Kwikwetlem First Nation
Communication Specialist
Date
August 19, 2026
Reports to Title
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Dept
Admin
Location
65 Colony Farm Road
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation are a distinct BC First Nation whose traditional territory centers on the Coquitlam Lake Watershed and the surrounding areas. kʷikʷəƛ̓əm draw our name “Red Fish Up the River” from a run of sockeye salmon that once flourished in the Coquitlam River and Coquitlam Lake prior to the construction of the Coquitlam Dam. Our name reflects the strong connection our people have always had to our lands, and the river and lake at the heart of our traditional territory. The traditional language of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm̓ people is hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, previously Downriver Halkomelem. Our people descended from Elders who were renowned as spirit and winter dancers, skilled canoe builders, and master sturgeon and salmon fishers. kʷikʷəƛ̓əm̓ is committed to building a strong, self-governing Nation that honors our rich culture, language, and history and is based on ancient Coast Salish laws and protocols. Today, as in the past, we are guided by the teachings of our ancestors to be stewards and guardians of our lands and water for past, present, and future generations.
Job Summary
The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering strategic communications that support the Nation’s priorities, programs, services, initiatives, and overall organizational goals. The position works with all departments — Operations and Administration, Community Services, Lands and Resources, and Land Governance — and reports to the CFO. The Communications Specialist also collaborates with senior leadership, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm members, government representatives, media and external stakeholders.
The Communications Specialist ensures that information is shared accurately and timely, while reflecting the Nation’s values and commitment to transparency.
The position supports both internal and external communications, media relations, digital and social media content, publications, community engagement, events, and public education. The Communications Specialist will also provide advice and support during emerging issues, public announcements, and other matters that may affect the Nation’s reputation or relationship with its members or stakeholders.
Job Responsibilities
Strategic Communications
- Develop, implement, and evaluate communications strategies and plans that support the Nation’s strategic priorities, programs, services, and initiatives.
- Provide communications advice and recommendations to the Chief and Council, CAO, CFO and Directors.
- Develop key messages, communication plans, briefing materials, talking points, FAQs, announcements, and other communications tools.
- Ensure communications are consistent with the Nation’s values, branding, policies, strategic direction, and cultural considerations.
- Support the development of communications protocols and procedures for internal and external communications.
- Identify emerging communications issues and provide recommendations to leadership regarding appropriate communication approaches.
- Support crisis and issues-management communications when required.
Community and Internal Communications
- Develop clear, accessible, and timely communications for members, staff, senior leadership, government representatives, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate internal communications to ensure employees receive accurate and timely information regarding organizational initiatives, policies, programs, and events.
- Prepare and distribute a weekly newsletter, special notices, information sheets, reports, presentations, and other communications materials.
- Coordinate the production of visual, print, and digital materials with graphic designers, photographers, videographers, printers, and other service providers.
- Lead development of the Nation’s Annual Report.
- Coordinate external communications and maintain positive working relationships with representatives from federal, provincial, municipal, Indigenous, and other government organizations.
- Support communications related to government initiatives, agreements, funding announcements, consultations, partnerships, and other matters involving the Nation.
- Ensure external communications accurately reflect approved Nation positions and priorities.
- Respond to communications-related inquiries from the public and community members or redirect inquiries to the appropriate department.
- Support community engagement activities, including the Annual General Meeting, General Meeting, Information Sessions, and other engagement initiatives.
- Gather feedback from members and stakeholders. And then communicate relevant themes and recommendations to leadership.
- Assist departments with programs, services, deadlines, and community opportunities.
- Assist with the development of audiovisual materials, including presentations, videos, photo collections, and digital campaigns.
- Maintain organized communications files, templates, photographs, approved messaging, and other relevant resources.
Digital Communications and Social Media
- Develop, coordinate, and maintain content for the Nation’s website, social media channels, digital platforms, and other communication channels.
- Create and schedule engaging and informative digital content, including written content, graphics, photographs, videos, announcements, and promotional materials.
- Monitor digital platforms and social media for questions, comments, emerging issues, and matters requiring follow-up.
- Ensure digital communications are accurate, professional, accessible, culturally appropriate, and aligned with approved communications standards.
- Coordinate website content updates with relevant departments and service providers.
- Track digital engagement and prepare reports or recommendations to improve communications effectiveness.
- Support the development and implementation of social media and digital communications guidelines.
Media Relations and Public Relations
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with local, regional, provincial, and national media.
- Prepare and distribute media releases, media advisories, statements, backgrounders, and other media materials.
- Coordinate media inquiries and ensure requests are directed to the appropriate spokesperson.
- Arrange interviews, media conferences, announcements, and other media opportunities when required.
- Prepare briefing notes, talking points, background information, and key messages for approved Nation spokespersons.
- Coordinate with government communications officers, partner organizations, businesses, community organizations, and other external stakeholders.
