Urban Planning and Economy is looking for two highly creative, strategic, and collaborative Senior Communications Advisors to lead a team of communications professionals in the development and delivery of strategic communications plans and products. Working with a Communications and Engagement Manager and supporting an assigned client area, you will collaborate with colleagues across the department to lead internal and/or external multidisciplinary Communications and Engagement strategies and activities that are delivered on time, on budget, and are consistent with the City's reputation and programming priorities. A measure of your success will be your commitment to a service-minded orientation.
The Urban Planning and Economy (UPE) department shapes Edmonton's future by integrating Council's core priorities, Growth Management, Economic Development, Safety and Quality Services, to ensure a prosperous, sustainable, vibrant and safe city. UPE facilitates growth intentionally guided by The City Plan, coordinating land use, mobility, open spaces and public investment to ensure long-term fiscal resilience. UPE acts as a strategic growth partner, attracting commercial and industrial investment to expand the non-residential tax base. The department cultivates a business-friendly environment by streamlining regulatory processes to reduce barriers to investment and business growth. Through strong, relationship-driven partnerships, it builds trust and transparency with the business community and the public.
Ultimately, UPE balances efficient service delivery with exceptional livability and environmental stewardship, ensuring Edmonton remains a competitive, affordable and inclusive global destination as it grows toward a population of two million.
What will you do?- Develop, supervise, motivate and recruit to a high-performing team of communications professionals, demonstrating strong coaching and change management skills
- Create, refine, align and implement strategic multidisciplinary plans targeted at both internal and external audiences
- Provide direct strategic and tactical communications advice and support for projects and programs
- Collaborate with the City's media relations, marketing, engagement, and external and intergovernmental relations staff to ensure that initiatives and campaigns are comprehensive and delivered in an effective, integrated way
- Support the development of new communications channels, and the effective editorial alignment of existing channels
- Identify emerging issues and work with communications teams and clients to address them
- Track and report the team's effectiveness and efficiency in achieving intended outcomes
- Hire and manage external contractors and consultants to plan and execute communications services
Qualifications:- University graduation in a communications, public relations or a related field, supplemented by a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in a designated internal communications or public information/affairs position including experience in direct supervision of staff; OR Diploma in communications, public relations or a related field, supplemented by a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in a designated internal communications or public information/affairs position including experience in direct supervision of staff
Assets:- Experience working in a multiservice communications or marketing agency
- Certification in change management methodology or accreditation in the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS)
- Experience working with large organizations, particularly in the public sector or in an agency
Skills required for success:- Experience and extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and requirements of internal and external communication, mass communication, media relations, marketing and advertising, social media, and public relations
- Demonstrated successful experience in a sufficiently complex supervisory role, supplemented by demonstrated collaborative and team building skills
- Experience in conducting research into trends, best practices and employee feedback to optimize effective communication planning and project outcomes
- Experience in successfully creating, developing, implementing and evaluating communication plans
- Understanding of optimal mix of communications and related disciplines to achieve the best outcomes
- Superior issues identification and issues management skills
- A trusted advisor; proven client consulting and relationship building skills
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Ability to focus on customer needs, work through ambiguity, and act as a trusted advisor to a business partner that is growing and evolving
- Demonstrated ability to perform as a respectful, inclusive and engaged team member
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to apply creativity, tell a great story, and align communications products with elements of brand
- Experience and proficiency with contemporary computer technologies (e.g. Google platform, Adobe suite, video editing software, etc.)
- Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies ( https://bit.ly/4brRrXm )
- Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion
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
- Availability to attend events during the evenings and weekends may be required from time to time
Up to 2 permanent full-time positions
Hours of Work: 33.75 hours per week, Monday to Friday. This position requires the successful candidate to be available for on-call work outside of regular work hours. Hours of work may be subject to the terms and conditions of a variable hours of work program.
Salary: $52.414 - $65.871 (Hourly); $92,340.360 - $116,048.230 (Annually)
Recruitment Consultant: SM / SO
Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.
