Job Description

The Village of Cumberland invites applications for a permanent part-time Communications Coordinator position in the Corporate Services Department. This position is 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.Reporting to the Corporate Officer, the Communications Coordinator performs duties related to the Villages public communication function. The position supports and assists with the coordination of community engagement projects and departmental public communications and follows procedures and processes for public communications.The successful applicant will have a minimum of two years experience working in the field of public communications, preferably for a local government or public sector entity.This is a Union position and subject to the Collective Agreement between the Village of Cumberland and CUPE Local 556. The salary for this position will be $31.60 per hour (2024) with benefits and increase as per the Collective Agreement.Applications will be received until 10:00 am on Monday, June 24th, 2024.We sincerely thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.POSITION SUMMARYReporting to the Corporate Officer, the Communications Coordinator performs duties related to the Villages public communication function. The position supports and assists with the coordination of community engagement projects and departmental public communications, and follows procedures and processes for public communications.The Communications Coordinator assists with research and coordinates, writes, edits, compiles, and consolidates a variety of information material for a diverse audience in a variety of digital and print communication channels. The Communications Coordinator also develops basic graphic design and other digital content.The Communications Coordinator will contribute to a collaborative and positive work environment, ensuring relevant, professional, and timely public communications.CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE

• Ability to adapt to and communicate Councils values and strategic priorities as foundational communication messages.

• Understanding of the legislative framework of local government governance, services and regulations.

• Understanding and awareness of basic public relations and engagement principles and methods, including the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation.

• Understanding and awareness of accessible and barrier-free communications, and ability to adapt to change, identify and develop the best tools and timing for effective information to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated computer and website skills and knowledge, including technical abilities using Microsoft products, graphics software, website applications, and online media communication tools.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Independence of judgment and strong initiative.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Team-oriented worker.

• Efficient.

• Ability to multi-task.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIESBelow is a partial list of Key Responsibilities.The Communications Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the Villages public communications through a variety of communication channels. Duties may include, but are not limited to:Communications Planning, Policies and Processes

• Coordinates and assists all departments in the implementation of the Villages Communications Strategy, Visual Identity Guide, and communications plans for departmental initiatives and projects.

• Assists with research, coordinates, writes, edits a variety of information materials for print and digital communication channels including website, online media, newsletters, public reports, presentation materials, surveys, apps, and media releases, to inform the community on Village services, notices, projects and initiatives.

• Develops an annual communications plan to identify key priority public communication messages in consultation with other staff and in support of Village initiatives.

• Creates, edits and coordinates content for regular annual communications tasks.

• Adds and maintains content, uploads documents, monitors, and supports other departmental staff in editing and updating the Village website, digital and online media as required, and liaises with digital service providers.

• Assists in drafting and updating communications policies, procedures, checklists, schedules, and templates that guide Village staff.

• Assists in the maintenance of communications records, logs and tracking.

Writing/Research/Digital Communications

• Writes and edits public communication messages from copy, draft, or oral instructions.

• Supports and assists with image acquisition.

• Applies, edits and develops templates in graphics software.

• Develops communication material including print and digital advertisements, social media graphics, posters and web graphics.

• Provides communication advice and edits communication and community engagement materials as required.

• Coordinates the content, design, production and dissemination of communication materials, messages and advertising.

• Performs limited research, and promotional, business and technical editing and writing as required.

• Identifies and develops content for stories and information to share with the community.

• Assists with writing and editing of speeches, reports, and other materials.

Community Engagement and Event Support

• Assists in developing and implementing public communication and engagement plans for departmental events and open houses, including:

o Applying IAP2 standardso Assisting with developing consultation objectives and topics, questions and methods for collecting input or feedbacko Developing and implementing public notification and consultation optionso Preparing and disseminating public communications materials

• Collaborates with staff, Village partners and key community groups to promote engagement and awareness of key community issues.

Media Relations

• Drafts and coordinates media releases, conducts limited research and creates background material and key messages for Village media contacts.

• Supports the preparation of material for spokespeople for media interviews. Understand media needs and the news cycle to provide media relations services.

• Identifies target audiences and media outlets to maximize the impact of announcements.

• Liaises with journalists to understand their requests and assists Village staff to coordinate and develop media responses.

Issues Management & Emergency Management Support

• Assists in managing issues through public communication, including reviewing public service requests and public submissions to proactively identifying issues or potential issues regarding Village services and Council decision-making.

• Prepares key messages and background information for use in responding to issues.

• Assists in developing communications plans to manage issues.

• Acts as an Information Officer or assists with Information Officer duties in an emergency operations centre.

GENERAL DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acts as relief for the duties of the Legislative Services Coordinator and Customer Services Assistant as required.

• Other related administrative duties as assigned.

• Ensures compliance to all Village policies, bylaws, agreements, contracts, and external regulations.

• Provides input on modifications or improvements to policies, procedures and practices to improve the functioning of the Department; and provides input to written work procedures for own area of responsibility as requested.

• Carries out safe work practices and adheres to safety and other work-related regulations; reports unsafe and/or insecure situations that may arise from time to time; and implements emergency procedures as directed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSThe Village may consider a combination of experience and education for an individual that is demonstrating a sincere effort to complete a relevant post-secondary program.Education:

• Completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree in public relations, public engagement, digital communication and media, digital or media studies, or equivalent from a recognized educational institutional institution.

• Certificated as a Public Participation Professional (CP3) through IAP2 Canada is an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years experience working in the field of public communications, preferably for a local government or public sector entity.

• The ideal candidate will also have experience with:

o Researching, developing, and writing a variety of communications materials for diverse audiences.o Writing and editing for public relations and community engagement.o Applying IAP2 standards.o Website and online media writing and administration.o Council meeting agenda preparation.The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Post-secondary education in public communications from a recognized post-secondary institution.

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including: Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel.

• Demonstrated up to date knowledge of various office equipment, graphic design, digital communications, and website software programs.

• Knowledge of legislation and regulations governing local government.

• Ability to assist in the implementation of communications plans and strategies.

• Excellent ability to communicate orally and in writing, and to take direction and work with limited supervision taking into account the goals, targets and financial resources of the Village.

• Ability to maintain their professionalism at all times in actions, decisions, manners and communications.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of confidential matters.

• Sound knowledge of communications and community engagement best practices.

• Ability to communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts.

• Ability to work well as a member of a team and independently.

• Ability to multi-task and thrive with deadlines, while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

• Understanding and awareness of accessible and barrier-free communications.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays when necessary.

REQUIRED LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS:

• Clear Canadian Criminal Record Check

Job Type: Part-timePay: $31.60 per hourExpected hours: 30 per weekBenefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In personApplication deadline: 2024-06-24