Job Description

The City of Orillia is hiring an
Communications Coordinator
The City of Orillia is less than 90 minutes from the Greater Toronto Area. Even though growth and progress have been strong in recent years, the Sunshine City has worked hard to retain the small-town charm that has captivated generations. The quality of life is unbeatable in this city surrounded by two lakes, where outdoor pursuits are available in all seasons and are enjoyed by both visitors and residents.
The City of Orillia is currently seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to fill the position of Communications Coordinator.
Reporting to the Manager of Communications, this position plays a key role in the City's internal and external corporate communications strategies. The Communications Coordinator works with various departments, senior officials and the Mayor's office to develop, create, and execute communications and engagement campaigns to generate awareness of the City's initiatives. The Communications Coordinator monitors the corporate social media channels, drafts and designs various communications materials, maintains the City's website and e-newsletter, and supports public engagement initiatives, corporate events and communications strategies.
Candidates must have a post-secondary education in communications, public relations, marketing or graphic design with one to two years of experience, preferably in a municipal setting.
The City of Orillia offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and registration with the OMERS pension plan. The salary for this position is $75,641 to $88,489 based on a 35-hour work week.
Interested candidates with the required qualifications are welcome to submit their resume and letter of interest by September 22, 2025 at Noon.
Applications will only be accepted by applying online. Please click the " Apply Now" button below.
We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Note: The City of Orillia is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free environment. Accommodation will be provided in all steps of the hiring process. Please advise the City of Orillia Human Resources Department if you require any accommodations to ensure you can participate fully and equally during the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants that apply and advise that only those to be interviewed will be contacted. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act 2001,S.O. 2001, c. 25., and will be used for the purpose of candidate selection. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator, City of Orillia, 50 Andrew St. S., Orillia ON L3V 7T5.
Communications Coordinator
Position Synopsis and Purpose
Reporting to the Manager of Communications and as part of the City's Corporate Communications team, this role is responsible for developing and ,communication plans, and managing corporate social media accounts and the City's website.
Major Responsibilities
Description
Approx. Time
Spent (%)
Polices/Programs/Serivce Delivery

• Plan, create, and execute various communications and promotional campaigns for City departmental initiatives and programs including drafting of content, preparing graphics, taking photography and videos (as well as procuring professional video production), and publishing content to a variety of media platforms including the City's website, social media and electronic signage, as well as external radio and online news sites.
• Assist the Orillia Opera House and the Stephen Leacock Museum with various promotional and marketing campaigns.
• Conceptualize, design and produce the City of Orillia's branded materials, print publications, seasonal recreation program guides, e-newsletter, and presentations as required.
• Manage the City's corporate social media channels in accordance with the City's social media policy including monitoring comments and engagement, and creating and posting content for all communications campaigns, public notices and media releases.
• Facilitate training for new social media contributors.
• Support public engagement initiatives and assist in the execution of corporate events, including photography, videography, public relations, and media support.
• Monitor daily news coverage related to City programs, services and issues.
• Assist with maintenance of the corporate website in collaboration with departments.
• Assist in oversight of the City's corporate visual identity program.
• Assist with the development and implementation of communication policies and programs, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
• Support the Manager of Communications in the development and implementation of communication strategies for the Corporation. This includes conducting research and interviewing sources on a wide variety of subjects and drafting communications plans, briefs, news releases, advertising and marketing content.
• Liaise with government officials, the media, City Departments and any other external parties as required.
• This position is a member of the City's Emergency Control Group as the alternative Emergency Information Officer and attends Council meetings as required.
• Provide coverage for the Manager of Communications in their absence.
• Other duties as assigned in accordance with Corporate Objectives.

85%
Administration

• Maintain organized records of the Communications department's documents, publications, photographs, images, graphics, videos and media contracts.
• Responsible for the security of departmental records. Oversee the creation of new records; classify and store as well as participate in the removal and disposal of files and records annually in accordance with TOMRMS.

