Job Description

Position Advisor, Media and Strategic Messaging
Department Policy and Public Affairs
Classification Level 5
Salary Our salaries generally range from $73,000 - $82,500 and are based on qualifications and experience
Languages Bilingualism (English and French) is strong asset
Term Permanent Full-Time
Location Hybrid (Ottawa)BackgroundThe Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal governments, representing the interests of cities and communities with the federal government.With over 2,000 members including Canada\'s largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, FCM represents over 90% of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s population. As the national voice of Canadian municipalities, FCM is an organization that strives to make the communities Canadians live in more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable.FCM aspires to be an organization that is deeply respectful, collaborative, empowering and transparent in our work. As the national voice for Canada\xe2\x80\x99s local governments, FCM is committed to strengthening Canada by achieving results for Canadian communities and cities, and by sharing knowledge and experience on the world\xe2\x80\x99s stage, so that others may improve the quality of life in their communities. All leaders in the organization are expected to lead in a manner that embraces these values, the corporate culture and the passion for FCM\xe2\x80\x99s mission.Major PurposeThe Advisor, Media and Strategic Messaging is responsible for supporting the work of the Manager, Media and Issues in positioning FCM and its members\' interests in the public arena.The person in this position produces highly strategic communications material such as press reviews, media traction analyses, key messages, press releases, briefing notes, media responses, social media publications and speeches.This person supports the Manager, Media and Issues by monitoring media channels (English and French, traditional and social) related to FCM\xe2\x80\x99s mandate and identifying and manage potential issues or crises related to the organization and its members. The Advisor is responsible to implement swift and effective communication responses to ongoing issues that could affect FCM, its members, or their advocacy and policy objectives.The Advisor, Media and Strategic Messaging liaises with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including journalists and decision-makers, to help FCM achieve its corporate objectives.The Advisor is the organization lead on crisis management and issues and provides the Public Affairs and Policy department and the CEO-Office advice on actions to be taken to navigate complex political and media situations with tact and professionalism.The Advisor ensures that FCM\xe2\x80\x99s messaging and advocacy positions are included in appropriate news stories or generate stand-alone media coverage when an issue arises. Within the context of FCM media outreach, the Advisor, Media and Strategic Messaging supports the generation of media leads and content that illustrates the value and influence of FCM in the Canadian political landscape.Key Responsibilities

• Monitors media channels, including newspapers, news aggregators, social media, news outlets, and online forums, to identify any discussions, articles, or mentions related to the municipal sector and FCM.
• Monitors the federal political landscape, and the local political landscape of big cities and inform the Policy and Public Affairs department of arising issues.
• Based on approved key messages, provides immediate responses to media inquiries, social media posts, or articles regarding FCM and its members, ensuring accuracy and consistency in messaging, and based on the organization\xe2\x80\x99s advocacy and policy priorities.
• Develops strategies and protocols for addressing media-related issues or crises concerning FCM and its members, including drafting response plans and coordinating with relevant stakeholders.
• Develops templates for rapid response and issues management.
• Write and distribute strategic communications material to various audiences, including but not limited to: press reviews, media traction analysis, key messages, press releases, briefing notes, media responses, social media publications and speeches.
• Liaises with colleagues of Policy and Public Affairs and the CEO-Office, to ensure alignment in communication strategies and maintain the cohesion of messagingthroughout the process.
• Collaborates to the development of template key messages and political lines.
• Builds and maintains relationships with journalists, influencers, and other media professionals to facilitate accurate reporting and manage potential crises proactively.
• In collaboration with the Messaging and Digital team, crafts clear and compelling messages for media engagement (traditional and social media), ensuring that key points are effectively communicated and aligned with FCM\xe2\x80\x99s advocacy and policy statements.
• Conducts post-issues assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of response strategies, identify areas for improvement, and implement measures to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
• Stays informed about federal politics and emerging issues related to municipalities and make recommendations for continuous improvement of media monitoring.
• Provides training and guidance to FCM\xe2\x80\x99s representatives on media engagement protocols, crisis communication techniques, and strategies for managing issues.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in media relations, crisis management, or related roles, preferably within a government or political setting.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess situations quickly and develop appropriate response strategies based on existing policy statements.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism and discretion, with the ability to handle sensitive information and situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools and social media platforms.
• Strong understanding of federal and municipal politics; and experience working with national and regional media
• Excellent interpersonal skills and judgment, and a high degree of initiative and versatility.
• Expert writing skills and attention to detail.

Language RequirementsBilingualism is a strong asset and sensitivity to Canada\'s linguistic duality required.The benefits to joining the FCM team include summer hours (Fridays off between July 1st and Labour Day); office facilities located in the ByWard Market, FCM\xe2\x80\x99s commitment to employee development and a competitive range of employee benefits and services. FCM encourages flexible work arrangements to support the wellbeing and productivity of employees.The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is committed to fostering an organizational culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, where individuals from diverse racial and ethnic identities, nationalities, social economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and physical and mental abilities can thrive and be fully engaged at their best level.FCM welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.For additional information on this posting, or for further information on FCM, access our website at . Visit the of our website to apply. The deadline for applications is August 21st, 2024.We thank all candidates for their interest; however, we will only contact those selected for an interview. All the applications will be kept on file for six months following the hiring.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities