Senior Communications Advisor

Job Summary

Are you a strategic communicator with a passion for storytelling, employee engagement, and equity-driven initiatives? Join the City of Mississauga and help shape the way we connect, inspire, and inform our workforce.

Reporting to the Supervisor of Protocol, Events, and Employee Communications, the Senior Communications Advisor plays a key role in driving impactful internal communications across all levels of the organization. In this dynamic position, you’ll provide strategic advice and hands-on support to develop and execute communications strategies that align with the City’s priorities—particularly in the areas of employee engagement, leadership communications, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

You’ll collaborate with stakeholders across departments to craft clear, meaningful messages that reflect our values and culture. Your ability to build strong relationships, think proactively, and identify opportunities to elevate the employee experience will be essential in positioning Mississauga as a municipal leader in inclusive, people-first communications.

If you're ready to make a difference where it matters most—within a diverse, forward-thinking public service organization—we want to hear from you.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and writing of corporate employee messages for City Manager/Chief Administrative Officer and Human Resources as well as other business areas;
• Plan and deliver effective employee communications using a variety of platforms and tools (e.g. email, Intranet including updating the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) internal web page);
• Support internal EDI communications activities aimed at raising awareness regarding the City’s commitment, programs and progress;
• Provide support on the implementation of new projects and initiatives related to equity, diversity and inclusion;
• Create compelling content and storytelling campaigns that are inclusive, motivate employees and encourage engagement at all levels;
• Develop and implement strategic communication plans;
• Research and write content (e.g., news releases, staff messages, feature articles, corporate reports, web content and newsletter copy);
• Develop and foster strong relationships with internal business areas to effectively recommend and deliver strategic communications that support work plans;
• Liaise with senior leadership to provide strategic communications counsel on messaging, strategic planning and the development of relevant core materials;
• Provide issues management/communications advice;
• Coordinate and deliver City/employee events;
• Understand target audiences and assess appropriate strategic communications needs and provide strong recommendations;
• Work effectively with stakeholders;
• Ensure consistency, demonstrate effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance;
• Protect, support and maintain the City’s reputation and vision;
• Support a culture of innovation and continuous improvement;
• Participate in inter-departmental teams and/or act as a representative on committees as required;
• Participate as a member of the Strategic Communication & Initiatives Emergency Management Team;
• Attend City events, workshops and other initiatives to promote further understanding and learning;
• Perform other related duties as assigned;
• Must be able to attend meetings, events and activities outside of regular business hours and some weekends (e.g. meetings, events, emergencies or to meet deadlines).

Skills and Qualifications

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in communications, mass media or public relations with a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in communication/issues management;
• Minimum of five years of progressive business experience with a proven track record in corporate communications;
• Demonstrated knowledge in EDI principles and up-to-date knowledge in this area;
• Demonstrated continuous learning in the EDI field;
• Sound political judgment, creativity, initiative, diplomacy and staying calm under pressure;
• A high performer with the ability to work independently or as part of a team;
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, manage and balance competing priorities, work with highly confidential and sensitive information in a fast-paced, high-demand environment;
• Ability to quickly problem-solve, look for creative and viable solutions;
• Ability to communicate with honesty, sensitivity, diplomacy, confidentiality and deal tactfully with the team and all levels of the organization;
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, writing content for a diverse audience;
• Ability to work proactively, creatively, collaboratively and effectively as a member of a large team;
• Excellent skills and knowledge working with MS Office, databases, spreadsheets, presentation software, Content Management Systems (CMS), data analytics;
• Experience in a corporate and/or municipal sector is preferred;
• Ability to work flexible work hours including weekends/evenings/holidays (as needed);
• Ensures consistency, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and innovation;
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) accreditation, Communication Management Professional (CMP), Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP), Accredited in Public Relations (APR) through the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), Master of Communications Management (MCM) or equivalent certification is a desired asset;
• EDI certification an asset;
• Ability to speak one of Mississauga’s top five languages is an asset (Chinese languages, Urdu, Polish, Punjabi or Arabic).