Job Description

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has an opportunity for a strategic professional to apply their media relations and communication expertise in the management of the Corporate Communications Branch\xe2\x80\x99s Media Relations Unit. This position will report to the Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs, and its key responsibilities are to:

• Provide sound advice, direction, and support to senior management and other supervisory staff in the areas of media relations, issues management, and crisis communications.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and measuring a proactive media relations strategy that aligns the EPS\xe2\x80\x99 strategic goals and addresses the short-term and long-term needs of the Service.
• Manage the flow of information to the news media, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to internal policies and procedures.
• Represent the EPS as an organizational spokesperson when required.
• Maintain and develop key relationships with journalists, media outlets and special-interest publications, identifying opportunities for earned media.
• Proactively identify and monitor issues that may impact the activities or reputation of the Service, developing strategies for addressing such matters.
• Coordinate and facilitate media training for organizational spokespeople, senior management, and other staff to ensure they are equipped for interacting with the media.
• Coordinate media events such as press conference, media availabilities, and interviews.
• Draft a variety of documents and messaging, including but not limited to responses to media inquiries, news releases, statements, speaking notes, backgrounders, FAQs, briefing notes/packages, etc.
• Collaborate with other unit areas in the Corporate Communications Branch to ensure an integrated approach to organizational communication activities.
• Work with external partners such as the Edmonton Police Commission.
• Maintain and participate in after hours on-call rotation and call-out as required for crisis communications.
• Provide supervision, mentorship, and leadership to a team of four (4) full-time staff.

Qualifications

• University graduation in a communications, public relations or related field AND a minimum of four (4) years progressively responsible work experience in a designated public relations, public information, or media relations position with at least two (2) years communications experience in a similar organization.

OR
Diploma in a communications, public relations or a related field AND a minimum of six (6) years progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs or public information position with at least two (2) years communications experience in a similar organization. * Experience in providing media and communication advice to senior management, specifically in the areas of issues management and crisis communications.

• Strong understanding of current and historic events, including policing issues, in order to identify emerging trends that may impact the EPS.
• Advanced writing skills and superior knowledge of communication and media relations best practices in law enforcement.
• A minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience, as well as exceptional interpersonal, coaching, negotiation, and consultation skills.
• Excellent prioritization, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under tight timelines and in high-pressure situations with changing priorities.
• As part of your pre-hire screening you will be required to complete an Enhanced Security Clearance. Should you accept employment with the Edmonton Police Service you acknowledge and agree to participate in future Enhanced Security Re-Clearances at scheduled intervals or in any other circumstances, exigent or otherwise, as required by Human Resources Division.

Hours of Work:

33.75 hours per week, Monday \xe2\x80\x93 Friday between 0800 - 1600. Hours of work may be subject to the terms and conditions of a variable hours of work program.

Salary Range:

21M, Salary Grade: 045 $46.55 - $58.51 (Hourly), $3,142.70 - $3,949.50 (Bi-Weekly), $82,023.56 - $103,081.75 (Annually).

This posting is limited to internal applicants and permanent employees on layoff. Please include your payroll number.

General:

• Civic Service Union 52 members are asked to send a copy of their application to the union office.
• The City of Edmonton thanks applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Candidates considered for the position will be contacted.
• We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

The Province of Alberta is a party to the Federal Agreement on Internal Trade, the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility with British Columbia and the New West Partnership Trade Agreement with British Columbia and Saskatchewan. All of these agreements promote labour mobility between the Provinces. Applicants may obtain information regarding recognition of extra provincial credentials at www.newwestpartnershiptrade.ca.

HR Consultant: CS

City of Edmonton