Main responsibilities

The Communications Specialist plays a key role in the Communications and Citizen Engagement Department's success by overseeing the Citizen Contact Centre and serving as the day-to-day communications leader, internally and externally, to ensure residents and employees receive the timely and accurate information they seek.

Our Citizen Contact Centre operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, to serve as the first point of contact with residents. Staff handle general enquiries, calls for Transportation Services, Enforcement Services, Transit, and the City Manager/Mayor's Office. Contact Centre personnel review our website for information gaps and monitor our social media channels, responding as appropriate.

You develop top level copy for all communications vehicles including media releases, publications, brochures, reports, e-newsletters, the website, social media, and advertising. The successful candidate will be adept in writing in a variety of styles and have top-notch oral communication skills, easing media relations and public presentations.

Your strong background in communications and knowledge of Canadian Press Style Standards allows you to share best practices with colleagues at the department level.

As a seasoned communicator, you also advise Administration on proactive tactics. Your publications background allows you to oversee magazine and document production and work closely with graphic designers and printing companies.

You are skilled at event management, photography and have strong computer skills, including demonstrated capabilities with Microsoft Office Suite. Desktop publishing experience with the Adobe Creative Suite would be an asset.

Your interpersonal skills enable you to develop and maintain strong working relationships internally and externally. You are adept at scheduling staff, undertaking performance management duties and helping staff meet key performance indicators.

You report to the Manager of Communications and Citizen Engagement and work closely to implement the work unit's business plan, Corporate Communications processes and communication plans for projects and events.

You play a key role in citizen and employee engagement activities and measuring the success of public involvement activities.

Qualifications

Three to five years' experience in a supervisory role

Post-secondary education in Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Journalism, Marketing, or equivalent experience

Municipal communications experience considered an asset

Membership in the Canadian Public Relations Society and/or International Association of Business Communicators would be an asset.

Must have a valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's License or equivalent

What we offer

As the Communications Specialist, you are at the pulse of the organization's information flow. You have the opportunity to help the organization share good news stories with residents, stakeholders and employees.

This role is vital in helping residents understand the role of local government and how their tax dollars are invested. You have the unique position of making a difference in residents participating in the community.

The City of Grande Prairie has a dynamic workforce and is a leader in workplace learning and wellness promotion.

At the City of Grande Prairie, we recognize and value that people have lives outside of work. We offer flexibility with scheduling, have higher than minimum vacation entitlements and comprehensive benefits that not only cover you when you're sick but encourage you to be well. We have wellness events, social activities, community fundraising activities and a supportive work environment where you can grow your career. The City of Grande Prairie is proud to be an Employer of Choice!

Job base location

City Hall

Hours of work

40 hours per week with some extra hours to attend meetings and events.

Salary / Wage

$40.56 to $49.38 (under review)

Selection process

Interviews will be conducted following the close date with a panel of three management staff, including a Human Resources representative.

Skill testing will occur.

It's anticipated the position will be filled in August.

Who to contact for more information?

Due to the high volume of applications that we receive per job posting, we are not able to answer job specific questions before the interview stage. If you are successful in getting to the job interview stage, we will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have at that time

Applications are being accepted until July 22, 2016