Are you the Communications Consultant we’re looking for?

Do you have a passion for being in the know? Do you start every day getting up to speed on what’s happening in your city and around the world? Does the idea of working with a wide range of clients from a variety of industries excite you? Then this job may be for you.

COMPANY PROFILE:

Elettra Communications is full service communications agency that offers stakeholder communications, media relations, event management, and social media services. Our clients include Granville Island, YVR, Emily Carr University, Cactus Club Cafe, Harbour Centre, and GWL Realty Advisors.

We are a team of smart, informed, resourceful, quality-driven, and accountable individuals. We currently have an opening for a dynamic Communications Consultant.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Writing and project management form the core responsibilities of this position. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Stakeholder Communications

• Planning campaigns, managing projects, and creating budgets, timelines and status reports.
• Producing compelling communications materials (written and visual).

Media Relations

• Executing media relations campaigns, which includes preparing written and visual materials, researching and crafting story angles, and pitching media.
• Preparing spokespeople for media interviews and assisting with formal media training sessions.

Events

• Supporting the development of comprehensive event plans and working with suppliers to create top-notch event solutions.
• Handling event logistics, collateral production, and aspects of project management.

Digital

• Developing social media content calendars, creating content and managing paid ad campaigns.
• Working with videographers to produce compelling videos to support campaigns.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES:

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following attributes:

• Smart: You are sharp and quick-thinking.
• Informed: You’re a newshound who is informed about our city and our country.
• Resourceful: You are not daunted by obstacles or uncertainty. You simply find a way to get it done.
• Quality-driven: You are dedicated to producing work of the highest standard.
• Accountable: You keep your commitments. You take responsibility and ownership over your work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, Arts, Marketing, or Public Relations.
• 3-6 years’ direct experience in a public relations or communications environment.
• Exceptional writing skills. You write clear and sophisticated prose in a variety of styles.
• Experience in communications project management, working with multiple suppliers, managing timelines and budgets.
• Strong knowledge of regional/national media landscape.
• Proven success in conducting media relations campaigns.
• Experience developing social media content calendars, creating content and managing paid social ad campaigns.
• The following are considered assets: Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency; photography skills; WordPress skills; experience with video production; agency experience.

POSITION DETAILS:

This is a permanent, full-time position. While we encourage work-life balance, the nature of our industry means that you will occasionally be asked to respond to media/client inquiries and work at events outside of the 9-5, Monday-Friday work week.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary based on your experience
• Extended medical
• Downtown office close to transit
• Annual professional development grant
• Mobile phone plan subsidy
• Guidance and mentorship from PR industry veterans
• A group of coworkers who love discussing current affairs and politics just as much as you do

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Demonstrate your exceptional writing skills by sending a well-crafted cover letter and resume to careers@elettra.ca.

Application closing date: March 28, 2018

Elettra was a awarded a silver in the Canadian Public Relations Society's National Awards of Excellence. Our win came in the Special Events PR category and recognized our work on the Urban Grind campaign for Harbour Centre. Gwen Hardy proudly accept the honour at the CPRS National Conference in Kelowna. 

This week we’re delighted to welcome our new intern, Victoria Giddings. Victoria is a Marketing Communications student at BCIT and will be spending her 9-week practicum at Elettra.

In 2015, Victoria left Smithers, B.C., the small-town in which she grew up in to pursue a career in Public Relations. She has always loved the city of Vancouver, which is what brought her to the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). She is in her final semester at BCIT and is looking forward to starting a career in PR at Elettra Communications. Her time at BCIT has prepared her for the real-world, and she is so excited to bring innovative and fresh ideas into the workplace.

Before focusing on her career, Victoria worked many years in the restaurant industry and traveled extensively after high school graduation. Her passion for traveling has taken her to Europe, South East Asia, USA, and Australia. She enjoys experiencing new cultures, particularly through food, music and art. Understanding the world and what makes it tick is something that will continuously inspire Victoria to explore and communicate with people.

During her free time, Victoria can be found snowboarding in Whistler, exploring the city, or trying out the latest ethnic restaurants in Vancouver. 

Bob Lindsay, Owner, Lift Bar and Grill, Soojin Park, Lift Executive Chef, and Damon Wong, General Manager, SSP Canada

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomed a new full-service restaurant, Lift Bar & Grill, in January.  Inspired by the original location in downtown Vancouver, passengers are now able to enjoy Lift’s well-known selection of seasonal cuisine with a focus on local seafood offerings. 

