Senior Officer, Communications

City of Ottawa

$85K — $104K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4-year degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
  • Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in communications or media relations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign, plus photography and videography skills.
  • In-depth understanding of city governance and local current events.
  • Bilingual in French and English, with strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with internal partners to enhance media relations strategies.
  • Engage with journalists and manage media inquiries with professionalism.
  • Develop and coordinate public awareness and corporate communications initiatives.
  • Provide strategic communications support for city-wide events and initiatives.
  • Monitor and respond to current events impacting the city's media landscape.

Benefits

  • Full-time permanent and temporary positions available.
  • Work hours are 35 hours per week.
  • Opportunity to engage with high-profile issues in public media relations.
  • Support the City of Ottawa in its strategic communications efforts.
Full Job Description
Requisition ID: 22603
Department: Public Info & Media Relations
Service: Media Relations&Legislative Sup Service
Branch: Media Relations Branch
Employment Type: 1 Full Time Permanent Position and 1 Full Time Temporary Position (Up to 1 Year)
Work Hours: 35.00 hours per week
Affiliation: CIPP
Salary Information: $85 947,68 - $104 577,20 annually (2025 rates of pay)
Location: City Hall,110 Laurier Avenue West
City: Ottawa, ON
Job Category: Administrative and Support Services
Application Close: 16/06/2026

JOB SUMMARY

The mandate of Public Information and Media Relations (PIMR) is to ensure communications efforts are aligned with the City's priorities and plans while providing strategic communications advice and support to the programs, services and initiatives of the corporation. PIMR delivers strategic communications by: aligning and integrating communications initiatives across the corporation; leveraging new and innovative information channels and technologies, e.g., social media and rich media (video); supporting Council and departments with legislative and policy communications; and managing the City's emergency communications in support of the Office of Emergency Management.

The Media Relations team plays a central role in the City of Ottawa's interactions with the media and the public. As part of this team, you work collaboratively with internal partners, including senior leadership and elected officials, to strategically engage with external media partners and deliver accurate, timely, transparent and effective information on behalf of the City of Ottawa. This includes building strong professional relationships with journalists, coordinating interviews and media responses, managing media inquiries and deadlines, and navigating sensitive, high-profile issues while protecting and strengthening the City's brand and reputation

You are also responsible for the planning, development and coordination of comprehensive public education, awareness and corporate communications initiatives, and providing strategic communications advice and support for integrated corporate initiatives and events.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in communications, journalism or public relations, or related field

Minimum of 3 years of related experience in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing and/or media relations

KNOWLEDGE

  • Effective communication tactics and techniques using traditional and web-based channels
  • Trends in communications industry and approaches
  • Microsoft Office and related software such as Adobe InDesign suite
  • Photography and videography
  • Local and current events
  • Effective media relations
  • City governance, initiatives, programs and service
  • Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers


COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to prepare comprehensive communications strategies
  • Ability to influence and inform stakeholders regarding the application of communications tactics and techniques
  • Effective verbal communications, writing and editing skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to liaise with graphic designers, printers, translators, advertising agencies, etc.
  • Ability to organize promotional and media events
  • Ability to be creative and think logically
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Time management skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
  • Ability to work directly with City staff, elected officials and senior management
  • Ability to identify issues in the public domain
  • Demonstrate good judgment, tact, discretion, diplomacy, creativity and initiative
  • Positive attitude
  • Self-motivated
  • Organized and dependable
  • Works effectively in high pressure situations
  • Interest in current events and public affairs

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Language Requirement: Designated Day 1 Ready - immediate requirement for language proficiency: French: oral, reading, writing English: oral, reading, writing Candidates must meet language requirement for position upon hire.
  • Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements.
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.


We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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