Guess what? Another volunteer opportunity!

This came to us through the Women in Business Centre:

...

I am in the final stages of site development for www.chickbliss.com and am in the process of launching my marketing plan.

I am looking for some help - perhaps some students from the public relations program to create some exciting press releases as well as plan a launch party and contact media and build "buzz".

Basically the site is about helping women express to their partners (and themselves) what they really want in their relationships. Especially the little things that are hard to say but mean a lot. (Main product: A personalized instruction manual created quickly online by answering ~40 questions and then a book is created to either download or have published and sent to you.)

You can get an idea of the concept I'm getting across by some of these videos I have created with a local production crew.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=02F8AE6298CDC555

IABC Local Event

Get the Breakfast Buzz
No, we're not talking about your morning coffee. But just like your cup of
joe, the Breakfast Buzz is an educational seminar series that you won't want
to miss.

Breakfast Buzz, IABC Maritime's new professional development series, is
designed to deliver in-depth knowledge on topics and subjects that matter to
professional communicators.

Jeremy Webb - How to captivate and engage your audience
We're starting off the year with a shot of espresso, brought to you by
well-known actor and comedian Jeremy Webb. In between laughs, Jeremy will
share with you his techniques on how to grab your audience's attention and
keep them listening.

November 6, 2008 from 8 - 9 a.m. (Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.)
Windsor 1, Prince George Hotel
A continental breakfast will be served including chilled orange, apple and
grapefruit juice, fresh fruit salad, muffins, danish, croissants, assorted
bagels and breads, and freshly brewed coffee and imported tea.



Register at:
http://www.karelo.com/register.php?BID=277&BT=10#Ev6781

Nominate a favourite teacher

If you've experienced a great classroom experience, and you'd like your teacher to be recognized for it, consider nominating him or her for an award. This year's call for nominations can be found on the MSVU Teaching and Learning Centre webpage.

More on networks

Interested in social networks? Do you wonder where all the great leaders have gone? Yes, me, too.

Check out Michael Cayley's latest on how social networks and leaders can influence an organization:
Looking for Leadership? Invest in Your Networks

Thanks, Michael, for keeping us in the loop. We appreciate when graduates of our program, like yourself, remain part of our network.

Getting connected...from Grad Michael Cayley

Good things happen when you get connected, that is the moral of this story.

A few months ago, fellow Mount alum Andre Mazerolle (who I have still not met in person, sadly!) set me up to discuss my Social Capital Value Add idea with his friend Steven Rayson, Chartered Business Valuator & Certified Fraud Examiner at Deloitte Canada.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago and the Women of Influence Luncheon Series , sponsored by Deloitte, comes on to radar. Emails ensued and thanks to Steven, here we go with a win-win-win alignment of interests that is designed to bring two messages to MSVU Toronto Alumnae:

1. There is great potential in this group of more than 700 hundred in the GTA if we connect.
2. It is worth investing some time, money and effort into.

The October 22nd Women of Influence Event in Toronto is world class. It features a presentation by co-Chief Creative Officers of Olgivy Toronto, Janet Kestin & Nancy Vonk.

They are the creative directors behind the film "Evolution"part of the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty.



Steven has generously donated two tickets to the event to encourage MSVU Toronto Alumnae to connect with their peers. It is very simple, everyone who connects by adding their names to the MSVU Toronto Alumnae email list between now and October 20th has a chance to win the pair of tickets (value - $176.40).

It is very, very simple - put your email in this box (or the one at the bottom of this blog) and hit subscribe:

Subscribe to MSVU Toronto Alumnae

Email:

Visit this group

Another VanGroovy Job Posting HSBC

Check out the entire posting here:
http://cahsbc.myvurv.com/MAIN/careerportal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=1964

Manager, Communications (Parental Leave) - Req 1964
Vancouver, BC

Manage, execute and evaluate employee communication programs to keep internal stakeholders at HSBC Bank Canada informed, aligned and engaged. At your best in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments, you will apply your refined planning and project management skills to provide communication leadership, consulting and support to deliver on business objectives. At the heart of your duties will be planning and executing communication programs and managing online communication channels – a challenge requiring a strategic mindset and the ability to efficiently maintain two-way dialogues with employees at all levels in the company as well as in a variety of business lines and departments. You understand how to effectively coordinate and manage multi-channel communication strategies and use focus groups, advisory panels, surveys and other tools to measure communication effectiveness.

Along with a post-secondary education in a communications, marketing or business field (or an equivalent background), you bring related experience, a passion for communication, knowledge of the financial services industry, a team-oriented, customer-service outlook and a keen understanding of brand management as it impacts internal audiences. An experienced communicator and project manager with exemplary writing and editing skills, you are tech savvy, able to work independently and as part of a team, responding to sensitive issues and articulating complex information in meaningful ways. You are effective on cross-functional teams and possess an understanding of the various aspects of multi-faceted business enterprises.



