Description

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement, this position will lead a team of communication professionals in delivering public engagement, digital communications, internal communications, media relations, issues management, crisis communications and marketing campaigns. This position supports effective City decision-making by ensuring appropriate public engagement strategies and techniques are deployed. 

The individual will be highly organized and politically astute, with a proven ability to manage multiple emerging priorities with concurrent projects and deadlines, and with a high capacity for adaptability in a dynamic and vibrant environment. For each project and overall operational responsibilities, the individual will be capable of identifying target audiences, potential issues, budget constraints, competing organizational priorities, and appropriate communications tools and techniques. The individual will have proven experience leading and motivating staff to perform at an elevated level so as to deliver on a wide variety of projects and service mandates.

Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate community dedicated to shaping our city’s future. If you're looking to take on a leadership role in a progressive and growing city and make a significant impact on our city’s engagement efforts, we invite you to apply.

Requirements

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices  and techniques of communications and public engagement, including corporate communications, internal communications, media relations, issues management, marketing and branding, and digital media.
• Demonstrated experience with complex public and stakeholder consultation and engagement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of the municipal government, as well as strong familiarity with the political and administrative functioning of other orders of government.
• Expert skills in developing messages for a variety of audiences; telling the City’s story through traditional, visual and digital media.
• Expert written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver media materials, reports and presentations.
• Adept in use of marketing, promotional, social media and engagement platforms.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills with a demonstrated track record of the ability to create, nuture and sustain positive internal and external relationships including with all City departments, government officials, municipal and community partners, media and members of the public.
• Advanced skills in people management practices for direct reports, capable of creating and sustaining a respectful and productive work environment that inspires teamwork, creativity, enthusiasm and positive results. Ability to lead, motivate, coach and develop staff in a unionized environment.
• Strong political acumen and critical thinking skills with the ability to adapt to political priorities and anticipate emerging issues.
• Strong organizational skills supported by the ability to problem-solve and manage integrated communications strategies and plans.
• Strong ability to pivot quickly and adapt to responding to emerging issues and needs in a time sensitive manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The knowledge, skills, and experience required for this job are usually obtained through a recognized bachelor’s degree in communications, business administration, public administration or other related discipline with minimum 5 years' experience in a progressively senior communications, media relations or public engagement roles, preferably within a municipality or similar environment. Additionally, 3-5 years  of management experience leading a team of employees in a professional capacity is required.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Expertise in International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) spectrum and/or public engagement best practices.