Communications Officer

Position: Communications Officer
Hours: 35 hours per week
Term: Permanent
Salary: $62,000 to $72,000
Reports to: Governance and Natural Resources Manager

1.0 Purpose & Summary

The Communications Officer is responsible for providing professional communication services, advice and support to SFN First Nation (“SFN”) administration; planning, developing, and implementing a comprehensive integrated Communications Program that reflects the SFN First Nation’s strategic direction, priorities, policies, programs, and initiatives. This includes working with SFN elected officials and departments to meet communications deliverables, including the coordination of events, advertising, and promotional materials. The Communications Officer’s primary responsibilities include writing, concept design, copy/photo editing and preparing media materials for distribution. The Communications Officer also assists with promotional materials for SFN departments and ensures products adhere to the visual identity guidelines.

2.0 Duties & Responsibilities

  • Implementing SFN’s strategic communication plans by designing effective and innovative publications, articles, graphics, briefing materials, press releases, and employee messaging.
  • Provide all communications needs across the organization, including email marketing, social media, advertising, print publications, and management of websites.
  • Work with external communications professionals and SFN leadership to develop an organization-wide integrated communications strategy.
  • Prepare and implement SFN annual reports, and specific communications plans for General Assemblies, Community Consultations, Referendums, and any other SFN Government initiatives or events.
  • Maintain and update SFN electronic media including the SFN website, Facebook page(s) and other social media platforms, updating events, calendars, news items, Chief & Council messaging, employment opportunities, departmental content, training and educational opportunities and deadlines, and general content, developing new materials as required and staying abreast of web and social media technology developments, methods, and platforms.
  • Distribute communications‐related items to the community and SFN membership.
  • Providing training and instruction on the use of the web and social media when appropriate.
  • Assist in the development of policies relating to internal and external communications.
  • Maintain a working relationship with SFN Chief and Council with regards to the preparation of communications‐related products. This may include working with a community‐appointed representative and or committees of Council.
  • Coordinate the display and printing of advertisements and other promotional material.
  • Research, prepare, and distribute media‐related materials, including media releases and backgrounders.
  • Research new documentation relevant to advancing communications efforts, issues, and concerns for SFN.
  • Update the SFN web site and facilitate internal web requests with discretion.
  • Performs related duties as required.

3.0 Education & Experience

  • Post‐secondary degree in public or media relations, corporate communications, journalism, marketing or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Adept knowledge of media relations and corporate communications.
  • Knowledge of municipal, provincial, and national current events, particularly pertaining to First Nations.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
  • Advanced technical skills or ability to enhance, including web site content management (updates), photography, advertisement and graphic design, word‐processing, spreadsheet, and other advanced computer skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively interact with community members, staff, media, service providers, and external agencies.
  • Exceptional organizational and time‐management skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict deadlines.
  • Self‐motivated and ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Knowledge of SFN and Indigenous culture is considered an asset.
  • Awareness and sensitivity to Indigenous issues and communities is considered an asset.
  • Must be capable of maintaining confidentiality with a high level of accuracy regarding information.
  • Adept working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Internet, Wire Services, Media Monitoring Software, and other public relations tools.
  • Preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous descent.

How to Apply:

Please email your cover letter & resume to human.resources@sumasfirstnation.com

Communications Officer Job Posting Feb 2026