Communications Specialist, Writer and Editor
BC Policy Solutions | Full-Time, Permanent
Title: Communications Lead
Role: Full-time
Location: Primarily from home, with occasional on-site work required in the Lower Mainland
Salary: $76,951. Salary is determined by the applicable level and step on BC Policy Solutions' salary grid, in accordance with the Collective Agreement.
Reports to: Co-Executive Directors
About BC Policy Solutions
BC Policy Solutions is an independent, non-partisan research institute committed to advancing transformative policy solutions to the most pressing challenges facing people in British Columbia. Through research, convening and public engagement, we seek to build a more just, equitable and sustainable future for all.
About the Role
This role is responsible for two closely related and equally important functions: translating complex policy research into accessible texts for general audiences, journalists and partner organizations and leading the rigorous editing process of research reports, policy briefs, media advisories and similar outputs. This role is essential to help uphold the editorial standards that protect BC Policy Solutions' reputation as a credible, independent source of research and commentary.
Working closely with the Communications Lead and the research team, this role is responsible for translating complex policy research into formats that resonate with journalists, general audiences and partner organizations, while helping to uphold the editorial standards that protect BC Policy Solutions' reputation as a credible, independent source of research and commentary.
This position reports directly to the Co-Executive Directors and works in close, ongoing collaboration with the Communications Lead. The incumbent does not supervise other staff. BC Policy Solutions is a small organization, and this role is expected to contribute across the team, including providing backup support to the Communications Lead and participating in events, webinars and broader communications planning.
Key Responsibilities
Content Production and Research Translation (50%)
Translate long-form research reports and presentations into shorter web briefs and accessible summaries for general audiences (such as op-eds, policy briefs, media advisories, social media content, etc.), ensuring key findings and policy implications are clearly communicated.
Produce consolidated content from ally and sector roundups, such as budget analyses, distilling complex multi-source material into concise, well-structured documents.
Develop first-draft op-eds from long-form research reports, working with researchers to identify the most newsworthy and publicly relevant aspects of their work and adapt findings for general readership.
Support researchers in communicating their findings effectively to non-specialist audiences, including preparation of media talking points, explainers and interview guides.
Contribute to storytelling for supporters and prospective supporters in the Policy Forward magazine by helping to articulate the value and impact of BC Policy Solutions' work in compelling, accessible terms.
Monitor the news cycle, policy developments and trending issues to identify timely opportunities for BC Policy Solutions to contribute commentary or analysis in the media. Work with the research team and co-Executive Directors to develop rapid-response communications when the organization's expertise is relevant to breaking news or emerging policy debates.
Editorial Standards and Quality (25%)
Work with the Communications Lead to develop and maintain BC Policy Solutions' editorial standards for publication and editorial style guide, and monitor their consistent application across all written output.
Edit research reports to ensure they are authoritative, clear, well-structured and compelling, maintaining research integrity while improving accessibility and readability.
Copyedit newsletters as part of a two-person review process with the Communications Lead, applying editorial standards consistently. Maintain rigorous standards around source citation and referencing across all BC Policy Solutions publications, applying at minimum university-level academic standards to avoid plagiarism and protect organizational credibility.
Advise researchers and colleagues on editorial best practices, accessible language and framing that reflects BC Policy Solutions' values without compromising research integrity.
Communications Support (15%)
Contribute to BC Policy Solutions' social media presence with a particular focus on media-facing and current-events-driven content, coordinating with the Communications Lead on social media strategy and the editorial calendar.
Support the dissemination of published research to key audiences, including organizational allies, opinion leaders, academic networks and supporters.
Assist with the coordination of the sign-off and release process for research reports in collaboration with the Communications Lead and report authors
Post materials and updates to the BC Policy Solutions website.
Provide backup support to the Communications Lead as needed and contribute to events and webinars, including administrative and technical support and on-the-day coordination.
Participate in BC Policy Solutions' overall communications planning and strategy discussions.
Media Relations (10%)
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors and producers across print, broadcast and digital media outlets, positioning BC Policy Solutions as a credible, go-to source for policy research and commentary in BC.
Continue to develop and manage BC Policy Solutions' media list, maintaining up-to-date contact records and distribution lists across relevant beats and outlets.
Write and distribute media releases and media advisories for BC Policy Solutions research outputs and public interventions, including for key annual events such as the pre- and post-BC Budget activities and the annual release of the Living Wage report.
Proactively pitch BC Policy Solutions research, commentary and expert voices to relevant media, developing and executing media release plans that identify target outlets to maximize coverage.
Manage media inquiries and coordinate interview logistics for researchers and spokespeople.
Manage and keep current the media page on the BC Policy Solutions website.
Track and analyze media coverage of BC Policy Solutions' work and produce regular summary reports for the team.
Reporting and Key Relationships
This position reports directly to the Co-Executive Directors. The incumbent works in close collaboration with the Communications Lead on all areas of editorial standards, content production and communications planning, and with the research team on research translation, media relations and rapid-response communications.
Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in journalism, communications or a related field, with strong writing, editing and research translation skills.
Ability to translate complex policy research into clear, compelling content for general audiences without compromising accuracy or research integrity.
Due to the fast-paced media environment, this role requires a person with initiative who is a quick learner and a creative problem solver.
Ability to work collaboratively and to adapt to shifting priorities.
Excellent copyediting skills with a strong command of editorial standards, style guides and citation practices.
Experience in monitoring news cycles and developing rapid-response communications in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with BC's policy and media landscape is a strong asset.
Strong digital literacy and comfort level in adapting to new online tools. Experience using content management systems is an asset.
Ability to create digital communications content, including graphics, infographics, data visualization and videos for online sharing is an asset.
Experience in media relations, including writing media releases and advisories and pitching and building relationships with journalists across print, broadcast and digital outlets is an asset.
Research experience in academic contexts is an asset.
Knowledge of the progressive, labour and social justice sectors in BC is an asset.
Alignment with BC Policy Solutions' values and commitment to progressive, transformative change.