Centrally located in the international terminal, the restaurant is wrapped around the airport’s iconic aquarium (with more than 850 indigenous sea animals), and is designed to draw on a coastal waters theme.  This is evident in both the interior detailing with tones of warm oak, steel blue and charcoal greys as well as the menu, featuring Oceanwise certified seafood. 

Scott Norris, Vice President, Commercial Development, Vancouver Airport Authority said, “YVR provides the first and last impression of British Columbia, so we are delighted to welcome Lift Bar & Grill to bring our passengers a unique West Coast dining experience.”

In partnership with YVR, Elettra invited food media, bloggers and influencers to the launch event, where they were treated to Lift Executive Chef Soojin Park’s incredible tasting menu.  Before becoming a chef, Soojin studied Inorganic Chemistry, which now fuels her passion for molecular gastronomy and understanding of food composition.

Soojin’s beautifully plated bite-sized portions were well received by attending media, served with New Zealand wine from the Marlborough Sounds region.

Lift’s location post-security means that travelers can take advantage of YVR Food on the Fly – any YVR restaurant provides fresh food and snacks packaged especially for your flight in a travel-friendly bag.

Be sure to check out Lift next time you’re flying internationally through YVR.

Congrats to our friends at Burritt Bros. Carpets who just enjoyed a huge week in the Vancouver Sun.

First, there was this Business section article and video about how Harvey Burritt, Keith Donegani, and Chris Dragan have turned their 110-year-old carpet business around through sheer determination, guts, and, frankly, just being really good people.

And then today, Rebecca Keillor featured the Burritt's in this beautiful story about rug trends. 

In our humble opinion, it couldn't happen to a better group of people. Congrats to the whole Burritt Bros. team on your amazing new space in the River Design Quarter! And here's to the next 110 years of success!

VRCA Outstanding Woman in Construction Libby Rowe (in middle) with Lindsey Dru from Canadian Construction Women and Danielle Johannes from the SuperSae Group of Companies.

Showcasing the finest in B.C.’s construction industry

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) recognized the finest in B.C.’s construction industry at its 28th Annual Awards of Excellence, held last night at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

This year’s competition attracted more than 150 entrants and shone the spotlight on 45 projects representing approximately $1.3 billion in construction value.  A total of 23 awards were presented including 14 Gold awards, 7 Outstanding Achievement Awards, a Judges’ Award and a Heritage Award. 

"Through these awards we shine a light on the dedication and professionalism that our members bring to their projects - the complex, state-of-the-art infrastructure that we citizens use every day," says Fiona Famulak, President of the VRCA.

Standout projects included the Audain Art Museum and Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre, each receiving two Gold Awards.  In addition, multiple projects at YVR and UBC were recognized including YVR’s A-B Connector and Expedited Transfer Facility, as well as UBC’s Student Union Building, District Energy Centre, and the DES Phase 6-9 DPS & UBC Phase 6 & 7 ETS. 

Division 15 Mechanical Ltd and Houle Electric Ltd. were among the evening’s top winners.  Division 15 Mechanical won Member of the Year and Gold in the Mechanical Contractors Award - over $8 Million category for the UBC DES Phase 6-9 DPS & UBC DES Phase 6&7 ETS, in addition to two Silver Awards. 

Meanwhile, Houle Electric took home Gold in the Electrical Contractors Award - $2-$8 Million category for the Northern Rockies Regional Recreational Centre, Safety Award for superior safety record in the category of Trade Contractor 200,000 or more personhours, and the Innovation and Productivity Award for the Connected Snow Removal Camera Solution.

This year, the judges reviewed and recognized two truly impressive project submissions neither of which fitted into existing award categories.  Britco LP received the Judges’ Award for their contribution to the Bella Bella Staff Housing Project, Canada’s first multi-unit modular Passive House. Vintage Woodworks Inc. took home the Heritage Award for its restoration work as part of the MNP Tower.

“While these awards celebrate the achievements of the construction industry’s finest companies, they also provide insight into where the industry as a whole is heading,” said Tony Everett, Chair of the Awards of Excellence Judging Panel.  “This year, our Judging Panel noted a number of key trends amongst the winners that include the use of wood, the number of live sites, and the emergence of high-efficiency heating and cooling systems from overseas.”

For a full list of winners, click here. 

