Communication Specialist
Subsidiary: Colas Western Canada Inc.
Position Overview
LOCATION: St. Albert, AB
REPORTING TO: President, Colas Western Canada Inc.
POSITION TERM: Contract 12-month term, with strong possibility of full-time extension
BENEFITS: Comprehensive benefits, employee discount program with national retailers
Position Summary
As Communications Specialist you will play a key role in transforming communications for Colas Western Canada Inc with its internal and external stakeholders, driving employee engagement and brand awareness. This position is responsible for establishing, implementing, creating actual communications, and maintaining an operational communications plan.
The ideal candidate requires a high degree of leadership, initiative, coordination, and cooperation skills to work with cross-functional teams. Effective collaboration with various business units, and project teams is essential to the overall success. Supported by the leadership team the Communications Specialist will lead Colas Western Canada Inc.’s communications vision, execution, planning and strategy while supporting and maintaining our corporate identity and brand.
Key Responsibilities
- In collaboration with Colas Canada Communications team, lead the development and implementation of actual communications, policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines for Western Canada
- Manage the company’s communication channels including Sharepoint, digital displays and email communication tools: drive ongoing enhancements and long-term strategy with a view to optimizing the brand awareness and the employee experience
- Lead media relations activities, managing our social media accounts, website design, develop an increased online presence, inform the public of Colas Western Canada Inc’s practices and values, in a credible and positive way while building our brand reputation
- Facilitate and/or source media training and media response expertise for business leaders
- Develop and manage a strong editorial calendar that informs on key business initiatives, performance and programs, engagement initiatives and activities
- Provide information, advice, and hands-on assistance, to promote best practices in communications planning and implementation
- Serve as communications advisor to leaders at all levels of the company, understanding the dynamics of internal and external communications
- Develop plans and strategies with leaders from across the company, including business leaders, and cross-functional peers, to deliver on the company’s priorities and growth ambitions
- Aid business units on written documents related to request for proposals (RFP’s)
- Promote public awareness of Colas Western Canada Inc. as a responsible corporate citizen and a contributor to the community. Create valuable content to form connections, grow our audience and deliver our story in our local communities
- Publish regular e-newsletters and traditional newsletters to reinforce news content posted on social media, and the company Sharepoint site to ensure employee engagement
- Observe and respond to conversations within our brand community. Monitoring tweets, responding to Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram posts and engaging with brand advocates. Professionally and creatively responding to online provocateurs and negative feedback
- Coordinate and/or assist in the organization of public and private events
- Participate in other projects and activities as required by providing effective communications support to Colas Western Canada Inc.’s priorities
- Sustain and fuel dynamic ways to engage with employees – through digital, virtual and in-person channels
- Partner with Executive Leadership, HSE and HR on the development of internal crisis communications tools and resources
- Generate and utilize analytics to execute and refine programs for maximum return on investment and track key performance metrics. Regularly report on key indicators to objectively show the impact of strategy.
- Overall website design strategy, support and data analytics for Colas Western Canada Inc businesses and divisions
Requirements / Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or Post-Graduate degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or related field
- 5+ years of internal communications experience
- Computer proficiency – Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook)
- Demonstrated capability to manage confidential information and sensitive materials with utmost discretion and professionalism
- Strong computer skills, photo, video/audio editing and publishing skills
- Significant experience managing and utilizing internal communication tools
- Exceptional writing/editing, presentation, and verbal communications skills
- Ability to work independently with a diverse and sometimes remote team
- High level of customer service orientation
What You Bring
- Highly organized and detailed oriented with demonstrated expertise in administrative coordination.
- Able to work independently and take the initiative where needed.
- Demonstrated ability to take complex ideas and translate them into key messages and creative executions that resonate with employees and/or other stakeholders
- Ability to challenge traditional thinking and communication methods
- Collaborative spirit and thrive working in a supportive team environment.
- Ability to plan for the short-, mid- and long-term communication strategy aligned to the local business plans
- Excellent at prioritizing and managing multiple tasks and deliverables.
- Strong interpersonal skills, professional demeanor, and the ability to interact with individuals at all levels.
- Adaptability and resourcefulness in a dynamic work environment.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Diplomacy and tact
- Bilingual (French) considered a strong asset
What's in it for you?
- We are pleased to offer the successful candidate:
- Competitive and attractive salary package
- Potential for Hybrid work
- A comprehensive benefits package, including Health, Dental, Disability, Life Insurance, etc.
- Employer matched pension plan
- Company sponsored professional development opportunities
- Participation in the various reward programs
Excellent opportunities for professional growth
TO APPLY: We ask all interested candidates to apply directly to the following link:
