Job Description

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POSITION PURPOSE:
Reporting to the Program Manager, Strategic Department Communications, is responsible for developing, planning, implementing and providing strategic communication advice to department clients; providing project leadership advice and communication best practices to department senior management, project teams and other internal stakeholders; leads the development of briefings, communications and presentations on behalf of department management; developing communication guidance documents for staff; in conjunction with Corporate Communications, supports the department\xe2\x80\x99s media relations, issues management and stakeholder relations efforts; providing support for corporate-wide initiatives, programs, special projects and communications.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides communications counsel to client groups to determine strategic approaches to internal and external communications, media relations, and issues management.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategic, audience-specific, communication initiatives, campaigns, events and tactics aimed at increasing public awareness and advancing the delivery of Department programs.
• Proactively monitors and evaluates progress of communication plans to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and recommends and implements options and/or course of action; provides strategic department communication advice and tactics.
• Conducts research on best practices, as directed, to support effective communications.
• Reviews, edits and approves external communication products such as brochures, pamphlets, articles, newsletters in conjunction with management to provide clear, consistent messages to Region residents.
• Researches various legislations, policies and programs for background material, as required.
• Supports the department in responding directly to residents and other stakeholder inquiries and help resolve concerns through education and information.
• Represents the Department with both internal and external stakeholders and is responsible for ensuring representation aligns with Departmental strategic priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with branch, department and corporate goals.
  

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years\xe2\x80\x99 communication experience in the development and delivery of strategic communication plans, executive-level communications support and advice, issues management, internal communications and stakeholder relations.
• Strong knowledge of communication practices and theory, including strategic communications, issues management, internal communications best practices, traditional and social media.
• Highly developed writing, editing and presenting skills, using plain language best practices and Canadian Press Style Guide.
• Demonstrated experience fostering cooperative and collaborative working relationships, leading multiple projects, overcoming change and adversity.
• Experience dealing with confidential materials and exercising good judgement and discretion in dealing with politically sensitive and confidential matters.
• Proven political acuity and skills to respond to and deescalate issues, and provide astute executive-level support.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation, Standards, Acts and Regulations.
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including communication, innovation, teamwork and collaboration, and personal ownership.