Our client Meetingmax today had their op-ed featured in the Vancouver Sun. Check out President and CEO Jeff Duncan's thoughts on why the meetings industry should embrace the collaborative economy.  

We are thrilled to bits to be working with the fine folks at Suquet Interiors on their PR launch.

Check out our news release to learn about the great story behind this Vancouver interiors brand:

Suquet Interiors Unveils Yaletown Retail Shop

New gallery-style shop features an eclectic collection of objects for the home

Vancouver, BC; June 13, 2016 – Suquet Interiors has announced the official opening of its new Yaletown showroom. The stunning space is as much a gallery of striking design pieces selected from around the world, as it is a shop offering luxury furnishings and objects for the home. The 4,200 square foot Homer Street space beautifully demonstrates how to artfully blend rustic, traditional, modern, and edgier style elements. 

Design-savvy Vancouverites will be familiar with the Suquet Interiors name. Originally founded by architects Georgina Tapia and the late Ramon Masana, Suquet was known for the magnificent and massive stone fireplaces and facades that it first imported from Mexico and Europe, and then began producing locally.  Suquet’s beloved stonework can still be found in homes and restaurants, and on retail exteriors across the city.

The new Suquet Interiors is a retail-focused operation helmed by the original founders’ son, Ramon Masana Tapia, and his business partner, Rick Bohonis, co-founder and past-president of national interiors chain, Urban Barn. While the original handcrafted Suquet stone fireplaces have pride of place in the new shop, they sit alongside diverse range of furniture and housewares selected by Masana Tapia and Bohonis.

“Suquet has a rich history. What we’ve created in this new space is both an ode to my parents and a leap forward into something much more eclectic,” says Masana Tapia. “Our collection reflects a design aesthetic in which rustic and traditional pieces nestle perfectly alongside modern, even edgy pieces.”

The collection is diverse and luxurious, whether it’s a live-edge teak table from Indonesia, a ceramic urn from Vietnam, leather camp chairs from Texas Rover Company, or a superhero-inspired surfboard mosaic by artist Jason Dussault. 

“Our collection reflects the way people are designing their home today,” says Bohonis. “It’s no longer about the strict adherence to a single style or era, but rather a focus on beautiful, singular pieces, collected over time, that together make the home an expression of self.”

“And while we’ve certainly chosen the pieces that inspire us in that way, part of our vision is the act of creation with our customers,” continues Bohonis. “Discovering the things that bring our customers joy will play a big role in how Suquet evolves.”

 Suquet’s selection of fine art is curated by Art Director, Jennifer Angers Daerendinger. She has lovingly selected pieces from respected local and international artists, including Justin Oglivie, Jason Dussault, and Tanya Slingsby.

 Suquet Interiors is located at 1014 Homer Street in Vancouver. The shop is open from 10am – 6pm Monday – Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sunday. http://suquetinteriors.com

Our intern, Sara MacIntosh, shares her tips for creating a digital content calendar.

Engaging your audiences online is one part art, one part consistent effort. If you’re responsible for your organization’s social media, the need for content may feel like it’s never ending.  Keeping up is challenging, but a content calendar can help you take a strategic approach to both storytelling and time management.

A content calendar (AKA an editorial calendar) is simply an outline that lists your social media channels and plots out content opportunities over a given time period. It typically includes post copy, relevant links, and an indication of the images and video you’ll use. At a glance, you’ll be able to see what is to be posted and when, making gaps or overlapping content easy to spot.

Here are my five tips for creating an effective content calendar:

1.     Start with a solid understanding of your audiences. Which of your social media channels reach which of your audiences? And what kind of content is the audience interested in? Not all of your content will be appropriate for every channel.

2.     Determine the calendar range and set a frequency. Identify the amount of time you are working with. Are you planning for week? A month? Working month-to-month is often a good place to start. You get the benefits of planning ahead without the information gaps that might exist with longer range planning. Frequency is important to consider – some organizations will post multiple times a day, while for others a few times per week will be sufficient. Either way, if you set an explicit frequency goal, you are more likely to achieve it. 

3.     Identify the stories you want to tell. What does your organization have to say? Are you making announcements, launching new products? What insights can your leadership team offer on your industry? When you don’t have internal stories to share are there universal topics that you can tag onto (eg: holidays, larger news stories)?

4.     Words + visuals = content. The words you use to tell the story are important, but no social media post is complete without an image or a video. Write posts and source images ahead of time where appropriate. Whenever possible, include a call to action in the post.

