Communications Advisor - Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police

Communications Advisor

Professional Services Requirement

Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police

1. Background:

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) was founded in Toronto on September 6, 1905. The Association is national in character and is dedicated to the support and promotion of efficient law enforcement and to the protection and security of the people of Canada.  Much of the work in pursuit of its new mandate, developed in 2013, “safety and security for all Canadians through innovative police leadership”, is done through the activities and special projects of a number of committees and through active liaison with various levels of government and departmental ministries having legislative and executive responsibility in law and policing.

Our Board of Directors includes Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, Commissioners and Directeurs of Police Services who are representative of the widespread regions of Canada and who are elected by the membership.  This group of executive officers is assisted in the management of the organization’s affairs by an Executive Director located at the national office in Ottawa, which serves as the central coordinating bureau for the Association’s various activities.

2.  Purpose:

In an evolving and complex world, CACP wants to ensure that it remains on the forefront of providing effective and timely communications to better service its members.  The CACP is currently looking for a Communications Advisor to provide support to the Association on a contract basis.   The purpose of this assignment is to provide expertise and support to the CACP in developing and implementing communications materials and content to advance and support the CACP’s mission and position on issues of relevance to policing across the country.

3.  Scope of Work:

Accountable to the Executive Director, the Communications Advisor will produce timely and relevant content for the Associations’ social media accounts and e-bulletins, prepare media releases and brochures and other creative materials in support of communications initiatives.  Specific areas of focus include but are not restricted to:

Social Media/Web

• Post, monitor, maintain and report on the social media accounts on behalf of the CACP.
• Plan, schedule and maintain a social media calendar.
• Develop social media strategies that advance the positions and issues of the CACP.
• Write, edit and solicit content for the CACP website from a wide variety of sources.
• Review the organizational website to ensure the content is fresh and relevant

Media Relations

• Working with the staff and the Board, compose and edit press releases, advisories and statements on key issues.
• Developing talking points around current or breaking policing issues for use by the President of the CACP and the Executive Director.
• Build relationships with media outlets and key communications partners.
• Coordinate the response to media requests in a timely manner.
• Plan and organize materials and logistics for media events or interviews.
• Monitor news coverage on the local, national and international level and disseminate relevant information to appropriate staff and members of the Association.
  • Working with the Executive Director, staff and Board of Directors to identify media opportunities that will help advance the position and strategies of the CACP.

 Content Communications

• Working with the Board and staff members, providing assistance in the development of all manner of communications materials in support of Association business including: reviewing speeches, promotion of events, development of outreach materials, advertising, etc.
• Producing all manner of communications collateral such as brochures, advertisements, videos, etc. for relevant audiences through on-line, print and in-person channels.
• Develop communications materials to enhance member information about upcoming events, resources and programming.
• Helping other staff members to prepare for upcoming conferences, meetings and other events to ensure that all communications are accurate and consistent
  • Recommending communications guidelines for all written and internet communications. This includes the style, format, font type and size, branding, and standardization of materials.
  • Reviewing existing communications tools to ensure effectiveness at reaching targeted audience and making recommendations for changes or enhancements.
  • Assisting staff in the development of corporate correspondence such as letters to sponsors, requests and confirmation of guest speakers and other relevant materials.

 Publications

• Coordinating the creation, distribution and maintenance of CACP print and electronic publications including but not limited to:
  • Weekly e-bulletins
  • CACP Magazine which is distributed three times per year
  • Membership Directory which is distributed once per year
  • Annual Review

 Working with internal staff including the Executive Director and external publishers to ensure the quality of the production for distribution meets the communication guidelines. 

4.  Deliverables:

In addition to the responsibilities identified above, the following deliverables are expected of the individual during the term of the contract:

1. Assessment of the present CACP communications tools and strategies and prepare recommendations to increase their effectiveness.   
2. Creation of an overall CACP communications plan including the development of guidelines and standards on all written and oral communications.
3. Creation of a communications plan addressing each of the CACP’s priorities including the identification of target audiences, key messages, and timing.
4. Creation of a crises communications plan for the CACP to address emerging Association and Community Safety issues.

 5.  Required Qualifications and Skills:

The advisor will possess the following qualifications and skills: 

• Post-secondary education in a related discipline such as communications, journalism, public relations or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in a field relevant to communications, public relations, marketing
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, in English and French
• Exceptional organizational abilities and time management skills
• Ability to prioritize among competing goals and to execute on tight deadlines
• Ability to articulate complex matters in a professional manner
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit clear, engaging and grammatically correct content
• Strong computer skills and excellent knowledge of MS Office
• Experience using various social media platforms and knowledge of social media engagement strategies
• Graphic design skills such as Photoshop and InDesign
• Ability to communicate in English & French is required.

6.  Duration, Timing and Location:

It is anticipated that the hours of work will be approximately 30 hours per week for an initial term of 1 year.

The advisor will work primarily off site and will be available to attend meetings at the CACP offices in Kanata, ON as required.  Occasional travel outside of the City of Ottawa will be required. 

 7. To Apply:

CACP would like to receive proposals from advisors interested in applying in electronic format by:  5:00 pm August 31, 2017.  Please send your documents to CACP National Office, c/o Christine Roy, Human Resources Consultant at christine@hrsolutionsottawa.com. 

Potential candidates should submit the following document along with your proposal:

-        Cover letter and Resume detailing your experience pertaining to this proposed statement of work and deliverables

-        Hourly rate or per diem

-        Three clients who can provide references

Please note that we will acknowledge receipt of your application, however you will not hear anything during the period of initial screening. Your earliest contact will be after the Selection Committee has reviewed all applications.

CACP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.  Please let us know. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

8. Selection process:

 The Selection Committee will create a short list of candidates to interview based on the proposals submitted.  Selected candidates will be invited to an interview with the Selection Committee.  It is anticipated that interviews will be scheduled the week of September 25^th – 29^th, 2017.   Applicants will be asked to provide samples of their work in both official languages for review by the Selection Committee. 

 Following the interview, the Selection Committee will identify a preferred candidate.  The Selection Committee will select the best fit for the CACP taking into consideration the applicant’s skills, experience, qualifications, price and overall fit and suitability.  References will be conducted to validate the skills, experiences and accomplishments. 

 Once all the steps have been completed, a contract of services will be finalized to confirm the details of the engagement.