Position Summary

This position provides communications guidance to support corporate strategic partners that offer internal and public support services. The role is responsible for overseeing external and corporate public communication channels to ensure effective and transparent messaging related to City finances, governance, existing programs and services, and evolving programs or initiatives designed to meet the changing needs of the community. The position provides strategic leadership in designing effective internal communication messages and channels to empower employees to be ambassadors for the City and provide access to the information they need as City employees. Furthermore, the position manages the implementation of relevant corporate communications policies and procedures.

The work you'll be involved in:

• In collaboration with the Director of Communications and Public Engagement, the Manager, creates the vision and framework for corporate and employee communications that supports all City mandates, priorities, and initiatives; and provides recommendations to Director, to improve communication processes and resources.
• Works closely with senior leaders in the development and execution of communications strategies to support current and future programs, services, and initiatives for corporate strategic partners.
• Acts as the primary lead for the development and handling of communication strategies related to sensitive issues and information for strategic partner divisions.
• Hiring, training, and managing a team of internal and external communications specialists to create and deliver compelling content.
• Ensures team members understand the departments/organization’s priorities and goals and how their roles link to these priorities and goals.
• Oversees and manages the corporate visual identity standards and digital asset management system.
• Oversees and manages public facing social media platforms and internal communication channels including the corporate Intranet.
• Actively support the Corporate Crisis Communications Team and fill various roles with an emphasis on making sure all employees have access to necessary information to both reassure and guide staff.
• Provides advice and recommendations on improving accessibility and inclusion of City engagement activities that address systemic barriers.
• Prioritizes and forecasts communications activities based on the Strategic Plan and annual business plan and budgets.
• Manages the communications cost centre and makes recommendations for future budgets including staffing capacity.
• Participate in departmental performance reporting and progress monitoring.
• Develops and maintains relevant corporate communications policies and procedures to ensure consistent and coordinated approaches.  
• Collaborates with the Communications & Public Engagement management team to provide fully integrated communications services and solutions.
• Acts as a Media spokesperson, where appropriate.
• Acts as the Director of Communications & Public Engagement, as required.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned. 

Who we are looking for:

• Degree in marketing, public relations, communication, journalism, or related field.
• Seven to nine years’ progressively responsible experience in a variety of communications and marketing functions, including experience in strategic communications, crisis communications, and managerial and financial responsibilities.  
• Progressively responsible experience in a leadership role within a large, complex organization.
• Membership or eligibility for membership, in the Canadian Public Relations Society or the International Association of Business Communicators, accreditation preferred.
• Advanced understanding of internal and external communication best practices along with extensive experience developing, implementing, and evaluating complex communications programs in a political environment.  
• Ability to recognize the implications of internal and external communication strategies and a high level of political acumen.
• Leadership experience with demonstrated ability to lead, coaching for performance, motivate employees, and create the conditions necessary for success and in a manner consistent with corporate values.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgement, make data-informed decisions, think critically and creatively, and act with a client- and citizen-first focus.
• 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.  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive information.
• Demonstrated experience with crisis and issues communications.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deadlines, and to handle numerous priorities and competing deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills including well-developed presentation and negotiation skills.