5.     Pre-schedule your posts. Social media management tools like Hootsuite are a community manager’s best friend. They allow you to pre-schedule posts, helping reduce the pressure of posting on the fly. Having said that, it’s important leave some room in your social media plan for spontaneity. The real social media magic happens through genuine conversation with your audiences – and that can’t be scheduled!

Elettra Communications provides social media strategy and content development services. We build content calendars for all platforms. Contact us at info@elettra.ca.

We are excited to welcome our new PR Consultant Sarah Hitchings to the Elettra team this week.

Hailing from New Zealand, Sarah brings extensive PR experience, having worked in the field for more than six years on a diverse client portfolio.

Working for Vancouver Fashion Week as PR and Media Coordinator in April was a natural fit as her first PR role in Canada, after working with New Zealand Fashion Week for several years.   Prior to this, her previous role back home saw her working for one of NZ’s top not-for-profit specialization agencies, working alongside charities, social-change organizations, and top NFP clients. 

Sarah’s career has seen her launch New Zealand’s first Kickstarter campaign, she account managed Deaf Aotearoa’s New Zealand Sign Language Week and Diabetes New Zealand Awareness Weeks, and was appointed Social Media Liaison for the Rise Up Christchurch Global Telethon (after the devastating Christchurch earthquakes in 2011).  She is passionate about niche communities, evolving technologies, social good, awareness weeks, and small business.

Seeking adventure, snow, and the world’s best maple syrup, Sarah packed her bags and moved to Canada in October 2015, and has embraced the Vancouver lifestyle enthusiastically.  When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her writing, biking to yoga at Dude Chilling Park, camping, ice-skating or snowboarding. 

Sarah is excited to get stuck in and achieve great PR for Elettra clients, and we are delighted to have her at the agency.

It's been a busy spring at Elettra, and we're delighted to welcome a slate of new clients to our agency:

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) is the voice of the construction industry in the Lower Mainland, representing more than 700 members. We'll be partnering with them on media relations, communications strategy, and content development.

Suquet Interiors is a stunning new Yaletown shop offering original and exclusive furniture and objects for the home. We'll be working with them on a media relations launch and event.

PARC Retirement Living builds and operates premium retirement residences where the focus is on living well. Elettra will provide media training and media relations services to PARC.

Since 1996, JYSK has been offering Canadians "Quality for Less". With a passion for Scandinavian design, they offer furniture and accessories with a sense of sophistication at affordable prices. We're working with JYSK on native advertising.

A big welcome to all. We're looking forward to working with you!

We are pleased to welcome our new intern, Sara MacIntosh, to the Elettra Communications team. Sara is a second year Marketing Communications student at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Throughout her two years at BCIT, she has strengthened her communications skills and developed her ability to create digital content

During her free time, Sara enjoys photography and writing and exploring the city to find new restaurants. She is very passionate about food and visually showcasing food.  When she isn’t with camera in hand, you can find her curled up on the couch with a good book or planning a new adventure.

Through her years at BCIT, Sara has become more interested in the communications industry and how event and digital marketing can help improve communications plans. These interests have led her to the joining the world of public relations in Vancouver. She will be joining us at Elettra for the next eight weeks working on everything PR. She can’t wait to put her BCIT knowledge to work in the industry setting.

Welcome to the team, Sara!

Elettra’s Leanne Kedrosky wrote the following post on why switching to a standing desk was right for her.

A month ago I switched to a standing desk for two reasons. One is that I have scoliosis, which is a back condition that makes it difficult to sit all day without pain. Second, sitting for a long period of time makes me feel lethargic and I wanted to evaluate if standing more would boost my energy. After purchasing the Oristand, a cardboard standing desk creating by Hootsuite founder Ryan Holmes, here is what I found:

1.    I really do have more energy! The 3 o’clock slump doesn’t crush my productivity like it used to. Instead, I can crush my work without feeling the need or a midday coffee and at the end of the day I feel ready to head to the gym or tackle the evening’s activities.  

2.    I feel better physically. I’ll admit, it takes some effort to keep good posture when standing all day, but it has made a big difference for my back. The soreness that used to show up in my back daily has pretty much disappeared.

After having such a positive experience to switching to a standing desk, I decided to do a little research to back up my claims. As it turns out, it has been argued on the TED stage that sitting is considered the new smoking because it can be so bad for your body in the long term. I’m extremely happy with the results from my little energy experiment this month and will continue to stand up for standing desks moving forward.