If you are seeking a challenging and promising career, HSBC has a world of professional opportunities for you to explore. We offer a competitive Total Rewards Package, including incentive pay, plus reduced rates for loans and mortgages. We make a point of rewarding performance, supporting professional development and providing Work Life solutions.

Job Posting Vancouver School Board

Communications Specialist - Vancouver School Board

Are you a hands-on self-starter with top-of-the-class communications skills?

The Vancouver School Board is looking for an experienced, innovative communications specialist to help us spread the good news about what's happening in Vancouver's classrooms.

School District 39 in Vancouver, B.C., is one of the most diverse and complex public school systems in Canada, and the second largest in BC, enrolling 56,000 students in 109 schools, as well as 50,000 adult learners and continuing education students.
Reporting to the manager of communications, you will focus on creating content for and producing all manner of internal and external communications. You'll need to have a keen eye for a good story, great interview and writing skills, and the ability to get your story out through media relations, in-house publications and electronic media. You will work closely with the manager on media relations, issues management, writing, presentations, organizing special events and developing internal and external communications of all kinds.

Key Responsibilities
Assist in developing and executing communication strategies to help VSB achieve its goals
Assist in developing and executing communication plans for staff-focused and schools-focused projects and programs
Plan, research, write and produce communications on time and on budget
Assist with VSB's media relations, internal relations and government affairs activities as needed.

Demonstrated Skills:
Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills, and the ability to adapt tone and style to various audiences and media, including print, broadcast and web
Superior knowledge of, and adherence to, Canadian Press style
Solid grasp of design, layout and desktop publishing principles, including advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite 3, MS Word and other MS Office applications
Clear understanding of the principles and practices of public relations and communications
Knowledge and experience in managing online content
Excellent project management skills
Experience developing collaborative working relationships
Ability to speak and write more than one language is an asset.

Minimum Qualifications:
Three years of communications experience, preferably in a large, complex organization
A university degree or post-secondary diploma combined with experience, preferably in communications, journalism, public relations, English or a related field. If you have experience in executing internal and external communications strategies, we would like to hear from you by October 31. Please send your cover letter and resume to Peak Communicators Ltd, #403 – 1155 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1B5, or email to vsbjobs@peakco.com. Please, no phone calls. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Writing Contest

esse Young Critics Competition 2009

esse arts + opinions magazine presents the eighth edition of its
critical writing competition. All young and emerging writers are
encouraged to submit. You have until the May 10, 2009 to send your
text!

The Contest
Your contribution can be an art-related essay, or can be a critical
review of an exhibition, performance, or site-specific intervention,
and should conform to the magazine's general mandate. Articles are to
be submitted before May 10, 2009 (please see address below) and should
be between 750 - 1250 words in length.

The winner of this competition will see their article in print in the
September 2009 issue of esse magazine (no. 67). This author will
receive a support from the editorial board for the final writing, a
writer's fee of $250 as well as a two-year subscription to esse.

esse Mandate
esse magazine focuses on multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary
practices and all forms of social intervention, whether site pecific
work or performance art. esse promotes actions that address
socio-political issues and work that questions dominant values. The
resulting critical texts demonstrate an engaged discourse that relates
to current, contemporary artistic production.

For Article Submissions or For More Information :
email : revue@esse.ca
Please write "Young Critics Competition" in the subject line

esse arts + opinions
C.P. 56 succ. de Lorimier
Montréal, Qc. H2H 2N6
T. : 514-521-8597
F. : 514-521-8598
www.esse.ca revue@esse.ca

Local Film Maker on TV tonight

Sylvia Hamilton was MSVU's Nancy's Chair in Women's Studies. If you can, catch this show. (You can always record Gossip Girl!)

*The Little Black School House, written, directed and produced by Sylvia D.
Hamilton* *with music by jazz legend, Joe Sealy*
*
Airing on Knowledge Network: September 08, 2008 at 8pm and midnight. *


Most Canadians are familiar with the political turmoil segregated schools
caused in the US, yet not many realize that Canada also had segregated
schools, by law and by geography?with one in Nova Scotia that didn't close
its doors until 1983. The Little Black School House unearths the story of
the women, men, and children who studied and taught at Canada's racially
segregated schools.

Compelling personal stories illustrate that many of the students who
attended Canada's all-Black schools look back on the experience with
conflicting feelings: fondness for the dedication of their Black teachers,
and outrage at being denied equal access to education, a right fundamental
to democracy in Canada. With a vibrant musical score composed by jazz
legend, Joe Sealy, this poignant documentary is an unfailingly honest
evocation of the struggle of African Canadians to achieve dignity and
equality through education.


