Department Communications Advisor

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.


• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.


• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.


• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This position is responsible for developing, planning, implementing and providing department communication advice, supporting the department’s media relations, issues management and stakeholder relations efforts; and providing support for corporate-wide initiatives, programs, special projects and communications.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Collaborates with corporate stakeholders and follows the corporate strategic leadership, planning and direction related to this function, supports the development and implementation of corporate initiatives, programs, processes, policies and protocols.

• Provides advice to determine strategic approaches to internal and external communications, media relations, and issues management.

• Researches and supports the development and delivery of communication strategies, programs and services.

• Leads the development and implementation of campaigns, events and tactics aimed at increasing stakeholder awareness and advancing the delivery of Department programs.

• Monitors and evaluates communication plans, identifies opportunities for continuous improvement, makes recommendations and implements options.

• Develops departmental presentations and/or speaking notes, briefing material, reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Develops and executes print and digital communications materials including media releases, briefing notes, key messages etc. as required.

• Supports the management team in taking complex information and identifying ways to make it relatable and easily understood for different audiences.

• Works with staff to develop creative content for print, web, social media and other avenues.

• Liaises with internal and external stakeholders and makes recommendations for communication-related efficiencies, opportunities and partnerships.

• Assists management in preparing, recommending, monitoring and controlling campaign-specific budgets.

• Responds directly to stakeholder inquiries and help resolve concerns and ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.

• Participates on committees, work groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned;

• Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.

• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of three (3) years' communication experience in the development and delivery of strategic communication plans, executive-level communications support and advice, issues management, internal communications and stakeholder relations.

• Strong knowledge of communication practices and theory, including strategic communications, issues management, internal communications best practices, traditional and social media.

• Highly developed writing, editing and presenting skills, using plain language best practices and Canadian Press Style Guide.

• Demonstrated experience fostering cooperative and collaborative working relationships and leading multiple projects.

• Experience dealing with confidential materials and exercising good judgement and discretion in dealing with politically sensitive and confidential matters.