10%
Financial Management

• Monitor communications engagement campaign expenses and ensure compliance with the City's financial policies.
• Request quotations from various media vendors (print, digital, radio), ensuring competitive rates and packages based on alignment with the City's procurement policy, engagement campaign budgets and departmental budgets.
• Review, verify and process incoming invoices from vendors, ensuring alignment with engagement campaign budgets and departmental budgets.

5%
*Note: All activities are expected to be performed in a safe manner, in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations, along with Corporate Safety policies, procedures and programs. In addition, all necessary personal protective equipment must be used and maintained in good condition.
Decision Making and Independence
1. Examples of the types of decisions that are made or issues/situations that are dealt with on a regular basis and how judgement is used to resolve them.

• This position must balance multiple requests from various departments to plan and execute public awareness campaigns and initiatives, sometimes with conflicting deadlines. Judgement is necessary to negotiate planning with departments, weighing public interest, urgency and corporate goals to manage internal expectations and ensure that projects are executed appropriately.
• This role may deal with unexpected and urgent issues requiring immediate attention (e.g., a watermain break) and requires coordination with departments to identify key messaging, real-time updates and ensure the information is released to the public through the appropriate platforms.
• The role involves crafting official statements to the media and providing social media updates. Judgement is necessary to determine the appropriate tone, content, and timing of messages to align with corporate priorities and community expectations.

2. Examples of situations or problems that are referred to the supervisor for direction or resolution.

• Sensitive matters that receive negative public sentiment or comments on various media platforms. Consultation with the Manager of Communications and/or CAO for compliance with policies before sharing approved information.
• Any public statements with potential legal, financial, or reputational impact require approval from the CAO or Manager of Communications to ensure alignment with corporate strategy and policies.

Required Training

• Training in media relations, crisis communication, and digital engagement strategies.
• Training on the latest trends in corporate social media engagement and monitoring.

Minimum Qualifications
Education (degree/diploma/certifications)

• College diploma in communications, public relations, marketing, or graphic design.

Experience

• Two years' experience in a municipal setting with a demonstrated understanding of municipal operations and administrative/project experience.
• Social media, media networking, and digital media management.
• Graphic Design of promotional and educational content including posters, reports, and publications.
• Coordinating public engagement initiatives.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability

• Excellent judgement, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent time management and ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Advanced computer skills using SharePoint, MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email, and the Internet.
• Strong Knowledge of desktop publishing using Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and web content management or HTML.
• Familiarity with Emergency Control protocols and crisis response procedures.
• Techniques for handling public inquiries and managing challenging situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

Physical Demands

• Sitting, standing, or walking. Work is generally conducted in a standard office environment with continual visual concentration required.
• Attendance at events and various City locations as required for photography and video work may require standing for extended periods of time, lifting and/or bending to assist with setup or take-down of functions.

Position Requirements

• Valid Class 'G' Ontario Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• A current and acceptable Criminal Record Check is required prior to the commencement date.
• Attendance at meetings, seminars and conferences as required. Attendance at meetings after hours may be required.
• Must have a high-speed internet connection and a proper workstation at a home location.

Preferred Qualifications
Education (degree/diploma/certifications - in addition to the above)

• Basic Emergency Management Certification.
• Lean Certified.

Experience (in addition to the above)

• Previous communications, graphic design and video production experience in the public sector.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability (in addition to the above)

• Photography, graphic design and video production knowledge using Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge and proficiency using Govstack content management system.

Position Classification
Position Title:Communications Coordinator
Division: Corporate Communications
Department: Chief Administrative Office
Classification: Exempt (non-union)
Work Location: Orillia City Centre
Reports to (Direct): Manager of Communications
Position(s) Supervised Directly: N/A
Position(s) Supervised Indirectly: N/A
Effective Date: N/A
Revision Date: September 5, 2025
Salary Range: Category 4 - Exempt Salary Schedule
Hours per Week: 35
Organizational Chart
Below is the reporting relationship of this position to others within the immediate department.

Skills Required