Application Deadline: December 31, 2011 (sooner if a suitable candidate is found)

Are you looking for a challenge?Do you want to be part of something new and innovative?

TELUS Spark is a registered not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Opening doors for over 300,000 visitors annually, TELUS Spark has taken the leading role in providing interactive learning experiences in science for families from Calgary and Southern Alberta for over 40 years. TELUS Spark has embarked on an exciting and innovative project to build the first new purpose-built science centre in Canada in over 25 years - filling it with ground-breaking exhibits and programs that will engage people of all ages in a unique mix of science, technology and art experiences.

The new TELUS Spark opened on October 29, 2011, and we are looking for people who share our passion for science, technology and art and who dream of making a difference in the lives of people of all ages.  If this sounds like you, we would like to hear from you.

Job Position
Reports to Vice President, Marketing & Communications; this key engagement position will be required to write and edit in a variety of writing styles on a wide range of topics for various audiences. The candidate must have strong interviewing skills with a variety of people and an ability to synthesize information from many sources.  They will have interpersonal skills to facilitate work with a wide range of individuals and groups from culturally diverse publics. This media savvy individual will be responsible to ensure that TELUS Spark is positioned appropriately in all media types and will have the ability to respond to media inquiries and situations on an on-going basis.  This individual must be comfortable acting as the organization's spokes person and must be able to identify and communicate organizational positioning and key messages.  The incumbent will be someone who can help drive an engaging online content strategy. In conjunction with the VP Marketing & Communications, the Communication Specialist will work with the Fund Development team to co-develop opportunities and materials that help engage supporters and inspire them to take action on ideas.  The Communications Specialist will have a pivotal role to develop and maintain an internal communications strategy.  The successful candidate must demonstrate adaptability and have the foresight to relay significant insights with VP Marketing & Communications. He or she will maintain excellent relationships with media, stakeholders, suppliers, business networks and partners.

Responsibilities
Presenting and maintaining a positive public image of an organization includes proactively developing media outreach strategies, creating and implementing product or service announcements, working with vendors and strategic partners, and assisting executives with public speaking engagements. Develop and maintain relationships with media relevant to TELUS Spark. Develop media strategy, manage media inquiries, and prepare spokespeople prior to interviews, and staff interviews; Pro-actively pitch story ideas and new developments. Compose, edit, and manage the production of a full range of material to effectively support the advancement goals of the Organization and to convey the Organization's mission to diverse constituencies. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the development of communications materials for Fund Development initiatives. In this capacity, the incumbent works closely with the Organization's senior management in developing communications materials, proposals, and presentations materials to ensure the efficient pursuit of private funding.

Oversees and writes or edits Development documents including: fundraising proposals to individuals, foundations and corporations; fund-raising publications; communications materials, such as press releases, cultivation, solicitation and acknowledgment letters. Oversees and writes speeches and develops key messages for senior management.

The Communications Specialist participates in working groups to plan, coordinate and execute original communications products and publications related to special events and programs. Develops content for information brochures; reviews and edits drafts of correspondence, reports, and brochures for mass distribution; drafts articles and reports on the status of major initiatives for distribution to members, prospects, the general public, volunteer support groups, and special interest groups.

Qualifications

• A Degree in public relations, journalism, communications or related field
• Minimum eight years of work-related experience in public relations with a strong ability to write, edit and research
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of oral and written communications
• Professional level skills in proposal and publications development with writing and editing experience preferable for a not-for-profit organization
• Formal media training a definite asset
• Detail oriented, ability to manage projects with proven success record
• Self-starter, driven, creative, and passionate; strong desire to learn, work and grow in a challenging and ever-changing environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of products