The City of Edmonton is seeking a talented communications professional with a keen interest in tackling complex projects to plan for Edmonton today and the future. You have a knack for sparking public interest in future-focused ideas and plans by breaking down complex concepts in a way that Edmontonians will understand easily.
The City's Urban Planning and Economy (UPE) Department is recruiting a Communications Advisor to lead communications activities that support the City's business goals. Urban Planning and Economy is a forward-looking department that plans, promotes and advocates change that moves this city towards the Edmonton envisioned by the residents we serve.
The Communications Advisor will lead communications strategies to tell the story of how UPE is planning for our growing city and how the City is preparing for the day when two million people call Edmonton home. The position will also lead communications activities to support the extensive public engagement we undertake as we plan for that growth.
What will you do? - Develop and implement communications and marketing strategies for projects, programs, initiatives and public engagement activities
- Identify opportunities to tell the City's story around how we are planning and managing Edmonton's growth
- Maintain an understanding of City Council and corporate priorities
- Maintain awareness of policies, programs and legislation from other orders of government
- Identify emerging issues, provide timely advice and implement effective issues management strategies
- Manage media relations, lead media events and monitor media activities, including supporting/coaching UPE spokespeople in preparing for media interactions. Alternatively, serve as spokesperson, as appropriate
- Review reports for City Council and prepare plans and messaging related to the public release of reports, when needed
- Lead marketing, creative/design, advertising and videography projects in collaboration with internal City teams and external contractors
- Write content to use in communications materials including news releases, newsletters, social media plans, videos, advertising, printed materials, 311 scripts and the City's website
- Other related duties, as required
Qualifications:- Degree in a communications, public relations or related field, supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs, marketing or public information position OR;
- Diploma in a communications, public relations or related field, supplemented by a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs or public information position
Asset:- Accreditation in the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS)
Skills required for success: - Considerable experience in taking complex ideas and simplifying for a broad audience
- Exceptional storytelling skills, including writing/editing content for use across a range of communications tools
- Extensive knowledge of new and existing communications principles, practices and techniques
- Considerable experience in leading and/or working with other professionals in fields such as creative design, audio/visual production and advertising coordination
- Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels of an organization, including senior leaders managing operational and policy/program areas, and contractors or consultants
- Superior issues identification, management and media relations skills
- Adeptly pivot as programs and initiatives/projects evolve as goals and objectives adjust
- Handle multiple projects with both short- and long-term deadlines
- Excellent verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills
- Strong project management and event planning skills
- Experience and proficiency with contemporary computer technologies (e.g., Google platform, Microsoft Word, etc.)
- Alignment to the City's Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework
- Alignment to the City's Cultural Commitments
- Alignment to the City's Leadership Competencies
Conditions of Employment:Work Environment:- Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52
- The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement, and the incumbent will be notified in advance.
- This position requires the successful candidate to be available for work outside of regular work hours
- Hours of work may be subject to the terms and conditions of a variable hours of work program
Up to 1 permanent full-time positionHours of Work: 33.75 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: $48.841 - $61.547 (Hourly); $86,045.63 - $108,430.43 (Annually)
Recruitment Consultant: SM / RF
