, including brochures, reports, videos, and mass e-mails within established time schedules; maintain and update all content on COL’s website and respond to inquiries.
Develop campaigns that strategically leverage digital platforms, including social media to increase engagement and reach; support the management of COL’s digital platforms, including social media, website, and direct email platforms, and analytic platforms, ensuring content is accessible and aligned with COL’s brand and objectives. Support COL’s work in developing relationships with key stakeholders and gather information to support managing these relationships.
Assist in maintaining media relations around the Commonwealth, including arranging interviews, drafting media talking points, and preparing press releases and media advisories.
Contribute to the production and distribution of COL’s regular publications such as Connections on an agreed schedule in collaboration with the editorial team, including editorial writing, copy editing, upholding editorial standards, and support content creation and audience growth.
Knowledgeable in analytics platforms; strong ability to track, measure and evaluate the effectiveness of all communications activities to drive priorities and elevate COL’s brand and strategic agenda.
Maintain and strengthen relationships with key media contacts locally and internationally across the Commonwealth, including responding to media enquiries, pitching stories and arranging interviews.
Work in collaboration with other teams to provide communications support for COL’s programmes and initiatives.
Undertake other related tasks as directed by the Director, Strategic Engagement or the President & CEO.

Qualifications and Experience:

Qualifications

Essential -Undergraduate degree, in a relevant discipline such as public relations, media, communications, or journalism.
Desirable - Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline would be considered an asset.

Experience

Essential - At least 4-5 years of relevant experience in a Communications function in a small to medium size organisation or association. Specific experience with developing communication products in both print and electronic media.
Desirable - Demonstrated experience of working with media in developed and developing countries.

Skills and Competencies:

Innovation & Creativity – Injects originality into daily work through research, personal knowledge, and networking relationships; thinks "outside the box"; brainstorms and encourages new ideas and solutions; takes appropriate risks.
Prudence – Sets an example by consistently modelling high standards of performance, honesty and integrity especially with appropriate use of funds; ability to mobilise, prepare and manage financial budgets in an effective, efficient and judicious manner to deliver ‘value for money’.
Professional Judgment – Possesses an in-depth understanding of how to advance organisational goals through communications; is sought out by others for advice in communications; has the expertise to be perceived as an instrumental adviser and be a credible interlocutor in the field; ability to develop realistic, relevant and achievable plans including monitoring and evaluation strategies; demonstrates a "can-do" and positive approach, and working well under pressure and tight deadlines.
Knowledge Mobilization – Experienced at synthesising complex knowledge products into compelling, impactful, and digestible content for diverse, non-technical audiences; strong AV skills to support storytelling and deliver impactful messaging.
Networking – Ability to develop and maintain a network of contacts in agencies and institutions on issues related to communications; exercises discretion and diplomacy while representing COL’s interests; capable of identifying and selecting quality partners, as well as to assist in preparing, negotiating and managing agreements consistent with COL’s policies and strategic agenda.
Project Management – Able to manage multiple, complex projects across functional teams with tight timelines; knowledge in project management software desirable, such as Monday.com.
Communication and Team Orientation Skills – Has exceptional writing, editing, proof-reading skills with a strong attention to detail; communicates effectively in a variety of settings including to wider audiences; inclusive approach and displays sensitivity to ethnic and gender issues in verbal and written communications.
Collaboration – Communicates and works collaboratively with others, both within and outside COL, by promoting co-operation and co-creation to achieve collective outcomes; openly shares information, knowledge and expertise with the team and co-workers; appropriately gives and is open to feedback.
Technical Skills: Ability to create and distribute digital communications at a sophisticated and advanced level; has a willingness and curiosity to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Personal Attributes:

Commitment to the ideals of COL, notably to the role of learning as the key to sustainable development and to the capacity of technology and education to enhance that role.
Capacity to work in a multicultural environment with a readiness to adapt to the work culture, where integrity, mutual respect and dedication to the organisation are expected.
Demonstrates professionalism through provision of quality services, responsiveness and compliance with organisational policies and procedures.

To Apply:

Interested applicants must apply online at the latest by Friday September 19, 2025.
While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, those who have not been contacted by October 15, 2025 should consider that there will be no follow-up to their application for the above position.

Compensation

$78,983.00 - $106,304.00 per year

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