Join our Team!

The Office of the Mayor is seeking a strategic, creative Communications Specialist to lead communications that support the Mayor's priorities, public engagement, and City Council initiatives. In this dynamic role, you'll develop compelling content, manage the Mayor's digital and social media presence, provide strategic communications advice, and work closely with elected officials, City Administration, and community stakeholders to deliver timely, effective, and impactful communications.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Communications Specialist serves as the primary communications advisor and communications resource for the Mayor's Office. The position is responsible for developing and implementing communications strategies, messaging, and content that support the Mayor's priorities, public engagement activities, and communication of City Council decisions.

Working closely with the Mayor, Chief of Staff, City Administration, and the City's Marketing and Communications Division, the Communications Specialist provides strategic communications advice, develops communication materials, and manages the Mayor's digital and social media presence. The role ensures that communications are timely, effective, aligned with City policies and governance requirements, and responsive to public interests and emerging issues.

The type of work you'll be involved in:

Communications Strategy and Advisory Services

• Works closely with the Mayor, Chief of Staff, and City Administration to develop and implement communications strategies that support the priorities, initiatives, and activities of the Mayor's Office.
• Provides communications advice and recommendations to the Mayor and Chief of Staff on messaging, public engagement opportunities, and stakeholder communications.
• Assists in identifying communications opportunities and risks and recommends appropriate communication approaches to support organizational and community objectives.
• Collaborates with the City's Marketing and Communications Division to ensure alignment with corporate communications practices, policies, and strategic initiatives.

Content Development and Executive Communications

• Develops, writes, and edits a variety of communications materials in coordination with the Mayor, including speaking notes, speeches, articles, publications, key messages, correspondence, presentations, and other written communications.
• Supports the Mayor in communicating Council decisions, municipal initiatives, and community priorities to residents and stakeholders.
• Ensures communications materials are accurate, timely, audience-focused, and aligned with City policies and governance requirements.

Social Media and Digital Communications

• Plans, develops, and executes the Mayor's social media strategy and online presence.
• Creates, coordinates, and publishes content across social media and digital platforms to enhance engagement and awareness of the Mayor's priorities and activities ensuring content is relevant, accurate, timely, and engaging.
• Monitors social media activity, community feedback, and emerging trends, providing recommendations to strengthen digital communications and public engagement.

Media Relations

• Manages media events and requests
• Liaises with media outlets
• Monitors media activity through various platforms

Issues Management and Special Projects

• Provides communications support and advice related to issues management, special projects, emerging issues, and sensitive matters affecting the Mayor's Office.
• Assists in the development of communications strategies, messaging, and response materials for high-profile or complex issues.
• Works collaboratively with City Administration and communications professionals to ensure coordinated, consistent, and effective messaging.

Stakeholder and Community Relations

• Supports the Mayor in communications and correspondence with residents, community groups, businesses, government partners, and other stakeholders.
• Assists in responding to inquiries and preparing communications materials that address community interests and concerns.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the objectives of the Mayor's Office.
• Attends events and meetings in community with the Mayor to capture content and maintain schedule.

Who we are looking for:

• Degree in marketing, public relations, communication, journalism, or related area.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in a variety of communications and marketing functions.
• Experience in government, public sector, executive communications, media relations, or issues management is preferred.
• Ability to exercise discretion regarding sensitive and confidential issues and information.
• Strong written communication skills, including experience with preparing speaking notes for speeches, correspondence, social media content, and other communications materials.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement, discretion, and political awareness in handling sensitive or confidential matters.
• Ability to create clear, accurate and engaging content for a variety of audiences and communication channels.
• Ability to identify communications risks and provide recommendations to address emerging issues.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Proven record of self-initiative, follow through, and team work.