Communications Specialist full-time

Reporting to the Manager, Communications and Public Engagement, the Communications Specialist is responsible for the following:

• In consultation with the Manager, develops and executes targeted and strategic communication plans to generate awareness of Township news and initiatives, including opportunities for community engagement.
• Executes writing and editing assignments via the internal Communications & Marketing Request process to support communications plans for Township departments and elected officials.
• Develops original, high-quality content in Canadian Press Style (e.g., media releases, speaking notes, social media posts, newsletter articles, website copy, letters, scripts, messaging for advertisements and signage).
• Gathers background information and research, performs analysis and prepares communications materials as required.
• Develops and maintains a working relationship and liaison role with local reporters from radio, television and print media that report on municipal activities. Monitors media clippings; coordinates media interviews for the Mayor or designate; writes media briefs and media statements on corporate issues as required.
• Proactively monitors timely, trending and newsworthy issues affecting citizens and identifies opportunities for storytelling (including good news and public service/interest stories) and/or improved communication approaches to mitigate potential issues.
• Provides support for organizing and executing public relations events, including photography, as required.
• Attends in-camera Council meetings as required.
• Liaises and collaborates with Township staff and cross-functional teams and committees as needed and helps provide creative solutions to communication problems.
• Exchanges information and responds to inquiries from Council, all levels of staff, other governments/agencies, media, residents, community/special interest groups, businesses and other contacts on communications matters.
• Helps maintain the Township’s website and online public engagement platform including but not limited to building and updating webpages, creating surveys, and reviewing/improving layout of content to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards.
• Regularly participates in professional development activities to remain abreast of trends. Reviews literature and keeps current with industry and communications best practices and trends.
• Handles highly sensitive and confidential communications information on corporate-wide initiatives and contentious issues.
• Assists Manager and Senior Leadership Team with tactical and strategic support on issues management and crisis communications with critical or urgent issues management, including advising on sensitive Labour relations messaging.
• Provides ongoing liaison to Council, CAO, HR Manager and the media on matters concerning labour-management relations as required.
• Member of the Emergency Operations Group, as required.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned which are consistent with the above job summary duties and are in accordance with the departmental and corporate objectives.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

The successful applicant will possess:

• University degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in the communications field, preferably in a municipal environment.
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) accreditation or Master of Communications is an asset.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with experience writing for a diverse audience and working knowledge of Canadian Press Style.
• Advanced research skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Advanced administrative, analytical, organization, time management and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Expertise in writing content for social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube).
• Proficiency in website development tools (e.g., UpnUp) and familiarity with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) accessibility standards and best practices for web.
• Proficiency in public engagement software (e.g. EngagementHQ).
• Proficiency in email marketing software (e.g., Constant Contact).
• Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud with proficiency in InDesign an asset.
• Demonstrated experience and advanced interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and confidentiality on sensitive/complex and sometimes contentious issues.
• Demonstrated political awareness/acuity.
• Ability to exercise discretion, judgment and diplomacy and to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to develop partnerships and alliances and establish positive and collaborative working relationships with all levels of staff, external organizations, general public, media, other government agencies and elected officials.
• Ability to provide advice in response to issues, initiatives and media relations.
• Working knowledge of municipal government, legislation and regulations.
• Class “G” driver’s license in good standing with reliable vehicle for use on corporate business.
• Availability to work a flexible work schedule including unscheduled overtime and modified hours to accommodate social media monitoring and response, conferences, special events, meetings and to meet deadlines.

Conditions of Employment:

• Required to work under the general supervision of the Manager in an office environment involving mental and visual concentration with frequent interruptions.
• Work involves confidential matters relating to all aspects of the municipal corporation.
• Ability to make sound decisions, manage multiple projects, use good judgementand demonstrate good time management skills.
• Some overtime will be required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Must be able to communicate in an efficient and pleasant manner with Council, the public and all levels of staff.
• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada.