Job Summary

This position identifies and develops digital media initiatives and internal and external communication strategies that support City of Saskatoon strategic goals and objectives. The position also develops and implements internal and external social media procedures and processes to ensure consistency, timely and accurate release of information to the public and supports issues and crisis communications.
 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversees the City’s official social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.) and digital content platforms (e.g., blog/newsfeed, email marketing system) by creating, scheduling and publishing effective content and general administration. Uses platforms for unified social media management and automation. 
• Collaborates on the development, management, implementation and evaluation of long- and short-term digital strategies for civic divisions and departments. Tracks and analyzes performance metrics for digital content and social media campaigns. Uses data-driven insights to optimize content strategies and prepare regular performance reports. Delivers proactive digital communication strategies that strengthen our brand and keep customers informed about operational activities and programs.
• Works closely with Service Saskatoon to foster collaboration and synergies between customer service and digital communications. Makes recommendations and takes action that helps to mitigate customer escalations and manage misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.
• Conceptualizes, coordinates design and produces high-quality, persuasive digital and visual content across a variety of formats, including graphics, videos, social media posts, and blog/newsfeed. Ensures all content aligns with the City of Saskatoon’s brand identity and principles of communications. Plans, produces and edits engaging video content to be shared on digital platforms to enhance our storytelling and boost brand impact. Plans, drafts, edits and publishes engaging stories on City programs and services to be shared on digital content platforms.
• Implements processes, standards, guidelines and training opportunities as necessary. Provides oversight on the City’s social media policy and monitors for its adherence, escalates violations as required.
• Acts as a consultant to departmental management and other representatives to identify opportunities, trends and emerging issues and assist with developing and implementing effective and timely communication, digital and social media strategies.
• Analyzes emerging digital media, social media and communications trends, recommending and implementing appropriate strategies to increase brand visibility and interaction, monitor trends and connect with our audience through digital content platforms.
• Participates in the coordination of crisis communications in an effective and timely manner. 
• Acts as Corporate and Employee Communications Manager as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Requirements

• Degree in marketing, public relations, communications or journalism or a related field, or an equivalent related diploma combines with years of experience.
• Four to six years’ related experience in a public relations, communications or journalism role, including experience in project management and strategic communications. Experience in a marketing or content-focused role, with proven involvement in creating and publishing high-quality visual content.
• Membership, or eligibility for membership, in the Canadian Public Relations Society or the International Association of Business Communicators, accreditation preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Knowledge of website and social media design and management. A deep understanding of social and digital media channels, with the ability to adapt to their evolving landscape.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated photojournalism and video editing skills. Strong video design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere) with a portfolio showcasing diverse visual content. Hands-on experience with video production software and the ability to produce engaging video content.
• Ability to bring ideas to life through compelling branded content. Eager to learn and stay on top of industry trends. Open to feedback and able to make revisions with a positive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Knowledge of the Accessible Saskatchewan Act, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and decision-making for media, issues or crisis communications under strict time constraints and/or while managing competing priorities.
• Ability to analyze data to inform strategy and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships within the organization and community.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of confidentiality while handling sensitive information.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, with the flexibility to adapt writing tone for various channels and audiences.
• Skill in the use of a smart phone and computer using word-processing, video-editing, desktop publishing and social media programs and software.

Additional Requirements

Must be available to be on-call.