*View a clip at
http://tvschedule.knowledgenetwork.ca/

Order a copy from: www.movingimages.ca,
Telephone: 800.684-7165
*
*Send comments to: maroonfilms@ns.sympatico.ca*

World Health Organization needs YOU

Manager, Knowledge Management and Communication

Check out the posting at
https://erecruit.who.int/public/hrd-cl-vac-view.asp?jobinfo_uid_c=20175&vaclng=en

Peace

The First Students Workshop on Peace, Religion and Media will be held in Iran, from November 9th to 22nd, 2008 simultaneously with The Second International Conference on Religion and Media. It will provide a unique opportunity in a friendly environment for the young participants to explore the complicated relationship between religion and media and to enhance their knowledge and skills in redirecting the power of this relationship towards the positive aim of building a culture of peace.

We cordially invite young journalists, film and media activists, NGO workers, peace and human rights activists, community leaders and researchers who have at least a bachelor degree in related fields to apply for the workshop.

All costs of the program in Iran (accommodation, food, local transport, etc) will be covered for participants but they are responsible for their own airfare.

Further information could be found here: http://www.religion-media.com/workshop.htm

Job Opportunity at the University of Alberta

The Association of Academic Staff: University of Alberta (AASUA) requires a Membership Services Officer (MSO) to help us advocate for our expanding membership.



The ideal candidate will have:

• Excellent communication and time-management skills

• Proven ability to counsel/negotiate/mediate/facilitate

• Analytical abilities and a cooperative attitude

• Commitment to resolving workplace issues

• Post-secondary education and/or professional designation



Preference will be given to candidates with experience in any of the

following:

• Human resources

• Labour relations

• Occupational health

• Social services

• Law

• Education

• FOIPP

• Social advocacy



This is an excellent opportunity to work in a rewarding and pleasant environment, while enjoying competitive compensation and benefits.



To apply, send your résumé to aasua@leewayconsulting.com by August 15, 2008.

One-Year Term at Vancouver Airport

Title Communications Specialist - One Year Term

Department Airport Operations

Contact Anne Murray

Description The Vancouver Airport Authority has a one-year, full-time term position as a Communications Specialist in the Communications Department.

Key responsibilities include:

You are a proven communications professional with unwavering dedication to quality and are seeking an opportunity to add to your outstanding portfolio by joining our dynamic team.

The role of Communications Specialist requires a vast set of skills and the ability to multitask. In this position, you will assist with:

• Managing media relations
• Responding to media requests
• Writing and producing publications
• Supporting the Airport Authority’s strategic and business objectives with communications services including news releases and media events

Requirements • Undergraduate degree, or other post-secondary education, plus experience in public relations, journalism or corporate communications
• Strong writing skills with the ability to build relationships with internal and external customers, business partners and the media
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and challenging work environment
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and desktop publishing (which will assist the successful candidate with developing and updating online content for the Airport Authority’s internal and external websites)
• Ability to work weekends and evenings, when required

This position is classified as a Band 6 with a salary range of $46,368 to $60,601 based on a 37.5 hour work week.

This position is open to YVRAA employees. Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.

We are committed to employment equity and welcome applications from everyone, including women, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.

Please forward a resume and covering letter, quoting reference no. 08-55, to Human Resources, P.O. Box 23750, A.P.O., Richmond, BC, V7B 1Y7, fax (604) 232-6008, e-mail careers@yvr.ca by August 3, 2008.

Another Vancouver Posting

The Canadian Education Centre Network, a private not for profit organization promoting Canadian education around the world, seeks a Marketing and Client Services Representative to join our Western Canada client service department. In this role you will establish and maintain positive relationships with our client base and assist them to achieve their marketing goals. The ideal candidate has education in Marketing/Sales/Communication or a related field, and will possess excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills. A positive attitude, strong work ethic and a keen desire to learn are key to this role.

Please apply by July 25th, 2008 to sarah.mines@cecnetwork.ca

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

New Job Postings in Vancouver

Media Relations Manager

Laura Ballance Media Group (LBMG) is a full service media and public relations company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. LBMG is looking for an experienced media and public relations professional to join our team working on some of Vancouver and Canada’s most dynamic clients including the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Secretariat; the Forest Products Association of Canada; the Canadian Association of Wind Energy; the Pacific National Exhibition; the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair; the Vancouver International Auto Show; Disney On Ice; the Vancouver International Boat Show; and the GLOBE Foundation, among others. Our company is growing rapidly and along with big plans comes big opportunity. You will play a crucial role in achieving LBMG’s goal of becoming a leading media relations provider in British Columbia.

Reporting to the Vice President, Operations, the successful applicant will have excellent computer skills, people skills, and research skills. An interest in and knowledge of the media landscape in Vancouver and Canada is a requirement, while a working knowledge of British Columbia’s press corps is an asset.

Responsibilities:

•Maintain appropriate network with press and TV journalists.
•Maintain a list of contacts in various media.
•Liaise with journalists, organize interviews on behalf of clients, facilitate client interviews.
•Prepare press releases and issue them to appropriate media.
•Write brochures, newsletters, annual reports, fact sheets, etc
•Assist with all media relations activities, including handling routine inquiries, and media clippings and analysis.
•Ensure information is disseminated to press in a timely and efficient manner.

Qualifications:
Degree, Certificate or Diploma in Communications/Public Relations;
Minimum two years job-related experience in communications;
Strong planning, project management, research and technical skills;
Demonstrated interpersonal and problem solving skills;
Demonstrated verbal and written communications skills;
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and meet deadlines when faced with multiple requests for action from a variety of sources;
Knowledge of event based media and communications an asset;
Knowledge of government based media and communications an asset;
Knowledge of media landscape in Canada;
Excellent English skills, both verbal and written;
Flexible hours;
Minimum class 5 drivers license.

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter to: courtney@lbmg.ca by July 11.

--

The Law Society of British Columbia
MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Law Society of BC is the governing body for the legal profession in BC. The Law Society’s mandate is to protect the public interest in the administration of justice by ensuring the public is well served by a legal profession that is honourable, competent and independent. The Society brings a voice to justice issues affecting the public and the legal profession. Under the provisions of the Legal Profession Act, the Law Society is responsible for the licensing, professional conduct and discipline of the more than 11,000 lawyers in BC.

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, the Manager, Communications & Public Affairs will lead a small team in planning, developing and delivering corporate communications strategies and initiatives for The Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC). Specifically, you will create and implement strategies for handling issues management, media relations, print and online publications, community relations and events management. Your ultimate goal will be to build and enhance the already well-established profile and reputation of LSBC with a wide variety of stakeholders, regional media and government entities. This all-encompassing corporate communications role for an award winning communications department requires you to have a proven track record of success. You are recognized by your peers and contemporaries as a strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach to managing people and resources. Additionally, you are confident in providing coun sel to management while at the same time rolling up your sleeves to get the job done. In this unique and challenging position, the Manager will also be responsible for ensuring that adequate and appropriate information is provided to internal and external stakeholders, as required, and will be a representative to a broad range of media and other audiences, including governments.

As the ideal candidate you bring 5 to 7 years of experience in a proactive communications leadership role where meeting deadlines has been a way of life. You bring proven success collaborating in an environment of highcaliber professionals. You also have demonstrated competency in dealing with a range of stakeholders, including the public, other justice organizations, government and media. Experience with long term corporate communications planning will also be fundamental to your success. You are a consummate professional with well developed consultative and interpersonal competencies.

If you are ready to take on this role, building on the success of the past while creating a strategic approach for the future, and are committed to being part of a dynamic and progressive organization, please send your resume and covering letter, in confidence, to Garth Pinton or Esther McGregor at:

PINTON FORREST & MADDEN / THE CONSCIENTIA GROUP
Suite 2020, 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 2E9
Phone: 800.864.9970 / 604.689.9970
Fax: 604.689.9943
Email: pfm@pfmsearch.com
Excellence in Executive Search
--

BC Hydro
Communication Professional (Workplace Transformation Initiative)

DUTIES: The successful candidate:
Works with the Workplace Transformation Initiative (WTI) team and is responsible for communications activities
Works closely with change leads for each of the WTI programs in order to ensure consistent approach and communication.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate will have:
An undergraduate degree in Communications, Business or Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Three to five years employment experience in print journalism, and/or internal communications and external relations
Experience with writing, strong project management skills and demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, deadline driven working environment
Superior skills in composing, writing and editing communications materials, including newsletters, management reports, speeches and presentations
Highly effective verbal, listening, presentation and facilitation skills.
Solid relationship building skills and demonstrated confidence dealing with audiences at all levels
Strong business acumen and knowledge of BC Hydro´s strategic initiatives and objectives
Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential and controversial matters and respond quickly to requests for information and development of communications.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
WTI is comprised of Field Building Rebuilding (FBR), Building Revitalization (BR) and
Corporate Facilities Improvement (CFI) programs.

Interested candidates should submit their applications online at www.bchydro.com/careers (Job ID: 575897) by July 11, 2008.

At BC Hydro, our vision For Generations is about working together to make a difference for the future of all British Columbians. To achieve this goal, we live by our five core values of Safety, Integrity, Service, Accountability and Teamwork.

Safety - we integrate safety into everything we do
Integrity - we are fair, honest, open and straightforward
Service - we seek solutions and build relationships
Accountability - we take responsibility for our actions
Teamwork - we work together to achieve results

If you share our values and are ready to join a great team, we'd love to hear from you!

BC Hydro is an equal opportunity employer.