Senior Communications & Engagement Officer

We are looking for a Senior Communications & Engagement Officer who is responsible for the implementation of stakeholder communications to support a diverse array of municipal projects, programs and services. This position also leads, plans, and coordinates the development and implementation of Sturgeon County’s public engagement framework. The ideal candidate is positive, hard-working, kind, innovative and must thrive working as part of a team. Most of the work can be completed remotely but the successful candidate must be able to work from a Sturgeon County facility when needed.

Interested? Please click on the following link to apply on our website: Senior Communications & Engagement Officer

Key Responsibilities Include:

Senior Communications

Providing support specifically to the Corporate Services and Financial Services Divisions, but also corporately as required:

Consult and collaborate across with all levels of the organization to develop communications strategies and responses to both internal and external matters, including reputation, and sensitive and confidential issues.

Implement and coordinate a variety of integrated brand-aligned external communications initiatives across current and emerging platforms, including print, digital signage, social media, and web content.

Prepare briefings, speaking notes, website content, e-newsletters, news releases, social media, speeches, and presentations.

Monitor media and coordinate responses to media inquiries for information and interviews, and assist, as needed, the appropriate spokesperson to develop key messaging for interviews.

Coordinate marketing and communications tactics for County events and projects.

Undertake a primary role in media and public relations during emergencies, coordinating clear, effective and timely communications, providing direction and advice on crisis communications and serving as Public Information Officer as required.

Attend Council and management meetings as required to keep well-informed of issues that may have communications-related implications.

Provide advice and executive briefings to support Council, Leadership Team, and other internal stakeholders in proactively identifying and mitigating issues.

Adhere to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.

Public Engagement

Develop and ensure consistent application of Sturgeon County policies and procedures for public engagement activities.

Identify and implement best practices, assess, and implement appropriate engagement tools and techniques, ensure consistency, and measure results.

Lead the public engagement planning process for corporate and department-level programs, including project scoping, charter development, identification of engagement objectives, and communicate intended results internally and to all relevant stakeholders.

Develop and implement strategies to increase public participation in engagement activities.

Monitor public engagement and communication results to ensure continuous improvement.

Lead and oversee public engagement activities at the corporate and department level, including the creation and implementation of public engagement plans.

Develop and maintain an online community of citizens to provide feedback on County policies, initiatives, and issues.

Design specialized engagement tactics, including large public events, workshops, advisory groups, and online tools.

Assist with the development of Request for Proposals (RFPs) and engage with the Procurement Department to select contractors to assist with engagement activities as required.

Monitor performance of external resources/consultants to ensure consistency and contract compliance.

Work with other members of the Corporate Communications team to create a dialogue with the community.

Consult with and provide advice and expertise to managers, contractors, and project teams; oversee engagement projects and ensure appropriate resources are assigned.

Requirements:

Post-Secondary Degree or related certification in Communications, Public Relations, Community Engagement, or related discipline and a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in a public engagement capacity, leading and/or working with multidisciplinary teams.

Strong computing skills.

Direct experience using Adobe Creative Suite and web software are assets.

Professional accreditation by IAP2, IABC or CPRS is an asset.

Municipal experience is considered an asset.

Ability to perform the duties of this position remotely with some office environment and municipal travel required from time-to-time.

Extensive knowledge of best practices as they relate to strategic corporate communications, issues management, marketing, and media relations.

Skilled, experienced writer with strong interpersonal and communication skills and a detail-oriented work style.

Exceptional organization skills and capable of working under pressure in a busy environment.

Ability to interact effectively, courteously, and professionally with the public, media contacts, and other municipal staff which contributes to a positive teamwork environment.

Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.

Knowledge and experience using public engagement systems, tools, processes, techniques, and principles.

Ability to professionally engage, generate common understanding, and create a shared vision in an environment of diverse stakeholders.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and constructive relationships at all levels of the organization and with representatives of external agencies.

Proficient skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft and Social Media tools.

Additional Job Information:

Salary Range: $84,493 - $111,186
Position Type: Permanent Full Time
Posted Date: Apr 11, 2022
Closing Date: Apr 22, 2022