Specialist, IWSD Communications

JOB SUMMARY

The Departmental Communications unit provides strategic communications and outreach support to the Infrastructure & Water Services Department through a centralized unit that consolidates and streamlines the delivery of specialized communications, outreach and education programs, initiatives, activities and services, and provides support for activities in the public realm.  

You are responsible for providing strategic advice to the General Manager, Department Leadership Team (DLT) and Infrastructure & Water Services Department (IWSD) on communications strategies, media relations and issues management.  

You are also responsible for developing, implementing and delivering communications strategies to address critical, political and controversial issues, and preparing responses to media and social media inquiries.  

You must posses a well developed understanding of corporate media relations practices and departmental/operational knowledge to ensure that information is communicated accurately in a timely manner in a fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

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

Minimum of 6 years of experience in communications, media relations or related field.

KNOWLEDGE

• Current trends and developments in communications techniques, practices, electronic media, and public/media relations, social media
• Effective media relations
• Communications strategies and risk management
• Strategic communication principles & theory
• Effective communication tactics and techniques using traditional and web-based channels
• Corporate, departmental and branch policies and procedures
• The City's political and governance structure, as well as the City's corporate senior management structure, its committees and related governance
• Public engagement and consultation processes and best practices
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 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
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to be creative and think logically
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• 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
• Demonstrate good judgment, tact, discretion, diplomacy, creativity and initiative
• Positive attitude
• Self-motivated
• Organized and dependable
• Works effectively in high pressure situations