Job Description

Senior Communications and Engagement Specialist

Full-time position starting March 2025

Ideaspace has an immediate opening for an experienced Senior Communications and Engagement Specialist to support a range of client projects that bridge communication between the public and government, as well as First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and non-profits.

Who We Are

Ideaspace is not a PR firm. We don’t do crisis communications, reputation management, or marketing. Instead, we serve as an interface between governments, First Nations, Indigenous organizations, non-profits and the communities they serve. Our work helps translate complex policies and programs into accessible, plain-language information and ensures that community input meaningfully informs decision-making.

We specialize in:

• Impactful public-sector and non-profit communications
• Innovative community and interest holder engagement
• Creative public information and education campaigns
• Meaningful policy, program, and community service development 
• Strategic planning 

Our projects span affordable housing, Indigenous housing and community programs, public health, youth initiatives, sustainability and climate action, drinking water and wastewater management, and more. We also develop and implement community-based programs that improve access to community resources and social services.

Position Overview

This is a fast-paced and dynamic role requiring exceptional writing skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Just as importantly, this role requires strong client service skills—you must be able to build relationships, anticipate client needs, and deliver high-quality work that helps us maintain and grow our partnerships with government, First Nations, and non-profit clients.

On any given day, you may:

• Translate technical documents into clear, accessible public information
• Develop engagement strategies to gather meaningful public input
• Structure and write reports to help government and Indigenous clients understand community needs
• Support the design and implementation of new community programs and services
• Pivot between writing a housing strategy in the morning, planning a focus group after lunch, and refining an environmental policy brief in the afternoon

This role is not about digital marketing, brand management, or media relations—it is about helping governments, First Nations, and non-profits communicate effectively and ensuring public voices shape policies, programs, and services.

This is a full-time, mostly in-office role (37.5 hours/week) based in downtown Vancouver, with some evening and weekend work required for public engagement events.

Core Responsibilities

• Write and edit a wide range of materials, including fact sheets, reports, newsletters, presentations, video scripts, engagement summaries, and strategic plans.
• Develop awareness and information strategies that translate complex government, Indigenous, and non-profit policies and programs into plain-language content, ensuring they meet client needs and project objectives.
• Design and implement engagement initiatives to gather meaningful public input and ensure interest holder perspectives inform decision-making.
• Support the development of community-based programs and services, from concept to implementation, working with clients to design initiatives that address real-world needs.
• Manage client relationships with professionalism and responsiveness, ensuring high-quality service and identifying opportunities to expand our work with existing clients.
• Balance multiple client projects simultaneously, adapting to shifting needs while maintaining consistency and excellence in deliverables.
• Ensure clarity and accessibility in all communications, prioritizing public understanding over technical jargon.
• Collaborate with designers, engineers, planners, technical specialists, and subject-matter experts to develop effective materials.
• Support business development activities, including contributing to proposals.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum six years’ experience in public-sector communications, interest holder engagement, or policy-related writing and development.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to translate technical or policy-heavy content into plain language.
• University or college level graduation in communications, English, public policy, or other relevant discipline supplemented by formal business training
• Proven experience managing multiple client projects in a fast-moving environment where topics and priorities shift frequently.
• Strong client service mindset, with experience managing relationships in a consulting, agency, or professional services setting. You should be comfortable working with senior-level clients, anticipating needs, and ensuring satisfaction with deliverables.
• Experience working directly with government, First Nations, Indigenous organizations, or non-profits.
• Experience supporting community-based programs or services is a strong asset.
• Ability to develop audience-specific communication strategies that ensure clarity and accessibility.
• Strong ability to think strategically and creatively, understanding how communication supports policy, program, and community service development.
• Comfort working in ambiguity, developing solutions where there may not be a clear roadmap.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, G Suite, and Adobe.

This role is NOT a fit for candidates with backgrounds primarily in:

• Public Relations, crisis communications, corporate branding, or media relations
• Marketing communication roles without public-sector experience
• Journalism or investigative reporting

If your experience is heavily PR-focused, media-driven, or marketing-oriented, this is not the right fit.

Application Process

Please submit your application as one PDF file with the subject line:

Senior Communications and Engagement Specialist – [Your Name]

Your file should be named: firstname_lastname.pdf

Your application must include:

1. A cover letter explaining how your experience aligns with this role.
2. A resume outlining relevant skills and experience.
3. Two writing samples that demonstrate your ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible communication (e.g., public reports, fact sheets, engagement summaries—please NO media articles, promotional materials, or university projects).

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short writing exercise as part of the interview process.

Deadline to apply: Friday, February 28th at 5:00 PM.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Ideaspace. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

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