Public Relations Lead

Organization: Solid State Community Industries

Location: Surrey, BC (Hybrid Position – in-person and remote)

Employment Type: Part-time or full-time (hours negotiable depending on availability)

Salary: $40.04 per hour  

About Us:

Solid State is a non-profit economic development organization that builds worker co-ops with racialized communities in Surrey. We adhere to the principles of solidarity economics and operate on the values of democracy and equity. We are an unusual workplace that values camaraderie and we operate cooperatively. We value relationality, especially our daily community meals where staff are expected to participate. Solid State has many co-ops in operation and is constantly welcoming more, with members from various diverse professional and personal backgrounds. Each of our co-ops have their own expanding networks, partners and collaborators, meaning that Solid State has a broad community of thousands of people.

About The Role:

At Solid State Community Industries, public relations is telling our story and highlighting the work of our co-op network in local, national, and international media outlets whose values align with our community. We’re looking for an experienced public relations professional who can create narratives that tell our story. Key audiences include migrant, racialized, and newcomer communities, all levels of government, grants and funding organizations, university and other economic education programs and more. This person will help develop new and existing initiatives to get the word out about what Solid State offers. The ideal candidate will have experience in a wide range of PR functions, as well as positive relationships with media professionals in our communities.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute media relations strategy in print, broadcast, and online channels.
• Build connections with key media organizations and journalists through a mix of traditional, digital, and social channels.
• Write press releases and statements to be used in various media.
• Ensure that our PR efforts serve the specific needs of Solid State as well as the co-ops collaborating on PR projects.
• Forecast news and social media cycles and identify areas of trending public interest in collaboration with the Social Media Manager.
• Understand the landscape of who else is working in our field in different ways to build relationships.

Qualifications: (Skills and Experience)

• Experience working in communications in the cooperative sector, non-profits, migrant and refugee support organizations, or other organizations that align with Solid State’s mission.
• Experience with non-profits or grant-based organizations.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Ability to write timely press releases and media kits
• Excellent collaboration skills in a self-directed team. 
• Ability to collaborate across departments in a flattened governance structure.
• Deep knowledge of traditional, digital, and social media channels.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in public relations at a company or organization.
• Resident or meaningful connection to Surrey, BC.

Compensation & Benefits:

We believe in a healthy work-life balance. This position is structured to ensure you have time for yourself, your family, and your community.

Schedule: 15-30 hours per week (hours negotiable depending on availability)

Hybrid Model: In-person and remote

Wage: $40.04 per hour

Vacation (8 Weeks Total):

• 17 Days Flexible: To be taken at your discretion throughout the year.
• 2 Weeks Fixed (Summer): Scheduled time off at the end of August.
• 2 Weeks Fixed (Winter): Scheduled time off at the end of December.

Full health and dental benefits covered after three months probationary period.

Meals provided every day on-site.

Please email your resume & a brief cover note summarizing your relevant experience and availability to info@solidstate.coop with the title "PR Lead Application". Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

We appreciate the time and care that goes into every application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, only candidates selected to move forward in the screening process will be contacted for an interview.