Communications and Events Assistant

The Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) is a nonprofit organization that offers the Bar admission program in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia. To be called to the Bar, candidates must article and complete CPLED's Bar admission program, Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP). CPLED is dedicated to helping students hone their practical skills and assesses how well they are able to apply their legal knowledge and skills in everyday situations. This helps ensure new lawyers are well-equipped to meet the demands of the workplace. CPLED maintains a high standard of programs and services for students to ensure a strong transition into the legal profession.

The Communications Assistant is a key member of the Operations team and works closely with team members and the Department Manager to deliver a wide range of materials, initiatives, and processes. The Assistant may be assigned projects to execute under the Manager of Operations or Department Managers. Success in this position requires excellent written skills, strong attention to detail, the ability to work collaboratively and independently, and the ability to manage time and meet deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide communication support and program assistance to the departments.
• Prepare documents and produce reports as required.
• Provide excellent customer service and develop and maintain professional working relationships with staff, other departments, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Under the direction of the Operations Manager, plan and execute events for both staff and external stakeholders as required, including booking facilities, ordering supplies, catering, tracking RSVP’s, creating name tags, etc.
• Provide day-to-day communications support to the organization in the management and upkeep of various communications channels including the internal and external website, eBulletins, social media, etc.
• Monitor digital mailboxes and triage inquiries as necessary to other departments or respond to requests for information.
• Prepare communications materials such as eBulletins, handouts, agendas, presentations, etc., and ensure distribution lists are up to date.
• Manage the communications templates (Word and PowerPoint) and help train other staff on their correct use for staying on brand.
• Adhere to and uphold the CPLED brand.
• Support the development and design of communications materials (postcards, brochures, programs), as required.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Requirements:

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure that one's own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve the organization.
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Timeliness: Commit to a deadline and meet those deadlines in a timely manner.
• Compassion: Treat internal and external customers with dignity and compassion and work with customers to find solutions within the guidelines of CPLED's policies.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or similar field.
• Adobe InDesign and basic graphic design knowledge.
• Strong writing skills and experience writing for media, including newsletters, e-communication, websites, and social media, targeting a variety of audiences.
• Strong communications (written and verbal), customer service, time management, and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail is a must.
• Strong computer skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite and desktop publishing software.
• Nice to have skills in SurveyMonkey and web content management systems (WordPress).
• Collaboration skills, with an ability to work with all individuals and groups.
• Self-starter, able to work independently with minimal supervision and take on projects as required.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Able to work occasional overtime as required, including attendance at after-hour events.

Additional Information

CPLED is partnering with the Law Society of Alberta on this search. CPLED values diversity in its workforce and equal access to opportunity. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.

Current Hybrid Work

Our current hybrid work model requires staff to have in-person time in the office and work remotely on other days. Attendance in the office is mandatory on Wednesdays and Thursdays for all staff unless exempt due to live student sessions or indicated by your Manager. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays remain flexible, allowing you to work remotely. However, you are also welcome to work three, four, or five days in the office. We believe this hybrid model will provide staff with the best of both worlds and allow us to maintain strong connections, collaboration, and productivity.