Communications and Engagement Advisor

Job Description

Section: Communications and Engagement

Division: Strategic Initiatives and Communications

Department: Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

Initial Reporting Location: Tom Davies Square

Job Status: Permanent position

Number of Vacancies: 1

Union Affiliation: CUPE 4705 Inside Unit

Hours of Work: 70 hours bi-weekly

Shift Work Required: No

Range of Pay: Group 13 - $37.89 to $46.37 per hour

The start date will follow the selection process.

Main Function: To provide communications services, reputation management, strategic counsel and community engagement support for CGS.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement and evaluate communications programs and channels that directly support the business goals of the City and enhance its overall reputation with key stakeholders.
• Consult with internal clients, including Senior Management team members, directors, managers, employees, and community stakeholders (as appropriate) to understand their business goals, drivers and risks, and provide advice to recommend appropriate communications programs, channels and target audiences, both internal and external, to drive the desired outcomes.
• Implement communication tactics in support of overall Communications’ plans, including but not limited to writing, print publications, social media tools, website content, events, speechwriting, key messages, briefing notes, presentation materials, media relations and advertising.
• Deal with sensitive/confidential information (e.g. regarding communications, and policy matters).
• Provide public relations direction, training and assistance to CGS staff. Oversee and instruct activities of students and interns.
• Research and write content for website, digital media, marketing campaigns, promotional items, informational flyers, brochures, speeches and speaking notes, presentations, letters, briefing notes and other for internal clients to enable them to build public understanding for CGS issues/programs, internally, and externally.
• Develop and monitor budgets for Communications’ programs and campaigns in co-operation with departmental staff.
• Establish effective media relations, co-ordinate responses to media inquiries for CGS departments. Monitor the media and emerging issues to gauge trends and identify issues.
• Co-ordinate communications programs and activities with community groups and all levels of government on behalf of CGS and elected representatives as appropriate. Ensure all information provided to the public is consistent with CGS’s corporate goals and Corporate Communications Strategy.
• Supervise communications projects from conception to final production, including graphics design, translation, printing, and e-media components and provide day-to-day direction and guidance to students, contract employees, volunteers and contractors associated with these projects.
• Provide guidance, information and advice to CGS officials, management and staff with regards to the provision and delivery of French language services. Support client departments in assessing their ability to provide services in French in accordance with CGS policy, and monitor implementation of the French Language Services Policy.
• Support departments in responding to inquiries received in French as well as inquiries or complaints on matters pertaining to the City’s French language services policies.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholder groups, including members of the media, government officials, community groups, and members of the French speaking community.
• Identify and monitor new trends to ensure CGS’s communications strategies are inclusive, consistent, innovative, and effective.
• Act as corporate spokesperson for the media as required.
• Participate in the City’s emergency response plan as Emergency Information Officer, as required.
• Co-ordinate CGS’s overall web presence in conjunction with staff in the Information Technology Section. Oversee the development of content, design, and navigation of the sites, in both English and French ensuring citizens/Employees can access information with ease. Work with Departments to effectively maintain CGS websites.
• Manage outside vendors, as needed, to ensure the production of high quality, cost effective communication materials.
• Provide training to CGS staff on CGS websites. Assist in the diagnosis of problems by troubleshooting the system, the application, the process, or other related information or asset.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of CGS’s Safety Manual and the applicable Provincial Legislation listed therein.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education and Training

• Successful completion of a College Diploma in communications, public relations, or related field.
• Training in website development and new media will be considered an asset.
• Professional accreditation an asset; Accredited Public relations (APR), Accredited Business Communicator (ABC).

Experience

• Over two and one-half (2½) years up to and including five (5) years of recent experience in the field of communications.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work with minimal supervision with a high degree of exactness and with a collaborative approach.
• Excellent ability to use judgement, diplomacy, tact and collaborative project management skills.
• Strong professional relationship building and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated focus on customer service.
• Adaptable in a fast-paced environment; ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment and accurately complete multiple assignments under tight deadlines.
• Strong and effective project management skills including clear tactical planning and commitment to achieving deliverables.
• Knowledge of computer software and administrative systems (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet applications, Adobe Acrobat, information input and retrieval), as well as hardware and related processes (e.g. graphic design, internet, content management system).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a highly political and complex environment.
• Ability to link client programs to broad policy objectives of the organization.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent research and analytical skills as well as strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of community and related issues.
• Knowledge of media and communication processes and procedures.
• Experience as a media spokesperson.
• Knowledge of new media platforms, their mechanics, functionalities, assets, drawbacks and applications.
• Excellent use of English; verbally and in writing.
• French language skills considered an asset.
• Satisfactory health, attendance and former employment history.
• Physical capability to operate a vehicle safely, possession of a valid driver’s licence and an acceptable driving record, will be considered an asset.

Competencies

Competency Library - Level 2 Proficiency (Individual Contributor)

Development Opportunity

This job is also being posted as a development opportunity. Should there be no fully qualified candidate for this position, a candidate who can be expected to meet the required qualifications within a reasonable period of time may be considered for this position as a development opportunity.

Development opportunity range of pay: $35.12 to $44.31 per hour. The successful candidate will be paid at the reduced range until the minimum qualifications have been met.