Reporting to the Chief Pension Officer, the Communications Lead is responsible for planning, developing, delivering, and evaluating communications that support the Public Service Pension Plan, its members, and participating employers. The role is accountable for strategic communications planning, content development, member and employer communications, digital communications, and communications effectiveness. The role ensures members and employers receive clear, accurate, and timely information that supports understanding of the value of the Plan, pension benefits, services, initiatives, and organizational priorities and provides communications support for organizational initiatives and publications as required.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, commerce/marketing, English, public relations or equivalent.
- 8-10 years of progressively responsible communications experience, including experience providing strategic communications advice to senior leaders.
- Demonstrated experience leading or independently managing a communications function, communications portfolio, or strategic communications program.
- Experience providing strategic communications advice to senior leaders and supporting complex organizational priorities.
- Experience using communications design, publishing, and digital content tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud) is required. Graphic design, web design, or related technical training would be an asset.
Skills, Abilities & Knowledge:
- Strong knowledge of communication, audience engagement, and public information practices
- Excellent writing skills with the ability to produce clear, complete communications independently
- Strong ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Strong judgment and ability to determine messaging without detailed direction
- Experience developing and executing communications plans and initiatives
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Experience with digital communications and analytics
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Pension knowledge is an asset
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
Communications Strategy and Planning
- Develops and maintains PSPP’s communications plan in alignment with organizational
priorities.
- Provides strategic and practical advice to the Chief Pension Officer and executive team
on communications approaches.
- Establishes communications priorities and recommends communications approaches to
support organizational objectives, emerging issues, and member and employer needs.
- Identifies emerging issues, risks, and priorities requiring communications support and
recommends appropriate responses.
- Establishes priorities and sequences communications work to ensure communications
efforts are focused and delivered effectively.
- Accountable for the effectiveness and continuous improvement of member-, employer-,
and Plan-related communications.
Content Development and Messaging
- Accountable for developing communications content from concept through to final product
across all channels.
- Translates pension policy, legislative, and administrative information into clear, concise,
and accessible communications for members and employers.
- Develops key messages, presentations, speaking notes, reports, and other materials for
executive and organizational use as needed.
- Applies judgment in interpreting technical and policy information and determining
appropriate messaging.
- Produces complete, publication-ready materials independently, while working with internal
teams to gather input and validate accuracy.
- Develops communications materials from concept through publication, including content
development, layout, design, production coordination, and final preparation for distribution
through print and digital channels.
- Designs and produces communication materials using appropriate software and tools and
coordinates external service providers for specialized design, production, printing,
photography, or related services as required.
Communications Initiatives and Campaigns
- Executes communications initiatives and campaigns aligned with established priorities.
- Manages timelines, deliverables, and outputs to ensure communications are delivered on
time and to a high standard.
- Plans and delivers ongoing communications activities, including newsletters, website
updates, and digital communications.
- Identifies opportunities to improve the effectiveness and reach of communications and
implements adjustments as needed.
Member and Employer Communications
- Develops communications materials and messaging to support member and employer
engagement, awareness, and understanding.
- Provides guidance to internal teams to support clear and consistent member and
employer communications.
- Engages internal partners to gather input and context as needed to inform
communications.
- Provides backup support for member and employer information sessions and
engagement activities, including presentation delivery and content updates, as required.
Brand and Quality Assurance
- Ensures communications materials are clear, accurate, and aligned with PSPP’s
messaging and priorities.
- Supports consistency in messaging across member- and employer-facing
communications through the development and application of clear content and messaging
approaches.
- Provides review and input on communications materials to support quality, consistency,
and alignment with organizational messaging.
Digital Communications and Website
- Develops and maintains content for PSPP’s website and digital channels.
- Ensures digital content is current, accurate, and aligned with member and employer
needs.
- Monitors content usage and engagement and recommends improvements to enhance
clarity, usability, and effectiveness for approval.
Member and Employer Insights
- Develops and uses surveys, feedback mechanisms, and engagement data to understand
member and employer experience.
- Monitors trends, feedback, and communications performance to identify strengths and
areas for improvements.
- Analyzes insights to assess the effectiveness of communications and identify emerging
needs.
- Recommends improvements to communications approaches and content based on
insights, for approval.
Organizational Communications Support
- Leads the production of the PSPP Annual Report, including development of report
themes and Chair and CEO messages, drafting, editing, review coordination, production
support, and publication activities
- Provides communications support for organizational initiatives, projects, and publications.
- Develops key messages, briefing materials, presentations, and supporting
communications content as required.
- Provides communications support related to sensitive or complex organizational matters
as required.
- Assists in preparing responses to media or public inquiries, as directed.
Other Responsibilities
- Ensures compliance with applicable communications, legislative, and privacy
requirements.
- Maintains current knowledge of communications practices, tools, and emerging trends.
Contributes to continuous improvement of communications practices within the organization.
