Job Description

Division: Strategic Initiatives Position Title: Senior Communications Officer Reports To: CAO Job description and duties are currently under review ______________________________________________________________________________ PURPOSE OF POSITION Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Senior Communications Officer will be responsible for creating and implementing communications programmes for the Town via both traditional and online media. Working closely with members of Council and Directors, the Senior Communications Officer will develop, implement and manage internal and external communications plans and strategies. The position is also envisioned to be responsible for developing community relations strategies and public awareness campaigns. The incumbent will serve as the first point of contact for all media enquiries, and will provide communication advice and assistance to the Mayor and Council as is necessary. Other core functions will include undertaking responsibility for special project management throughout the corporation, including designing and managing special events such as Town Hall meetings, providing communication and planning support to committees, and on occasion assisting with special economic development projects. The incumbent in this position will also provide communication, project and logistical support in the development of corporate strategic initiatives. Position Requirements

• Successful completion of a University degree in Communications or a related field (Public Relations)
• Additional specialized training typically acquired through obtaining a post graduate diploma or certificate in Communications, Public Relations or Public Administration is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in writing and producing various types of communications in a public-sector environment.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including software used for websites, social media, print publications, and graphic design.
• The successful applicant will be creative, self-motivated, have demonstrated highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage communication via social media and websites.
• Proficiency with the use of digital cameras, preferably with photography experience.

Major Responsibilities - include but are not limited to the following

• Develops and implements internal and external communications plans and strategies.
• Manages the Town\xe2\x80\x99s entire social media presence.
• Develops community relations strategies and manages public awareness campaigns.
• Under the direction of the CAO, works with department heads to develop communication processes within individual departments.
• In conjunction with IT staff, develops content and updates the Town\xe2\x80\x99s website.
• Assumes responsibility for corporate brand management and develops procedures to ensure the Town of Erin brand is effectively and consistently managed.
• Serves as the main point of contact for all media enquiries.
• Drafts and disseminates any and all corporate newsletters, news releases, key messages and other corporate communication and media vehicles.
• Works with department heads to develop corporate, public and Council presentations.
• When necessary, works with the Economic Development Officer to develop marketing and promotional campaigns.
• Develops and disseminates a post-Council communiqu\xc3\xa9 for Town staff.
• Monitors and tracks media issues of relevance to the Town and anticipates and develops a plan to address any potential matter that may arise.
• Provides assistance in the writing of grant applications to the Federal/Provincial governments along with any funding agencies.
• Under the direction of the CAO, provides strategic communication advice and assistance as necessary to members of Council.
• Assists the Mayor and members of Council with the preparation of key messages, speaking notes, speeches.
• Develops plans to communicate timely information on important issues to the community at large.
• Drafts speeches as may be required by the Mayor or member of Council for official functions.
• Writes policy and other briefing notes for stakeholders including other levels of government as may be required.
• Attends Town Council meetings to provide media support and guidance as may be required.
• When necessary provides support to members of Council for media relations, presentations or other public events.
• Develops effective policies and procedures for consideration related to media enquiries.
• Develops and maintains a current list of media contacts.
• Undertakes responsibility for developing corporate messaging.
• Participates in the development of corporate and departmental strategic plans.
• Ensures active communications among departments, staff and Council and with external stakeholders.
• In collaboration with Town staff, assists in the writing and framing of all grant applications to ensure consistency and a high-quality of writing to maximize the chances of a positive grant request.
• Works with Town staff to minimize the costs of advertising by recommending new best practices and targets areas for improvement.
• Works with all internal and external project teams to ensure communications plans are developed using best practices, coordinated internally and carried out for each corporate project.
• Facilitates accurate and timely communication of information on Town issues to outside stakeholders.
• Develops a media contact strategy for the corporation and ensures that all staff are familiar with the process and how to refer media enquiries either via phone/email or when they are out in the community.
• Develops Town brand visual identify and usage standards, including relevant policies. Also provides support in the creation of all corporate advertising and branding activities.
• Develops all corporate messaging, and ensures it is delivered in a consistent and effective manner.
• Writes the CAO\xe2\x80\x99s messages and updates to Council.
• Ensures effective tracking and measurement tools are in place to measure the effectiveness of the Town\xe2\x80\x99s coordinated communication efforts.
• Ensures the effective communication of the Town\xe2\x80\x99s Strategic Plan and key priorities to all relevant stakeholders.
• In an Emergency, acts as the municipalities Public Information Officer and provides regular communication to all relevant parties.
• Undertakes special projects as assigned.
• Assists with the coordination of special events and programs, with a specific view to managing the Town\xe2\x80\x99s corporate image.
• Assists the CAO and the Executive Leadership Team with the planning, development and implementation of the corporate strategic plan.
• In conjunction with the CAO, undertakes corporate strategic initiatives.
• Works with the CAO and Members of the Leadership Team on special projects as may be required.
• Takes a lead role in the planning, development and execution of corporate special events such as Town Halls, public meetings, or community consultations.
• Provides support on all issues management activities.

Working Conditions and Environment

• This position will be based out of the Town Offices.
• Normal office hours are 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday, however the incumbent will also be expected to attend Council meetings outside of normal business hours.
• This position is for a 35-hour a week position Monday- Friday.
• The salary range for position is $84,484.40 - $98,862.40.
• Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is preferred

______________________________________________________________________________ Interested applicants may submit their resumes to HR@Erin.ca. Resumes will be accepted until 4:00pm on Tuesday, October 31st 2023 __________________________________________________________________________________ The foregoing represents a reasonable statement of the requirements of this position. Hiring will be subject to the successful passing of a Criminal Reference Check and verification of education and required certifications\xe2\x80\x99. Information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of job selection. The Town of Erin is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. __________________________________________________________________________ Job Types: Permanent, Full-time Salary: $84,484.40-$98,862.40 per year Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hillsburgh, ON N0B 1Z0: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor\'s Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• public relations: 5 years (required)
• Marketing: 5 years (required)

Work Location: In person Application deadline: 2023-10-31