Senior Media Relations Officer

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

 

City: Ottawa 

Organizational Unit: Communications Branch 

Classification: IS-5 

Tenure: Continuing 

Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC 

 

Work Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least three times per week at their own expense.

 

We recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities. If you are an Indigenous candidate, you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. To learn more, please contact the hiring team, using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

 

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The Role

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Media Relations Advisor to join the Communications Branch. The selected candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Senior Media Relations Advisor handles daily media interactions, occasionally working under pressure to manage emerging issues. The incumbent has a thorough understanding of the overall corporate and business direction and where it overlaps with reporters’ areas of interests. The role includes preparing media plans, media responses and proactive media pitches, coordinating key media activities, and acting as spokesperson. The Senior Media Relations Advisor helps and ensures consistent media messaging across the NRC. 

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter how they meet the education and experience factors listed on the poster. Candidates must use the education/experience criteria as a header and then write one or two paragraphs demonstrating how they meet them by providing concrete examples.

In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how they gained the experience. Failure to provide an appropriate cover letter will result in the rejection of your application. Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.

Education

University degree in communications related area of study or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

 

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

  • Recent and significant experience providing strategic communications advice on complex and sensitive issues to senior level clients. 
  • Recent and significant experience handling media interactions, drafting responses to the media and acting as a spokesperson. 
  • Recent and significant experience in writing and producing at least three of the following communications products: news releases, backgrounders, media lines, fact sheets, Qs and As, speaking notes, articles for a corporate newsletter, and web and social media content. 
  • Experience managing external and / or internal communications for high profile, complex or sensitive issues. 
  • Experience in promoting horizontal communications activities that involve a multi-pronged approach such as social media, media relations, creative services etc. 

Condition of Employment

Secret (II)

A Secret clearance must be obtained within 12 months of employment.

Language Requirements

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

  • Knowledge of communications to identify current and emerging issues, trends and developments; 
  • Knowledge of the mandate, activities, programs, and policies of the Branch, NRC and other government departments; 
  • Knowledge of communications and media relations theories, principles, and practices; 
  • Ability to edit and vet communications products prepared by others;
  • Knowledge of the Government of Canada communications policy; 
  • Knowledge of Access to Information Act. 

Behavioural Competencies

  • Management services - Client focus (Level 3)
  • Management services - Communication (Level 3)
  • Management services - Networking (Level 3)
  • Management services - Organizational and environmental awareness (Level 3)
  • Management services - Teamwork (Level 3)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Services

 

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $110,656 to $118,627 per annum. 

 

In addition, the incumbent will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

 

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

  • Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
  • A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
  • Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
  • The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
  • We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

 

 

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (23398) to:

E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Telephone: 343-548-2032

Closing Date: 8 January 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time 

 

 

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources

 

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.