Job opportunity: Issues Management Advisor (Bilingual), Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Overview

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is Canada's newest national museum, with construction and inaugural exhibits slated for completion in 2012, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. An "idea museum" with a strong focus on innovation, the CMHR seeks talented people who share our passion and commitment to creating a world class museum that will enhance the public’s understanding of human rights, promote respect for others and encourage reflection and dialogue.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Communications & Public Engagement, the Issues Management Advisor develops issues management strategies and proactive initiatives and activities in support of the goals and objectives of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This position takes a lead in managing the Museum’s issues management process and supports communications and government relations activities and events for the museum.

• Accountable for the implementation of CMHR Issues Management guidelines and processes, with particular emphasis on an “early warning system” which identifies and addresses areas of significant concern or potential embarrassment
• Contributes to and reviews written communication to ensure consistent museum messaging and presentation. Includes correspondence, website content, speeches and talking points, new releases, backgrounders, advisories, feature stories, pamphlets, brochures, fact sheets, video storylines, newsletters, exhibits, multimedia products, and outreach programming and materials.
• Ensures the consistency of quality, branding and messaging in all museum responses.
• Conducts research in relation to managing issues and identifying proactive opportunities. Research may include interviews, key government documents (Speech from the Throne, Corporate Plans, media coverage, policy documents, information archives, files, computer databases, public options goals, and website content.
• Analyses government programmes, policies and positions affecting the CMHR or its key publics and recommend appropriate actions.
• Reviews, edits and produces complex policy and program documents for CMHR leadership and staff. May be asked to adapt material for tone, clarity and style to match the level of understanding of target audiences, including internal and external stakeholders.
• Identifies concerns and provides on-going strategic counsel and support to the museum leadership and stakeholders. Prepare staff (and other museum representatives as necessary) in the field for meetings, review correspondence, and coordinate responses, as appropriate.
• Interacts and communicates with CMHR staff at all levels, departments and divisions. There is the expectation of frequent communication and interaction with senior management including the Senior Executive Team.
• Identifies key audiences, clearly articulate roles and responsibilities within the Museum, and implement and maintain a process for proactive and reactive issues management.
• Provide current and new employees with clear parameters for managing issues and identifying strategic opportunities, encouraging and eliciting participation.

Qualifications

Requirements for this position are as follows:


Skills and Knowledge – Required

Education at the post-secondary level in a related field (e.g., a university degree in journalism, political science, government relations, communications, or public relations) and 5+ years’ experience in at least one area of the following areas (e.g., public relations, policy, government relations, internal communications, writing and editing, communications planning, media relations, official release, respondent relations), or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience

Experience with developing strategic communications initiatives.

The ability to present facts in language and style that is appropriate to the target audience

Ability to communicate in both official languages

Professional writing and editing skills; the ability to inform others, increase awareness, persuade or change behavior

Strong organizational and time managements skills; the ability to work independently

Proficient in MS Word

Skills and Knowledge – Desired

Experience in a related organization, e.g., government, museums, arts & culture, Crown Corporation; and/or knowledge of the arts and culture industry

Attributes

Interest in and familiarity with Human Rights issues and with the museum

Excellent communications and organizational skills, with demonstrated success working in a team environment.

Excellent group and one-on-one communication, negotiation and presentation skills. Pleasant, flexible, and efficient communicator by phone and e-mail.

Highly creative with an appreciation for quality and design; demands the best

Able to work independently or collaboratively in a cross-functional and team oriented environment

Strong leadership skills; the ability to coach and motivate others

Strong analysis skills; can present a solid and well founded business case

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Work is in an office environment. May require long periods at a desk, reading lengthy documents, and time in front of a computer.
• May require irregular hours (evenings, weekends)
• Some travel required

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and a current resume through the museum’s Career page at www.humanrightsmuseum.ca . The closing date is December 21, 2010.

The CMHR encourages diversity in all aspects of its operations. If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation in order to successfully submit an application, please contact us at info@humanrightsmuseum.ca to make your accommodation request.

All applicants will receive a confirmation of the receipt of their application. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.