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Description

Function:

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Communications Specialist assists with the development, delivery and co-ordination of a full range of communications strategies and services to all departments in order to present information effectively to the Township’s internal and external stakeholders as well as to promote and protect the Township’s reputation by developing and executing media relations and public relations strategies and plans.

The Communications Specialist will lead and assist with the development of targeted and strategic corporate communications plans and programs, media releases, key messages and the development of specialized internal and external corporate communications materials. Administers the Township’s social media strategy, media relations strategy, community engagement plan, branding/identity strategy.

Reports to:

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Supervision Responsibilities:

None

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides communications services and support to the Chief Administrative Officer, elected officials and internal departments.
Carries out special assignments of Council and/or the CAO.
Attends in-camera Council meetings as required.
Liaises, collaborates with and provides advice to the staff Communications Committee, employee groups and cross-functional teams as needed and helps provide creative solutions to communication problems.
Maintains effective and co-operative liaison, exchanges information and responds to inquiries from Council, all levels of staff, other governments/agencies, media, residents, community/special interest groups, businesses and other contacts on communications matters.
Gathers background information and researches, performs analysis and prepares reports as required.
Develops and maintains a working relationship and liaison role with local reporters from radio, television and print media that report on municipal activities.
Proactively seeks media coverage for newsworthy initiatives content, including good news stories, public service/interest stories, etc.
Develops written materials including press releases, Q & A, and media standby statements on brand and corporate issues as required.
Coordinates media interviews.
Facilitates public education and community engagement, volunteerism and involvement in civic and community activities in collaboration with other Township departments.
Proactively heightens the visibility of the Township in the community by attending community events.
Ensures communications are distributed in a cost effective, efficient and strategic manner and that methods of distribution aim to maximize target audience and community awareness as well as local news coverage.
Provides support for organizing and executing public relations events, as required.
Ensures the Township's website and social media presence remain current in terms of content and available applications and are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards, working with the Township’s IT staff to ensure the website remains useful as a communication, business and customer service tool.
Provides guidance and co-ordination in the ongoing development and maintenance of the Township's internal communications including Intranet.
Leads corporate communications via social media; develops, implements and manages a social media plan, including training, introduction of best practices and monitors effectiveness and appropriateness.
Researches new and emerging communications and social media trends and makes recommendations for improvements to current practices.
Assists with maintenance of the Township's database of photographs, images and graphics. Takes photographs at events as required.
Assists with the planning and implementation of advertising and promotional campaigns and uses various communications tools to maximize brand awareness and maintain consistency.
Assists with researching and applying for available funding assistance.
Plans, participates in, and evaluates special projects requiring coordination of activities across departmental and functional lines, to include the responsibility of project leadership over other professional and technicial staff.
Regularly participates in professional development activities to remain abreast of trends. Reviews literature and keeps current with industry and communications best practices and trends.
Handles highly sensitive and confidential communications information on corporate-wide initiatives and contentious issues.
Assists with the development of communications plan budgets and the development of department business plans and budgets.
Assists CAO with tactical and strategic support on issues management and crisis communications with critical or urgent issues management, including advising on sensitive Labour relations messaging.
Provides ongoing liaison to Council, CAO, HR Manager and the media on matters concerning labour-management relations as required.
Member of the Emergency Operations Group, as required.
Undertakes other duties as assigned which are consistent with the above job summary duties and are in accordance with the departmental and corporate objectives.

Requirements

Education/Experience:

University degree or post-secondary diploma in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism or related field.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the communications field, preferably in a municipal environment.
Advanced written, oral and presentation communication skills.
Advanced research skills.
Strong problem solving skills.
Advanced administrative, analytical, organization, time management and project management skills.
Proficiency in word processing, presentation, web applications, graphics and publishing software as well as experience with social media applications such as Twitter and Facebook, digital camera, projector etc.
Demonstrated experience and advanced interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and confidentiality on sensitive/complex and sometimes contentious issues.
Demonstrated political awareness/acuity.
Ability to exercise discretion, judgment and diplomacy and to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to develop partnerships and alliances and establish positive and collaborative working relationships with all levels of staff, external organizations, general public, media, other government agencies and elected officials.
Ability to provide advice in response to issues, initiatives and media relations.
Working knowledge of municipal government, legislation and regulations.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in the Township’s corporate values of customer service excellence, teamwork and engagement, communication, respect, integrity, community, balance and alignment and accountability.
Class “G” driver’s license in good standing with reliable vehicle for use on corporate business.
Availability to work a flexible work schedule including unscheduled overtime and modified hours to accommodate social media monitoring and response, conferences, special events, meetings and to meet deadlines.

Conditions of Employment:

Required to work under the general supervision of the CAO in an office environment involving mental and visual concentration with frequent interruptions.
Work involves confidential matters relating to all aspects of the municipal corporation.
Ability to make sound decisions, manage multiple projects, use good judgement and demonstrate good time management skills.
Some overtime will be required.
Good verbal and written communication skills are required.
Must be able to communicate in an efficient and pleasant manner with Council, the public and all levels of staff.

Core Competencies