Chief Communications Officer full-time
Chief Communications Officer
A world-class executive opportunity with an award-winning municipal leader for a seasoned corporate communications professional!
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities, the City of Toronto is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture. The Chief Communications Officer for Canada’s largest and most multicultural city is responsible for all internal, external and digital information provided to the public, elected officials, the media, employees, and the City's partners. This is a challenging and rewarding mandate for a communications professional looking to make a bold career move.
As the new Chief Communications Officer, you will report to the City Manager and lead the City's professional communications staff in the development and execution of communication strategies and tactics, and the implementation of public service and information campaigns to advance the City's goals. The City's leadership team will count on you to deliver critical thinking and problem-solving expertise, and proactively manage emerging issues, particularly through the lens of effective communication, while ensuring that all internal and external messaging is proactive and aligned with corporate and program priorities, policies and strategies.
You are a champion of best practices in corporate communications and, as such, will ensure that the public service and executive leadership understand the importance of communication and strategies that effectively represent the City of Toronto and the public service. One of your first priorities will be the review of the City's Strategic Communications unit to ensure structure and resources are appropriately aligned to support effective communications strategies – both internally and externally – on behalf of the organization.
This senior role calls for a breadth and depth of knowledge backed by a full range of communication experience, including long-term, strategic communication plans developed through collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders. Your substantial, relevant experience may be complemented by a university degree/college diploma in the areas of communications, marketing, journalism and/or public relations. As steward of the City of Toronto brand, you will manage the City's intellectual property by leading the implementation of policies and protocols regarding adherence to the City's Corporate Identity Program and approving all designs such as logos and graphic identifiers.
As the forward-thinking Corporate Communications Officer this high-impact position demands, you bring expertise in social and digital media (Facebook, twitter, newsletters, blogs) as well as in strategic and tactical communications, media relations, crisis management, issues management and publications. You are a strong relationship builder, adept at developing meaningful, interpersonal connections at organizational and governmental levels, experienced as a chief spokesperson for an organization, and skilled in managing, mentoring and leading communications teams in multi-divisional environments.
You have a track record of success as a strong contributing member of a senior executive team, working effectively with media, the community and other key stakeholder groups, promoting cooperative relationships among all relevant stakeholders, and handling highly visible media scenarios with aplomb. An exceptional communicator, orally and in writing, you lead by example and are recognized for your creative and innovative approach, superior research, editing and proofreading skills, and acute attention to detail.
To apply to this strategic leadership position, submit your application to Phelpsgroup.ca at ec7a7333@freshgigs.ca. Application deadline: October 8, 2018.
The City of Toronto is committed to fostering a positive and progressive workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. We will provide equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the City of Toronto's Accommodation Policy, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the City's hiring process.