Job Description

Job Summary

Resumes are being accepted for the position of Manager, Strategic Communications within the Corporate Communications and Customer Service Department. Working collaboratively with the broader corporate communications and engagement team, the Manager, Strategic Communications helps ensure the department is an effective, proactive partner to the businesses of the organization. This opportunity requires a highly competent leader and a well-rounded, senior public relations practitioner. The Manager, Strategic Communications will have management oversight of a team of communications practitioners who service the entire organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City\xe2\x80\x99s Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Vision for an inclusive, connected and prosperous city.

Your role

• Provide experience-based, judgement-driven advice, support and coaching to leaders and employees that help the businesses of the organization achieve their objectives.
• Coach for excellence and oversee the development and implementation of strategic integrated communications and marketing programs that directly support business objectives and the overall goals of the City\xe2\x80\x99s strategic plan.
• Hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Lead staff in a manner consistent with the City\xe2\x80\x99s leadership philosophy; create conditions for success; develop and nurture a work environment that is inclusive, respectful, and motivating.
• Work as part of the Strategic Communications and Community Engagement management team to provide fully integrated communications services and solutions to the corporation.
• Lead the delivery, iteration, and performance measurement and reporting of the strategic communications deliverables of the City of Guelph\xe2\x80\x99s multi-year plan.
• Develop communications programs at the corporate level to support initiatives which may have significant impact on the organization.
• On an ongoing basis, identify opportunities to improve internal processes that lead to improved outcomes for City departments and\xe2\x80\x94by extension\xe2\x80\x94citizens and other stakeholders. Lead with continuous improvement principles in mind; support a continuous improvement culture and ensure the City\xe2\x80\x99s communications efforts follow latest industry trends and best practice.
• Provide senior-level strategic communications and issues management support to leadership and frontline staff.
• Conduct research and analysis of issues; anticipate, plan for, and respond to issues at both the corporate level; make expert recommendations regarding issues response; prepare briefing notes and develop issues management plans.
• Act as the City\xe2\x80\x99s communications lead (public information officer) during emergency situations when the City\xe2\x80\x99s emergency communications plan is called into effect.
• Oversee the City\xe2\x80\x99s media relations program, including providing spokesperson training and coaching for City staff, and foster and maintain relationships with local media representatives.
• Develop and lead the City\xe2\x80\x99s digital communications strategy and support the digitization of City services; ensure the City is at the forefront of digital communications trends and technology, and guide the organization\xe2\x80\x99s evolution in the digital communications space.
• Manage content on the City\xe2\x80\x99s public facing website, including governance, annual content audits, and development of a refreshed website.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of an internal communications strategy to support employee engagement and retention efforts.
• Oversee a corporate advertising program to maximize use of budgets and audience reach, both digital and print.
• Oversee revenue-generating marketing programs to support growth in revenues.
• Participate in departmental performance reporting and progress monitoring.
• Analyze effectiveness of communication strategies, report on results and provide recommendations for optimization in stakeholder communication.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Considerable experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through the completion of a post-secondary degree, diploma, or post-degree certificate in Public Relations, Marketing, Corporate Communications, or a related discipline and considerable experience in the field of public relations. Candidates with equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience managing digital portfolios, including developing social media strategies and website content.
• An experienced leader with demonstrated success coaching for performance, motivating employees, and creating the conditions necessary for success.
• A critical-thinking, creative professional who delivers innovative communications solutions.
• Solid understanding of key strategic issues, corporate priorities and corporate communications objectives and imperatives.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgement, make data-informed decisions, think critically, and act with a client- and citizen-first focus.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work with individuals of all professional levels and of diverse experience.
• A strategic, systems thinker who is adept at connecting dots and integrating information.
• Ability to establish and maintain co-operative and constructive relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization, members of Council, and representatives of external organizations.
• Excellent project management, facilitation, research, writing, and editing skills.
• Advanced understanding of strategic public relations best practices with significant experience developing, implementing, and evaluating complex communications programs.
• Ability to positively influence staff, exercise sound judgment, and execute decisions in a manner consistent with corporate values.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills including well-developed presentation and negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with demonstrated political and business acumen.
• Ability to work well under pressure, complete multiple assignments, and function effectively in a high-volume workplace with tight deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), web content management systems (Wordpress), and social media channels and management systems (Meta, Tweetdeck, Hootsuite, Sprout Social).

In keeping with our corporate value of Wellness, The City of Guelph recognizes the many benefits of hybrid work arrangements including flexibility and better work-life balance for our employees. Where the work permits, employees will have the ability to participate in our and our programs. Please note, this position is eligible for Hybrid and Flexible work arrangements (subject to change).

Rate

$99,503.20- $124,379.00

How to apply

Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by Sunday, September 17, 2023. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered. Proof of qualifications will be requested at the interview stage.

Please visit the job posting listed on our careers page and click on the \xe2\x80\x9cApply for this job\xe2\x80\x9d button. Instructions will follow.

The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

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City of Guelph