Outreach and Communications Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

Working as part of a team, the Outreach and Communications Coordinator acts as the lead for stakeholder relations supporting the Stage 2 LRT project. The Outreach and Communications Coordinator works with technical leads, contractors, elected officials and the public to provide information on the project, help mitigate impacts from construction and promote the overall project benefits to residents. The candidate will bring a communications lens to technical information ensuring messaging is clear and meets the needs of the public and specific stakeholders. The Outreach and Communications Coordinator will work with a team to plan communications, prepare and implement issues management strategies and will develop an understanding of the project in order to provide sound recommendations. The successful candidate will also prepare and give presentations to inform stakeholders and address specific concerns.
 

The Outreach and Communications Coordinator will represent the Stage 2 LRT project at meetings, in the public, and provide communications advice on behalf of the team. The successful candidate will have experience with public outreach and engagement, be a strategic thinker, self-motivated and able to balance multiple priorities in fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year degree in Communications, Public Administration, Public Relations or related field.

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience working in a large organization, with demonstrated experience in areas relating to public relations, communication, community involvement, or promotional activities.

KNOWLEDGE

• General knowledge of the Corporation, departmental and branch business requirements, policies and organizational structure
• Legislation, policies, regulations, guidelines, procedures, issues and trends relevant to the operational area
• Current trends and developments in communications techniques, practices, electronic media, and public/media relations, social media
• Effective outreach and communications tactics and techniques using various channels
• Service area operations and communications requirements
• Structure and processes of municipal government, including inter-governmental stakeholders
• Public engagement and consultation processes and best practices
• Principles and techniques of project management 
• Customer service delivery and skills
• Protocols for developing submissions, briefings, reports
• Knowledge of computer applications-Microsoft Office suite, including programs used to administer the City’s external and internal websites 
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Able to work independently, with minimum support/direction, and cooperatively and collaboratively with all staff as part of a team  
• Possess organizational skills and flexibility to plan, initiate, organize and prioritize own work, and to balance multiple demands, conflicting priorities, and pressures and deadlines
• Able to foster good working relationships with public and elected representatives and respond effectively to questions and information requests on city programs in order to achieve Branch/Departmental objectives
• Able to plan, lead, coordinate, implement and manage projects to completion
• Able to conduct research, compile/analyze issues/data, make judgments on the interpretation of issues/data, and formulate recommendations
• Possess strong existing computer skills, with ability to use Microsoft Office suite applications 
• Possess strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills 
• Able to prepare reports, information packages, promotional materials, presentation materials, and correspondence in an organized, clear and concise manner
• Think and plan strategically
• Work effectively under pressure to meet tight timelines
• Ability to prepare comprehensive communications strategies
• Ability to influence and inform stakeholders regarding the application of communications tactics and techniques
• Effective verbal communications, writing and editing skills
• Strong research and analysis skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to be creative and think logically
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to plan, lead and complete assigned projects and initiatives within timelines
• Time management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• Ability to work directly with City staff, elected officials and senior management
• Ability to identify issues in the public domain
• Able to concentrate/focus on accuracy and detail
• Goal and results oriented
• Able to demonstrate sound judgement  
• Flexible and adaptable to deal with shifting priorities 
• Able to display tact and diplomacy 
• Innovative and creative 
• Positive attitude
• Self-motivated
• Organized and dependable
• Works effectively in high pressure situations