Strategist, Corporate Communications

JOB SUMMARY

Public Information and Media Relations (PIMR) informs and engages Ottawa residents on City programs, services and issues that are paramount to their participation as residents and that help improve their quality of life.

PIMR leads the centralized communications of the City to ensure they align with the City’s priorities, focused on inclusivity and provide critical information during times of emergency that safeguard residents’ trust and confidence in the City.  PIMR also oversees the Public Engagement Strategy for the City, and the corporate brand strategy.

PIMR delivers strategic communications by: aligning and integrating communications initiatives across the corporation; leveraging new and innovative information channels and technologies; supporting Council and departments with legislative and policy communications; and leading the City’s emergency and major incident communications in support of the Office of Emergency Management.

You are responsible for providing functional leadership and strategic communications advice to the Director, executive management and senior management in the planning, development and implementation of effective communications strategies, plans, tools and tactics for high-profile, high-risk and/or City-wide programs, services, while protecting the brand of the City.

The Corporate Communications Strategist is responsible for providing communications support to the City’s legislative agenda, for supporting City communications in times of crisis or emergency, for developing, writing and editing various communications products and for participating in the development of the Annual Strategic Corporate Communications Plan/Calendar.

The Corporate Communications Strategist is also responsible for advising on, developing and implementing corporate issues management strategies in consultation with senior management, the appropriate departments and/or Council, as well as business support services for Public Information and Media Relations.

The Communications Strategist also liaises with the Mayor’s Office, Committee Chairs and Council members pertaining to high-profile and/or major corporate issues and programs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Four (4) year university undergraduate degree in journalism or communications, or an equivalent combination of experience and training in a related field.

Eight (8) years experience, with at least five (5) years in the field of communications, public relations, marketing and/or media relations, with progressive experience in projects of increasing complexity.
 

KNOWLEDGE

• Expert knowledge of strategic communications
• Expert knowledge of how to analyze and dissect complex corporate issues, and design and implement communications strategies accordingly
• Knowledge of the workings and organization of both the local and national media
• Knowledge of how to prepare written material or to prepare responses for the public and media 
• Expert knowledge of how municipal government (and specifically City of Ottawa) functions in terms of organizational structure, mandate, relationship with other levels of government, etc.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft productivity software (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers
   

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to predict how an issue will be perceived in the public domain, in order to prepare accordingly
• Strong political acumen
• Proven ability to develop complex communications strategies for high-risk/high-profile issues
• Well developed strategic communications skills: proven ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Well developed interpersonal skills: proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization; exceptional verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to deal effectively with senior management, elected official and the public
• Ability to develop communications with an equity, diversity and inclusion lens
• Ability to work effectively within tight deadlines
• Ability to think clearly and adapt to change during high pressure and/or stressful situations
• Excellent research skills both on the internet and via traditional methods
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to advise/direct other team members
• Ability to work as a motivating group leader or as a highly motivated team member