Communications Advisor

Job Summary

Reporting to the Supervisor, Employee Communications and Events, the successful candidate will provide communications-related support to City clients/departments with a specific emphasis on supporting official City events, programs and business area communications. 

In keeping with the City’s Strategic Plan and key business priorities, the successful candidate will build effective relationships with the City’s internal teams and pro-actively seek opportunities to promote and identify communications opportunities, and develop creative and innovative approaches to storytelling that help showcase City programs, services, projects and achievements. 

Duties and Responsibilities

•    Plan, execute and evaluate official City events, including coordination, protocol, promotions, media relations and social media
•    Develop and/or assist in the development and implementation of internal/external communication plans (strategic, tactical and operational)
•    Create and deliver high-quality communications materials across a variety of channels, including websites, social media, newsletters, feature stories, speeches, speaking notes, presentations, event materials and other internal and external communications products.
•    Create and distribute media pitches and materials to promote City events and initiatives
•    Provide communication advice, consultation and assistance on corporate initiatives, programs and projects
•    Receive and respond to information inquiries from the general public, interest groups, media and other governments regarding City/department events or programs
•    Proactively identify and manage issues to maintain the reputation of the City
•    Participate as a member of the Strategic Communication & Initiative Division’s Emergency Management Team
•    Keep abreast of new developments in public relations, communications and public engagement through professional associations and networking, identifying new trends and improvements
•    Attend City events, workshops and other initiatives to promote further understanding of internal teams/business areas
•    Support team, programs, new initiatives, and perform other duties as assigned including acting as a back-up for team members

Skills and Qualifications

•    Post-secondary degree or diploma in communications, public relations or related business field  
•    Minimum of three years of professional experience in communications/public relations or related business field
•    Demonstrated experience creating, planning and executing event and communications plans with a proven track record of creativity and innovative thinking
•    Excellent research, report writing and planning skills required
•    Excellent skills and knowledge working with MS Office, Excel, SharePoint, presentation software, Content Management Systems (CMS), social media tools and platforms and basic desk top design publishing experience required
•    Proactive, flexible and collaborative approach to work
•    Strong attention to detail
•    Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while juggling competing priorities
•    Ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, discretion and professionalism in a politically sensitive environment
•    Experience dealing with senior leaders, dignitaries and/or elected officials
•    Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging content for diverse audiences
•    Demonstrated ability to research, benchmark and keep current with communication and protocol trends
•    Proven ability to write and edit a wide range of communications materials, including news releases, speeches, briefing notes, key messages, presentations, newsletters, web content and social media content
•    Demonstrated ability to research and write information materials including brochures, news releases, speaking notes and correspondence
•    Ability to understand, research, benchmark industry best practices and apply them to the City processes/protocols to support continuous improvement
•    Experience with photography, video production and visual storytelling is considered an asset. 
•    Knowledge of municipal government processes, protocols and policies is considered an asset. 
•    Experience in a municipal, public sector or corporate environment is preferred. 
•    Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, is required.