Economic Development & Communications Officer

Come for the Outdoor Adventure and Stay for the Job

The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine is pleased to announce they are searching for a permanent full-time Economic Development & Communications Officer to join their dedicated team. This position offers a competitive salary and a full range of benefits.

If awe-inspiring, natural scenery and breathtaking views is what you crave, then The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS) is your place. This area is renowned for its world-class fishing and outdoor adventure opportunities, including a ski hill, sledding, skating, heli-skiing, an 18-hole golf course, hiking, and mountain biking trails. The area offers quality advanced education opportunities with both the Coast Mountain College and a University of Northern BC satellite campus. There is also a well-developed arts and cultural community, recreation facilities and library. Terrace, where the role is located, is the regional retail and service hub for the northwestern portion of British Columbia. The opportunity for adventure is endless in any season. The Kitimat-Stikine region is the traditional homeland of the Tahltan, Nisga’a, Gitxsan, Wet’suwet’en, Tsimshian, and Haisla Nations. Spanning a geographic area of 110,000km² the RDKS is home to almost 40,000 people and includes the five incorporated municipalities of Terrace, Kitimat, Stewart, New Hazelton and the Village of Hazelton.

Purpose Statement:
The Economic Development & Communications Officer is responsible for working collaboratively with local area municipalities, electoral areas and numerous community partners to foster a variety of economic development initiatives that contribute to the overall economic and social wellbeing of the region. This will be achieved by identifying, implementing, monitoring and reporting on economic development initiatives that are sustainable, will diversify the regional economy, support existing businesses and generate new employment opportunities within the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine. This position is responsible for delivery of internal and external communication. Managing the communications strategy aimed at advancing the RDKS’s positive image through media relations, online communication, community engagement initiatives and promotional opportunities.

Direct Reports:
This position will have the potential for an intern as a direct report.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• To promote, market and advertise the Regional District, in those areas having the greatest potential for economic and community development.
• To develop and maintain an Economic Development Strategy that supports the Economic Development Commission’s strategic priorities and reflects the goals and objectives identified in the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine Strategic Plan.
• To provide advocacy and support to both new and existing businesses and industry through the sharing of information, providing advice, fostering connections and the development of resources.
• To research and report on economic and communication issues relevant to the Regional District.
• To liaise between the business community, industry, Northern Development Initiative Trust, First Nations and government agencies.
• To strengthen community and regional economic development through enhanced cooperation and coordination with other economic development agencies in the region.
• To identify grants and funding opportunities available to further the economic goals/initiatives of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine.
• To effectively manage projects related to Economic Development & Communications initiatives, including project planning, tracking milestones and deliverables, reporting on project status, and monitoring and tracking costs, schedules, resources, risks, issues, and performance of consultants to ensure project success.
• To represent the Regional District before the public in matters pertaining to Economic Development & Communications, and to attend the public, as required, for the purpose of answering inquiries and discussing complaints with respect to matters coming within their jurisdiction.
• To attend Board, Commission and Committee meetings, as required, representing Economic Development.
• To develop and recommend for approval to the Chief Administrative Officer, and/or the appropriate Committee of the Board, Bylaws, policies and procedures related to the Economic Development & Communications function.
• To ensure that programs, policies, practices and procedures pertaining to Economic Development & Communications are observed and carried out as intended.
• To prepare applications and submissions for cost and revenue sharing grants available for Economic Development, in conjunction with the Finance Department.
• To prepare reports and maintain such records and information as necessary to perform this function.
• Research, develop and oversee the implementation of communications strategies and tactics that contribute to the organization and department goals including news releases, key media messages, web content, brochures, speaking notes for elected official, briefing notes and District presentations,
• Oversee the management of the organization’s reputation through media relations program, speaking opportunities and public relations activities.
• Contributes to internal communications through a variety of channels to support employee engagement and knowledge transfer.
• Acts as the Communications Coordinator for the Emergency Operations Centre during emergency events.
• To carry out additional and related tasks and functions as assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer or designate.

Working with others:
The Economic Development & Communications Officer is required to build and maintain a variety of collaborative working relationships with business groups, community organizations, local governments, provincial agencies and other external stakeholders.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and shift priorities as necessary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong strategic and analytical capabilities with the ability to apply knowledge of public and private economic development techniques and resources to complex issues.
• Skill and proficiency in the operation of personal computers and software, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, Canva and website software applications.
• Proven track record of delivering excellent customer service.

Specific Training and Experience:
Post-secondary diploma or degree in business administration, public administration, commerce, marketing, economics, communications or a related field.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in an economic development, business development, communications or similar role.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Financial Responsibilities:
Authorize the expenditures of funds as approved in the budget, up to established limits as approved in accordance with the Regional District’s resolutions and policy directives.
Manage and oversee the budget for the Economic Development & Communications Department.

Work Environment:
The duties of the Economic Development Officer are largely performed in an office environment.

Physical, Mental and Visual Demands
Comfortable, few exceptional demands - 75%
Intense visual/listening concentration – 25%

Required Licenses/Certifications
Valid BC Driver’s License

Please submit your cover letter, resume and references by mail or email to the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 9th, 2023. We appreciate your interest when applying and advise that only candidates under active consideration will be contacted.

Director of Administration/Human Resources
Regional District Kitimat – Stikine
Suite 300 – 4545 Lazelle Avenue
Terrace, B.C. V8G 4E1
Email: reneel@rdks.bc.ca