- Monitor media coverage involving the Nation and provide relevant updates and recommendations to leadership.
Events and Community Engagement
- Plan and coordinate community events, public events, ceremonies, consultations, and special initiatives.
- Coordinate invitations, promotional materials, media notifications, venues, signage, photography, audiovisual requirements, and other communications-related logistics.
- Support the Nation’s participation in conferences, speaking engagements, community events, government meetings, and other public opportunities.
- Coordinate communications requirements for Nation representatives participating in external events.
- Research and make recommendations regarding events and opportunities that may benefit the Nation’s visibility, relationships, and strategic objectives.
- Coordinate with event organizers, speakers, government representatives, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
Communications Planning, Administration and Budget
- Develop and manage communications work plans, project timelines, and priorities.
- Monitor communications projects to ensure deliverables are completed on time and within approved budgets.
- Assist with developing, forecasting, and managing the communications budget.
- Coordinate the procurement and management of communications-related services, including designers, photographers, videographers, printers, media services, and other contractors.
- Evaluate communications initiatives and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Maintain appropriate records of communications activities, media inquiries, publications, campaigns, and related materials.
- Prepare regular reports on communications activities, outcomes, engagement, and emerging issues.
Cultural Awareness and Indigenous Communications
- Ensure communications reflect respect for the Nation’s history, culture, community values, rights, and identity.
- Work collaboratively with leadership, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, citizens, and community representatives when communications involve cultural or community-sensitive matters.
- Support communications that promote awareness and understanding of the Nation, its history, governance, culture, programs, achievements, and priorities.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and sound judgment when communicating information involving community members, leadership, government, media, or external stakeholders.
- Protect confidential, personal, and sensitive information in accordance with applicable legislation, policies, and Nation requirements.
Other Responsibilities
- Maintain current knowledge of communications, public relations, digital media, social media, accessibility, and community engagement practices.
- Participate in meetings, committees, training, and professional development activities as required.
- Provide communications support to departments and leadership as required.
- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned from time to time.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Media Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive communications, public relations, media, government relations, or community engagement experience.
- Experience working in an Indigenous government, First Nation, Indigenous organization, non-profit organization, government, or similar environment is considered a strong asset.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications strategies and plans.
- Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills.
- Demonstrated experience creating content for websites, newsletters, social media, and other digital platforms.
- Experience managing social media platforms and digital communications is required.
- Experience with graphic design, photography, video production, or content management systems is considered an asset.
- Experience working with media and responding to media inquiries is considered an asset.
- Strong understanding of communications principles, public relations, community engagement, and issues management.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex information into clear, concise, and accessible communications.
- Strong project management, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with leadership, departments, employees, citizens, and external stakeholders.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.
- Familiarity with social media management, website content management, graphic design, photography, and video-editing tools is an asset.
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
- Knowledge of Indigenous governance, First Nations communities, and Indigenous relations is an asset.
- Knowledge of the local community and experience working respectfully with Indigenous communities is considered an asset.
Job Competencies
- Strategic Communication: Ability to develop communications strategies that support organizational priorities.
- Writing and Storytelling: Excellent ability to communicate information clearly, professionally, and engagingly.
- Community Engagement: Ability to build trust and communicate respectfully with citizens and community stakeholders.
- Relationship Management: Ability to develop positive relationships with leadership, government, media, partners, and community organizations.
- Judgment and Discretion: Ability to manage sensitive information and communications matters professionally.
- Cultural Awareness: Demonstrates respect for Indigenous culture, community values, history, and protocols.
- Project Management: Ability to manage multiple communications projects, deadlines, and competing priorities.
- Digital Literacy: Ability to effectively use digital communication platforms and emerging communications technologies.
- Adaptability: Ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, emerging issues, and time-sensitive communications requirements.
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with leadership and external stakeholders.
Working Conditions
- This is primarily an office-based position, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour unpaid lunch.
- The Communications Specialist may occasionally be required to work outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, to support community meetings, ceremonies, special events, media opportunities, emergency communications, or other time-sensitive activities.
- Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, conferences, community events, government meetings, and other communications-related activities.
- The position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and respond appropriately to sensitive or time-critical communications matters.
Other requirements
- Valid drivers’ license, personal vehicle and the ability to travel from time to time.
- Overtime, weekend and evening work as may be required from time to time.
- Commitment to confidentiality, integrity and community service
- Satisfactory criminal record check
This is a great opportunity to contribute at an exciting time of growth and change within the Kwikwetlem Nation, and to be a part of a team that creates a place that supports growth and promotes the values of the Kwikwetlem people. If this opportunity matches your values, education, and experience, please send a cover letter indicating your salary expectations and a resume to hr@kwikwetlem.com.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Compensation: $80,000–$92,000 annually
APPLY NOW
