Communications and Community Engagement Advisor, Police Services Board

JOB SUMMARY

This position provides support and advice to the Executive Director, Chair, and Ottawa Police Service Board (OPSB), a provincially mandated legal entity that operates independently from the City and Council. The OPSB is responsible for the provision of adequate and effective police services in the municipality, which must include, at a minimum, police services in crime prevention, law enforcement, assistance to victims of crime, public order maintenance and emergency response in accordance with Provincial legislation.
Under the direction of the Executive Director, this position is responsible for developing and managing the delivery of community engagement and communication strategies and initiatives that promote the Board’s work. This includes providing strategic communications advice and counsel related to communication matters as well as strategically managing and advising concerning relationships with key community partners, including the Service, the public (including agencies, advocacy groups and issue-champions), other police services boards and oversight bodies, the law enforcement community and all levels of government. The incumbent is also responsible for the implementation of internal and external communication and community engagement activities that support the Board and its mandate.
The Advisor works to ensure that all communications and community engagement initiatives promote strategic governance, align with the Board’s mandate and priorities, and enhance the Board’s reputation and credibility. The Advisor also generally contributes to the Board’s mandate through the provision and compilation of information, conducting research and analysis, and drafting reports and communications for both the Board and the public. The Advisor assists with the co-ordination of media relations on behalf of the Board.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Four (4) year university under-graduate degree is required, preferably in communications, social sciences, public administration, public relations, or the equivalent.

•   Five (5) years experience in a community engagement or communications role, or related discipline.
•   Experience working with partners from Ottawa’s diverse communities, including community organizations relevant to or involved in community policing and/or crime prevention (e.g. BIAs, neighbourhood associations, diaspora groups, and associations representing visible minorities, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities) – Desired.

KNOWLEDGE

•    The functions and responsibilities of a municipal police governing body.
•    The Community Safety and Policing Act of Ontario and related statutory regulations.
•    General knowledge of the mandate and operations of an Ontario municipal police service.
•    Understanding of the cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic dynamics of Ottawa’s diverse communities – Desired.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

•    Exhibits strong cultural competence with a proven ability to convene and facilitate inclusive, dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders from diverse backgrounds in politically sensitive contexts.
•    Demonstrates the ability to communicate and engage tactfully and impartially, ensuring that all stakeholder interactions reinforce the Board’s commitment to fairness and inclusiveness.
•    Able to manage multiple tasks and balance competing demands.
•    Able to recognize and analyze problems and find solutions.
•    Superior written and oral communication and listening skills.
•    Able to anticipate needs and proactively address them.
•    Deal effectively with deadlines.
•    Strong organizational skills.
•    Produce reports and make presentations.
•    Conduct research and prepare comprehensive reports.
•    Develop short and long term objectives and strategies.

PERSONAL SUITABLILITY
•    Must exercise sound judgement, discretion, initiative, alertness and a high degree of confidentiality.
•    Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact cooperatively with others.
•    Work effectively and efficiently under pressure.