Communications and Policy Assistant

Edmonton Public Library

$80K — $85K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Completed post-secondary diploma or degree and 3 years of relevant experience, preferably in municipal governance.
  • General understanding of municipal governance and knowledge of council initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare a variety of communications including briefings, speeches, and social media content.
  • Manage social media accounts and websites for the office.
  • Respond to media inquiries through research and follow-up.
  • Engage with constituents and stakeholders for inquiries via various channels.
  • Serve as point of contact for internal and external communication.
  • Attend and represent the Councillor at meetings and events, including evenings and weekends.
  • Drive strategic planning to meet the Councillor's policy objectives.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement flexibility with options to work from home and at the office.
  • Potential reimbursement for transportation costs in accordance with policy.
  • Opportunity to engage in community-focused events and initiatives.
Full Job Description
As the Councillor's Communications and Policy Assistant, you will work closely with the Councillor and Team Karhiio to further advance the vision and mission of the office.

In this role, you will work as a team, exercise considerable judgment, independence, and initiative ensuring the variety of demands that arise in the Councillor's office are handled appropriately.

What will you do?

  • Prepare correspondence, briefings, speeches, newsletters, website blogs, social media posts, presentations, and other ward communications
  • Manage social media accounts and websites
  • Review, research, and follow up with media inquiries
  • Work with the Councillor and other office staff on communication processes. Respond to constituent and stakeholder questions and concerns, by phone, email, or in-person, either provide requested information or direct requests appropriately to City Administration
  • Be the point of contact for internal departments and external groups and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and information sharing with the Councillor and other office staff
  • Attend meetings and events as appropriate with the Councillor (or on behalf of when appropriate), and establish a strong network within the ward and City. This will include evening and weekend events and meetings as needed
  • Drive strategic planning and execution for the ward office to deliver on the Councillor's policy vision and platform
  • Independently engage in policy development, research, and synthesis on an as-needed basis including preparing briefings, recommendations, and reports to the Councillor
  • Organize and coordinate the logistics for relevant ward events and activities including preparing all materials and on-site requirements
  • Coordinate the Councillor's schedule including arranging meetings, appointments, and community/ward events
  • Create and maintain documentation, procedures, trackers, databases, and other office management systems to manage information flow and records (i.e., inbox and email management)


Qualifications:

  • Completed post-secondary diploma or degree and 3 years progressively responsible experience in a related role or field preferred. A master's degree is an asset
  • General understanding of municipal governance and related issues, and knowledge of council initiatives


Assets:

  • Familiarity with issues and local context within Ward Karhiio
  • A valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license (or provincial equivalent) or higher


Skills required for Success:

  • Strong interpersonal and community organizing/building skills including the ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals including internal departments, community groups, agencies, and industry.
  • Ability to effectively use word processing software, Google Suite (Google Docs/Apps), social media accounts, and design and multimedia apps (Canva, CapCut)
  • Considerable knowledge and skill in the operation of electronic hardware and software and knowledge of communications media requirements (social, print, television, radio) and related fields of printing, photography, video, multimedia and graphic design
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, formal and informal. Knowledge of other languages is an asset
  • Ability and confidence to deal effectively with the public, City employees, other Council members, the Mayor's office and other Governments
  • Exceptional ability to recognize politically sensitive issues and bringing matters of priority to the Councillor's attention
  • Strong analytical thinking skills to solve problems and make informed decisions using thoughtful reasoning and comprehensive analysis skills
  • Demonstrate ability to summarize reports, research and analyze information, and write correspondence
  • Ability to professionally handle conflict using effective listening and de-escalation techniques
  • Demonstrate service excellence, embracing diversity and promoting inclusion
  • Demonstrate a strong ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment while managing individual projects independently
  • Demonstrate alignment with the City of Edmonton Cultural Commitments of Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, fostering an environment for others to do the same. For more information on the City's Cultural Commitments, please visit http://bit.ly/3bH2Ztv
  • Demonstrate the foundational competencies, key behaviours and attributes of the City's six leadership competencies: Courage, Inclusivity, Values-Based Influencer, Collaborative Networker, Systems Thinker and Creative Innovator. For more information on the City's leadership competencies, please visit http://bit.ly/2PLbz1w


Conditions of Employment:

  • Candidates will be required to arrange their own transportation and where appropriate will be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy. This may require the candidate to obtain business use auto insurance


Work Environment:

  • Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite
  • Availability to attend events during the evenings and weekends will be required from time to time
  • This is a public facing role and requires engagement and interaction with diverse people from various backgrounds with different needs, expectations and emotional states


Up to 1 full-time term position that may continue until October 24, 2029

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $80,216.78 - $85,000.00 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: SM / SB

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

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