Communications Coordinator

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Media, PR and City Communications, the successful candidate will manage and support the development and implementation of communication strategies and tactical plans; contribute creative ideas and build positive working relationships within the Strategic Communications and Initiatives (SC&I) team and across the organization.

If you have experience in strategic communications and enjoy a fast-paced environment, you’re encouraged to apply. This position involves a hybrid work arrangement, combining both in-office and remote work.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other team members to research, develop and support tactical communications plans, campaigns and strategies that deliver focused and measurable results. Keep abreast of current trends on social media platforms and within public relations, communications, and public engagement.
• Understand target audiences and identify the appropriate strategic communications channels to reach them.
• Draft Communications plans and implement the tactics within timelines and budget.
• Deliver consistent, high-quality work and performance.
• Collaborate with staff within SC&I to develop and edit high-quality, compelling content (e.g., news releases, key messages, social media posts, media stories, feature articles, newsletter copy, website copy, staff messages, videos and scripts).
• Create, post and update content (e.g., website copy, media items, feature articles, newsletter copy, content for social media posts etc.) on the City's internal and external platforms (website, intranet site, SharePoint, event calendars etc.) as well as social media channels and platforms.
• Contribute creative/innovative ideas to develop content.
• Collaborate with Senior Communications Advisors and other members of the team to assist with the delivery of project work.
• Assist with tracking and reporting for projects and communications activities, which may include generating media or social analytics reports, wrap-up reports and monitoring for improvements or changes.
• Post content and manage updates for the City’s online newsroom.
• Help with co-ordination for the City’s press conferences and events, including co-ordinating venue selection, managing equipment set up, and ensuring all materials and logistics are prepared and set up in advance.
• Assist with the writing and distribution of communications materials both internally and externally (e.g., news releases, eNews, Council Corner articles, toolkits, briefing/issues notes, event calendar, media lists, pitches, etc.).
• Support the Media team with day-to-day activities (media inquiries, monitor coverage, daily clips, updating spreadsheets, pitching stories, pulling media lists, helping with metrics gathering).
• Function as an effective collaborator and team player to support the overall goals and vision of the SC&I Division.
• Participate as required within the SC&I emergency response team.
• Support the team and perform other duties as assigned including acting as a back-up for other team members.
• Must be able to attend meetings, events, and activities outside of regular business hours and on some weekends (e.g., meetings, events, emergencies or to meet deadlines).

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, or related business field.
• Minimum two to four years of professional experience in communications, media relations or public relations.
• Awareness and knowledge of municipal government, legislation, and regulations, including but not limited to, the Ontario Municipal Elections Act, the Municipal Elections Modernization Act, the Municipal Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Education Act.
• Experience and strong knowledge of how to develop engaging content and tailor messages for different media, social media channels/platforms and segmented audience groups.
• Ability to solve problems and look for creative and viable solutions.
• Experience in creating, planning, and executing tactical communications plans with a proven track record of creativity and innovative thinking.
• Strong research, analytical and planning skills required.
• Proficient in English with strong oral, reading and writing skills, along with strong editing abilities (e.g., grammar and spelling).
• Ability to create tailored content for diverse audiences.
• Proficient in English with strong oral, reading, and writing skills, along with the ability to create content tailored for diverse audiences and perform editing tasks effectively.
• Initiative-taking, proactive, flexible, and collaborative approach to work.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience with operating a DSLR camera and video camera.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask and work to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to display tact and diplomacy.
• Familiar with Canadian Press Style.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Web publishing applications (e.g., Word Press), social media platforms, video development and data analytics (e.g., Google Analytics).
• Experience in a corporate and/or municipal sector is preferred.