The International Triathlon Union (ITU), the worldwide governing body for the Olympic sport of triathlon is looking for a candidate to fill the position of Communications Specialist; a 12-month contract based at ITU Headquarters in North Vancouver, BC, Canada.
The chosen candidate must have proven ability in the media and communications field, and demonstrate the ability to work independently and creatively. ITU is looking for a highly motivated person who can work as part of a small but very close team. The position involves a high level of organisation, flexible working hours and international travel.
Job duties
- Address all enquiries from the media
- Proactively pitch stories to media to secure international coverage
- Develop new and maintain on-going relationships with major international media outlets
- Manage all media databases
- Generate ideas for official ITU websites and international media
- Write and edit content for ITU official websites, newsletters, social media and various other communications tools
- Develop and distribute official ITU press releases and announcements
- Identify and develop key messaging around ITU initiatives, campaigns and crisis communications
- Assist in the creation of ITU official publications (ITU press kits, magazines, media guides, etc)
- Liaise with various ITU departments for regular news and content
- Liaise with event organising committees and National Federations to ensure top level media services and operations at all ITU events
- Organise logistics and administrative tasks for various media events – press conferences, announcements, photo shoots and interviews
- Track media coverage and create post-event coverage reports
Qualifications/experience/requirements
- Post-secondary education in Journalism, Communications, English, Public Relations or related area of study
- Minimum three (3) years full time experience in media, communications or related fields
- Superior writing and editing skills (English)
- Proven ability to generate creative and innovative ideas
- Must be able to work flexible hours and weekends
- Ability to travel internationally
- Passionate interest in sports and the Olympic movement
- Knowledge of triathlon is desired
- Understanding of Olympic Games press operations policies and procedures is desired
- Able to work independently and be effective in a team environment
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat
- Experience with Adobe InDesign, HTML an asset
- Fluency in English; other language skills a strong asset
Candidates should contact jobs[at]triathlon.org with a current résumé, cover letter and writing samples.The deadline for applications is 4 November 2011, with the full time position starting in December 2011/January 2012.
