Job Description

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Manager, Corporate Communications in the CAO Administration division.

Job description

Responsible for facilitating the implementation of a corporate communications strategy to provide consistent, accurate and timely internal and external communication activities to a variety of audiences (residents, visitors, Council, internal staff, and other key stakeholders). This role will work to harmonize all communication and efforts of the Municipality (media and public relations, strategic communications, crisis communication, public engagement, branding, etc.) to enhance public awareness and support corporate objectives and Council priorities.

Essential responsibilities

Demonstrate Chatham-Kent\xe2\x80\x99s core values and competencies

Provide leadership and strategic communications advice/ coaching/ solutions to Municipal staff and Council regarding communications and the overall Corporate Communication Strategy.

Collaborate with the Area Municipalities, Hospitals and Health units on a variety of emerging issues and align communication strategies.

Lead the development and implementation of internal and external communication and public relation plans, key messages and materials which set goals and objectives to increase public / employee awareness and understanding of Municipal programs, services, priorities, and emerging issues, and to encourage public input into Council initiatives.

Provide strategic media relation/issues management coaching and advice on a variety of issues and initiatives, including those that may be contentious.

Establish relationships with media outlets and act as a media contact for the Municipality \xe2\x80\x93 this includes oversight of monitoring and analysis of media coverage, flagging potential opportunities or emerging issues.

Participates on the Emergency Control Group (ECG); and acts as the Emergency Information Officer

Provide expertise and guidance on the creation of communications materials (i.e., speeches, news releases, key messages, reports, etc.)

Administer the development and guidance to Municipal staff on corporate branding, visual identity, advertising and marketing initiatives and opportunities.

Respond to public inquiries regarding various Municipal initiatives and activities, such as facilities, services, plans, programs, special projects, and events.

Develop, recommend, and maintain corporate communications policies, procedures, and standards consistent with the communications strategy and comply with relevant legislation (i.e., AODA, CASL, etc.) related to corporate communication and public engagement activities

Lead the research into new and emerging communications and public engagement tools, venues and trends and make recommendations to improve current practices.

Prepare quotations and requests for proposal (RFP) documents and ensure contractor compliance with the terms and conditions of contract documents.

Responsible for the administration of the corporate website, intranet, on-line engagement platform, and other corporate communication tools to ensure they are current, effective, and compliant with Municipal policies, public relations practices, and accessibility standards. Provide support and training to departmental staff to develop content and approve development of any new content or corporate tools.

Develop, make recommendations, and administer the annual budget for the unit, and ensure that the unit\xe2\x80\x99s expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations

Manage employees in a manner consistent with Municipal values, policies, and procedures, including selection, work scheduling, training, and performance evaluation.

Accountable for the safety and security of employees and workplaces and to ensure that employees work safely and in compliance with relevant statutes and regulations and within the safe work procedures and directives as established by the Municipality.

Undertake special projects or perform other related duties as may be assigned.

Essential qualifications

University degree (preferably in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related discipline), with four (4) to six (6) years of related experience.

Experience in media/ public relations/ communications, including experience in a managerial or supervisory capacity.

Knowledge of Council and municipal government processes is an asset.

Superior written and oral communications skills, including the ability to research, gather and interpret technical information to create an end product that can be understood by a variety of audiences.

Ability to exercise a high level of independence with excellent organizational and time management skills to handle competing priorities.

Well-developed interpersonal and team skills to lead and/or participate on multi-disciplinary teams and cross-functional activities and projects within the Municipality.

Extensive knowledge of print, graphic, social media and other web-related mediums.

Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize relevant software applications and various desktop publishing platforms.

Availability to assist with after-hours questions, concerns, and/or emergencies; to attend evening/weekend meetings or special events; and/or to work outside of designated normal hours per week.

Ability to travel throughout the Municipality for work related purposes.

Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and internet (or other similar software programs)

Other qualifications

Not applicable

Certifications, memberships, licenses

Membership in good standing with an accredited communications and/or public relations association, organization, and/or institution is considered an asset (i.e., Canadian Public Relations Society or International Association of Business Communicators)

Work environment/hours of work

This position works mostly indoors

This position works mostly weekday hours, with occasional evening or weekend hours

COVID-19 Vaccination

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent no longer requires a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. Although it is not mandatory to be vaccinated, it is highly encouraged.

Driver\xe2\x80\x99s licence/vehicle requirements

Because this position would be required to travel, a valid Province of Ontario driver\'s license with a reliable motor vehicle is necessary.

Background check requirements

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment. A background check may include the following: education/certification verification and employment reference check.

Essential physical and/or safety requirements

Walking: constant walking on level surface

Sitting: infrequent sitting in vehicle seat; constant sitting in a chair, stool

Reaching: constant reaching below shoulder, forward, backward

Lifting: constant lifting floor to waist

Hands: frequent fine finger dexterity (movement), mousing

Benefits

This permanent full-time position has an annual wage of $106,409 to $125,173 subject to review, and will receive benefits including participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory), vacation entitlement and a comprehensive group benefits package following the successful completion of a 3-month waiting period.

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The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.

Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.