POSITION SUMMARY

Seabird Island is committed to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values First Nations knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Journalism Writer & Editor to join our in-house Communications team. This role involves crafting compelling articles and campaigns that promote community strength, family wellness, education, and more. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Communications team to enhance communication strategies, engage with the community, and produce high quality written content.

Under the direction of the Communications Manager, the Journalism Writer & Editor will create and edit promotional materials, coordinate and research articles for the Sq'wqel Sqwlqwel Pp (newspaper), Facebook, and websites, as well as proofread and edit organizational documents.

Work that matters

Sq'wqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Were hiring!| Facebook | LinkedIn | For Our Culture

Benefits and perks

Benefits vary by job type, apply after a successful probationary period and are confirmed in the interview and hiring process.

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time,
  
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions
• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Equitable hourly rates
• Casual dress code

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Write high-quality, engaging, and accurate articles, blog posts, and promotional materials for the Sq'wqel Sqwlqwel Pp (newspaper), social media platforms, and websites.
• Develop compelling captions, taglines, and headlines that align with Seabird Islands communication goals.
  
• Create content that highlights community events, initiatives, and success stories to foster a sense of pride and belonging among community members.
  
• Conduct thorough research to develop content that is accurate, informative, and culturally sensitive.
  
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural advisors to incorporate Halqemylem language and traditions into communication materials.
  
• Attend community events, ceremonies, and activities to document and report key moments.
  
• Take notes, record audio or video as needed, and write event recaps that capture the spirit and purpose of the gathering.
  
• Work closely with photographers and videographers to complement written content with high-quality visuals.
  
• Partner with communications assistants to ensure articles and promotional materials are visually appealing and aligned with branding guidelines.
  
• Work cross-departmentally to gather updates, program information, and success stories that need promotion or coverage.
  
• Coordinate with management to align written materials with the organizations strategic goals and priorities.
  
• Review and edit articles, reports, and promotional materials submitted by other team members or departments to ensure consistency, grammar, and accuracy.
  
• Provide constructive feedback to contributors to improve the quality of submissions.
  
• Ensure all written content adheres to Seabird Islands style guide and communication policies.
  
• Foster positive relationships with community members to encourage participation in interviews, surveys, or story submissions.
  
• Highlight and celebrate community achievements, traditions, and milestones in written materials.
  
• Promote a positive and respectful image of Seabird Island in all communications.
• Research and incorporate Halqemylem language translations into articles, taglines, and promotional materials as appropriate.
  
• Create content that honors and respects the culture, history, and values of Seabird Island and the St:l territory.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

WHAT YOU BRING

Qualifications

• Formal education or training in writing, communications or a related field. Other forms of postsecondary education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, will be considered.
  
• Knowledge of Halqemylem language and culture is an asset.
  
• Proven experience writing for various platforms, including social media, websites, and print
  
• Strong attention to detail and personal management skills.
  
• Creative mindset with the ability to deliver creative stories.
  
• Ability to research and interview.
  
• Must be an organized multitasker able to handle many projects at once and meet tight deadlines.
  
• Self-starter with the ability to act pro-actively.
  
• At least 3 years of relevant experience focusing on editing or marketing.
  
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Islands culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
  
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
  
• Attention to detail and strong proofreading abilities, including proof reading shorthand.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
  
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'wqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
  
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives.
  
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to: Communications Manager

How to Apply

Have a question about this position before you apply? [email protected].

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to writing. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-Employment Screening

• Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Mtis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.