DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Plan, develop, and implement communications strategies to effectively promote the goals, objectives, and accomplishments of the Town; to mitigate the impacts of potentially controversial issues; and to keep employees apprised of important initiatives within the municipality.
• Communications planning, implementation, and advice
• Developing and implementing communications and marketing/promotional plans
• Writing and editing
• Providing advice and support for public engagement activities
• Media relations
• Issues management
• Crisis Communications
• Project coordination
The position provides support to all Town departments
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Communications planning, implementation, and advice
a. Provides strategic and tactical communications advice and professional communications support to all Town departments that align with Town plans and priorities.
b. Develops, implements, coordinates, and monitors a variety of communications, promotional and marketing strategies across current and emerging platforms including print, digital, social media, and website content.
c. Produces graphic content for use on social media, website and/or public engagement initiatives.
d. Provides photography and video editing related to communications, promotional, and marketing strategies.
e. Consults and collaborates with all levels of the organization to develop communication strategies and responses to internal and external matters as well as sensitive and confidential issues.
f. Develops executive briefings to support CAO, COS, Senior leadership, and other internal stakeholders in proactively identifying and mitigating issues.
g. Provides support within the organization for communicating between employees and management.
h. Conducts research to prepare evidence-based recommendations for communication policies and strategies.
i. Supports and advises on public engagement activities when required.
2. Writing and editing
a. Provides writing and editing support involving complex and/or sensitive information for internal and external audiences.
b. Ensures all materials are written in plain language and are effective for the audience and medium.
c. Plans, coordinates, writes, and edits a variety of communications including news releases, media advisories, letters, briefings, brochures, website content, social media, reports, speeches, presentations, newsletters, and other publications.
d. Develops content for the web and social media and the local newspaper.
3. Issues Management
a. Identifies and monitors emerging issues through environmental scanning and regular meetings with assigned areas.
b. Develops clear, effective, and timely communications to proactively address and deal with issues.
c. Provides issues management support to leadership.
4. Crisis Communications
a. Act as the Public Information Officer in the event of an Emergency.
b. Obtain certification through Alberta Emergency Alert program to issue alerts to the community through this medium
c. Supports media and public relations activities during emergencies.
5. Media Relations
a. Identifies media opportunities as part of communications plans.
b. Monitors media coverage and provides support for media spokespeople on a variety of topics, including contentious or sensitive issues.
c. Develops and coordinates briefings and information to respond to media enquiries.
d. Writes, coordinates, and distributes news releases, media advisories, and media notices.
e. Assists in preparing for news conferences and media availabilities and coordinates media interviews.
f. Proactively profiles programs and initiatives through media relations efforts.
6. Stakeholder Relations
a. Develops, builds, and maintains strong, positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
7. Other Duties
a. Participate in other departmental projects where communication to the public will be required
b. Manages the Town’s brand to ensure the professional and consistent presentation of written documentation, advertising, and other promotional / marketing materials
c. Stay current with technological advances
d. Maintains a calendar of assigned projects and deadlines
e. Educates staff members on communication processes
f. Display a professional and ethical responsibility to protect privacy, use information appropriately, and maintain the confidentiality and security of all information related to employees, business, and residents of Drayton Valley
g. Make recommendations regarding operating budget, workload, employee resources, and minor capital purchases
h. Attend appropriate meetings of Council to maintain awareness of items and issues and provide advice and information on communications
i. Other duties as assigned.
DECISION MAKING ROLE
Works under general direction and guidance of the Chief of Staff and the CAO. A high degree of independent thinking, political acumen, professional judgement and initiative are required for meeting the Town of Drayton Valley’s goals and completion of communication projects.
MAJOR INTER-PERSONAL CONTACTS
This position will be required to provide mentorship, support and guidance to CAO and the Town of Drayton Valley team in regard to communication strategies and branding expectations.
This position will also need to foster positive relationships with media, public, council and all Town departments ensuring effective customer service.
