Strategic Advisor to the Mayor

Posted on: Mar 23, 2026

Posted by: Strathcona County

Summary

Strathcona County is seeking a highly skilled Strategic Advisor to provide trusted strategic communications, coordination, and issues management support within the Mayor’s Office. This role plays a key part in ensuring the Mayor is well-informed, prepared, and supported through clear messaging, accurate briefings, and effective information flow aligned with Council priorities, community interests and municipal initiatives.

As Strategic advisor you will prepare briefings and materials for meetings and engagements, drafts a wide range of written communications, and supports issues management by monitoring emerging community and key partners matters. The position also assists with digital engagement, correspondence management, and inquiry triage, playing a key role in supporting transparent, responsive, and effective communication between the Mayor, Council, administration, and the community.

This role requires a solid understanding of municipal governance, Council–Administration relationships, and emerging public issues, along with the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism. The position works closely with the Mayor and must be able to establish a trusted, effective working relationship, adapting to the Mayor’s leadership style, priorities, and expectations while representing the Office of the Mayor with credibility and integrity

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Act as a trusted advisor by providing strategic coordination, analysis, and guidance to support the achievement of the Mayor’s priorities, ensuring alignment with Council direction, corporate objectives, and community interests
Monitor the internal and external environment to identify emerging trends, issues, and potential risks, and proactively provide timely, well considered briefings to the mayor support informed decision-making
Track and assess community concerns, partner perspectives, and external developments, identifying sensitivities, risks, and opportunities that may affect the municipality or the Mayor’s Office
Review and analyze reports, correspondence, and information from multiple internal and external sources, synthesizing complex content into clear, concise, and actionable briefings tailored for an executive audience
Coordinate and prepare high-quality briefing materials, background information, and summaries to ensure the mayor is thoroughly informed and prepared for meetings, events, and time sensitive issues
Prepare and refine briefing notes, memos, speeches, correspondence, and public statements, ensuring accuracy, clarity, professionalism, and alignment with the mayor’s voice, Council priorities, and corporate standard
Develop clear and effective speaking materials to support internal and external engagements, public events, and media opportunities, informed by research and issue analysis
Assist in coordinating digital and social media content, monitoring engagement, and identifying emerging themes or concerns to support effective and responsive online communication
Draft responses, triage inquiries, and support timely, professional communication with residents, partners, and organizations on behalf of the Mayor’s Office
Coordinate daily information flow and interactions with elected officials, the Executive Team, and senior administration to ensure alignment, consistency, and timely communication
Establish and maintain collaborative, professional relationships with elected officials, senior leadership, municipal departments, other municipalities, and partner organizations to support effective governance and issue resolution

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills:

Postsecondary degree or diploma in Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field with 5 years of progressively related experience, in ideally within an executive office or public-sector environment
Demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise, and high-quality written materials for executive and public audiences, including briefings, correspondence, speeches, and formal communications, with a high degree of accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail
Proven experience synthesizing complex information into succinct, actionable briefings and materials that support informed decision-making and effective preparation for meetings, events, and public engagements
Solid knowledge of government roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes across all levels of government, with the ability to navigate and support intergovernmental relationships in a politically sensitive environment
Working knowledge of public-sector governance frameworks, legislation, policies, and administrative processes, with the ability to apply this knowledge to communications, issue management, and advisory support
Experience supporting or managing digital communications, including social media platforms, with an understanding of public engagement, messaging risks, and reputational considerations in a government context
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and operate with tact and professionalism while handling sensitive information and supporting elected officials in a high-profile, politically dynamic environment
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities, respond to changing demands, and maintain accuracy and composure under pressure
This role operates in a high‑profile, politically charged environment and requires a strong professional fit with the Office of the Mayor, including flexibility, responsiveness, and alignment with the Mayor’s strategic priorities

Conditions of Employment:

Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check

Job Type

Full Time

Employer Contact

No employer contact listed.

Salary Range

$89,180.00 - $111,420.40

Closing Date

April 6, 2026

Posting ID: 37700

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