Media Relations Consultant

​COMPETITION NUMBER: 1148
CLOSING DATE: MARCH 18, 2025 @ 11:59PM MST

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

NorQuesters are difference makers and we’re searching for someone dedicated to making a difference to join our Strategic Communications team as a Media Relations Consultant. The successful candidate will thrive through bold curiosity, collaborative determination, and dependability that earns the trust of others.

Reporting to the Manager of Communications, the Media Relations Consultant is the proactive, external voice of NorQuest, telling our story through multiple channels to make sure our audiences know our college as we do—a place that transforms lives for the better.

From media pitches and releases to content creation that captivates audiences on the web, you are a skilled writer who loves to develop engaging and dynamic strategic content that will capture the essence of what sets NorQuest apart.

You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment. To ensure success, the Media Relations Consultant must be innovative, self-motivated, and demonstrate exceptional judgement with a keen interest in driving strategic messages to key stakeholders. Experience in diverse and inclusive communities and working with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders is an asset.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Supports the development and ongoing revision of a comprehensive media relations strategy that reflects the priorities, goals, and outcomes defined in NorQuest 2030.
• Builds and enhances NorQuest’s reputation through proactive media relations and storytelling that highlights the ways in which the college impacts our learners, communities, and province.
• Utilizes key metrics and available analytics to measure the effectiveness of NorQuest’s media relations activities.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with media partners to enhance visibility of key NorQuest priority areas and promote ongoing media coverage.
• Responds to media queries in a timely manner and engages internal stakeholders and the Communications team to develop aligned responses that reflect institutional values and priorities.
• Shared responsibility as first point of contact for media.
• Works directly with internal stakeholders and business units to identify and develop engaging stories that capture the wide range of college activities and highlight NorQuest’s unique points of differentiation within the Alberta post-secondary sector.
• Ensures external stories incorporate aligned and consistent key messages that reflect institutional priorities in ways that resonate with target audiences.
• Ensures alignment with media industry standards (i.e., editing rules and styles) to make sure the college is represented professionally in all external media.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with key stakeholders across all areas of the college to identify and highlight media opportunities.
• Identifies client needs and objectives to support the ongoing evolution of effective media relations strategies and tactics.
• Maintains a high level of discretion while working closely with the President’s Office, college executive, and senior leaders, often on confidential or highly sensitive information.
• Works collaboratively with members of the NorQuest Marketing and Communications teams to support a range of internal and external communication projects and initiatives.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of college communications materials and assets for both internal and external audiences.
• Participates in communications training, including media training, to support the Board of Governors, senior leadership, and other individuals who may be asked to act as spokespersons for media opportunities or other ambassador roles.
• Coordinates media events and works with other college personnel supporting execution of media opportunities.

WHAT YOU BRING 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area.
• 8+ years communications and/or media experience.
• 3+ years of experience developing and managing relationships with media representatives, including proactive pitching, support for internal experts, and acting as a spokesperson.
• Strong understanding of NorQuest and the Alberta post-secondary sector, including governance and key stakeholders like the Government and Alberta.

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER

As a difference maker you bring:

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to research and produce background materials to support responses to media.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and multiple demands, and effectively prioritize.
• High degree of professionalism and ability to demonstrate exceptional judgement and decision-making autonomy.

SALARY: $89,708 - $112,166 reflective upon what you bring AKA your education and experience. This is a full-time permanent position with immediate access to our great pension and benefit programs. 

We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

Additional Information: Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

• International Qualifications Assessment Service https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment
• World Education Services https://www.wes.org/ca/

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across NorQuest College, at the same or lower classification level.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers – we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.

NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution’s work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

Apply to Become a NorQuester: If this opportunity delights you and your expertise will shine in this role, we invite you to apply for this position online by uploading your resume and cover letter combined as one document.

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we’ll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.