Job Description

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for a permanent, full-time position of a Client Strategist in Corporate Communications. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality's core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Under the supervision of the Managing Director, the Client Strategist is responsible for managing relationships with designated business unit clients. The role will focus on proactively engaging clients regarding communications planning and developing strategies for major projects, campaigns and initiatives, as well as managing request intake from clients, leading the development of service level agreements with clients, and overseeing vendor relationship management.

The Client Strategist will coordinate the delivery of strategic communications efforts by leading teams of colleagues (with representatives from each section of Corporate Communications) to develop integrated communications plans and execute deliverables. The position will also administer online engagement tools, analyze results and produce reports to inform ongoing efforts.

The responsibilities of this position require a thorough knowledge of communication standards and practices in a municipal environment, project management, as well as a keen familiarity with up-to-date and emerging trends, best practices and advancements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works closely with municipal business unit clients, including senior leadership, to lead strategic annual communications planning that supports their business objectives. This includes providing proactive and reactive counsel regarding proposed communications efforts as well as recommendations for process improvements;
• Plans, schedules and coordinates regular meetings with business unit clients to review and revise status of established communications plans, identify potential requirements for communications support, and report on measured results;
• Delivers integrated planning and execution of internal and external communications through project management; this includes facilitating collaboration amongst members of each section of the Corporate Communications team (i.e. Marketing, Public Affairs, Internal Communications and Print Services)
• Produces and maintains integrated communications plans - with support from Corporate Communications colleagues - for major projects, campaigns and initiatives;
• Develops analytics and produces regular reports of results for all communications strategies to measure key performance indicators and inform efforts on an ongoing basis;
• Manages, builds and strengthens relationships with current vendors and identifies opportunities for innovative solutions to support the enhancement and growth of new communications tools and platforms;
• Will be asked to act on behalf of the manager of Marketing, Public Affairs or Internal Communications.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

• University degree in Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field;
• Five to seven years of experience working in a large, complex communications or marketing environment;
• Experience working in a government, corporate and/or communications agency environment is considered an asset.
• Preference will be given to candidates who clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and/or resume prior experience creating strong professional client relationships as well as leading, developing, and facilitating complex communications plans and strategies for major projects, campaigns and initiatives. This experience should be reflected as the primary function of your previous positions. Please outline this experience in detail in your application.
• An equivalent combination of skills and experience may be considered.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Significant experience in professional client relationship management;
• A background in strategic communications planning with experience in public engagement and integrated advertising/marketing;
• The ability to plan and strategize with senior level employees;
• A persuasive and confident approach to creative projects;
• Strong project management skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• A keen attention to detail and budgetary restraints;
• Full awareness of creative processes and techniques - including digital platforms.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note - Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the
employer's discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Communication, Analytical Thinking, Organizational Awareness, Valuing Diversity, Customer Service, Risk Management, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Values and Ethics

WORK STATUS: Permanent, Full-time

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday; 35 hours per week, with overtime and work outside of regular hours as required to meet operational and client needs.

SALARY: Non-Union Level NU7 $75,750 - $104,130. Salary to be commensurate with experience.

WORK LOCATION: 7th Floor Duke Tower, Halifax.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on November 17, 2022.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment
process.

(Position # 78627941)