Section Manager, Public Outreach & Communications

JOB SUMMARY

You are responsible for leading a team of professional and technical staff responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating outreach and communications plans, tactics and materials for all departmental services areas (i.e., Parks Maintenance and Forestry Services, Roads and Parking Services, Solid Waste Services, and Traffic Services). 

You provide expert advice and manage all communication programs, projects and processes that fall within the work unit, including the development, delivery, quality assurance and evaluation stages, and advocate for and demonstrate behaviours that support principles of teamwork, respect, service excellence and professionalism.   

You are also responsible for establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships and positive client relationships with operational and project leads within the department, and internal and external partners.  You oversee consultants/contractors and provide financial and professional input to the Program Manager regarding strategic communications planning, programs, and process development.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4-year university degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field or equivalent years of experience.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in public communications, including at least 1 year of supervisory experience.

KNOWLEDGE

• Advanced knowledge in communications planning and strategizing 
• Advanced knowledge of communications tactics, which could include media concepts, social media, graphic design, advertising principles and practices and related production activities 
• Advanced knowledge of marketing and communication techniques and strategies related to the provision of public information services 
• Crisis Communications practices 
• Project management techniques, methodologies, and practices 
• Trends in communications industry and approaches 
• City governance, initiatives, programs, and services 
• Relevant legislation, corporate standards and department policies and procedures
• Contract document preparation, the tendering process and supervision of contracted resources
• Administrative practices
• Must possess the training, experience, and knowledge to organize the work and is performance 
• Must be familiar with applicable health and safety legislation, have knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace, and have knowledge of appropriate actions to be taken to ensure the health and safety of staff in accordance with applicable legislation and City policies and procedures

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Core Behaviours

Core behaviours define the City’s expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work.  They are reflective of the City’s culture and values and guide all our present and future activities.  Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody, and demonstrate these core behaviours.

Review the Core Behaviours.

Leadership Competencies

The City has defined key competencies that leaders are expected to embody and demonstrate to successfully move the organization towards achieving its strategic objectives and create an organizational culture that supports and empowers employees to excel, grow and reach their full potential. These leadership competencies and associated behaviours are expected to be demonstrated by leaders at all levels of the organization. 

Review the Leadership Competencies.