Summary of Duties

Reports to a divisional Manager or to the Director, Strategic Communications.  Implements public engagement and communications strategies to support major projects, with an emphasis on data collection and analysis, community relations strategy, marketing and promotion, and digital media communications to enable and support the decisions, direction and work of Council.  Directs the related work of others in carrying out these duties, including employees in the Division and consultants.

Work Performed

Serve as a contact with the public; develop and execute communication, social media and digital strategies to fully inform and engage the public and relevant community partners and organizations about major projects and plans.

Serves as a contact with media and helps prepare communication materials regarding Council’s decisions and achievements; as well, to inform and engage the public and provide public feedback to Council and senior administration.

With direction from the Manager, Media Relations, prepares communications in response to media requests and issues management.

Make recommendations to leaders regarding community relations strategies to promote major projects.

Develop templates and protocols relative to community engagement processes.

Develop and maintain effective relationships with external suppliers, consultants and contractors.

Design and implement engagement and data collection strategies, utilizing canvasses, surveys, focus groups and public forums. Determine metrics for assessing promotional and communication strategies to ensure and report on effectiveness.

Manage and implement public consultation and citizen engagement strategy to inform area residents, businesses and the public about plans and progress.

Liaise and develop productive relationships with community associations, Business Improvement Associations and businesses impacted by major projects.

Coordinate the design, production and publishing of key marketing, promotional and information materials across a variety of platforms including video.

Develop content for websites and other digital news platforms; provide timely posts, updates and responses.

Prepare information articles and good news stories.

Research and draft materials including briefing notes, speeches, presentations, social media/web content and media materials.

Oversee the work of consultants on projects administered by the Senior Communications Specialist.

Provide direction to staff; review and give advice in the completion of related work which may include the development of communications such as bulletins and media advisories.

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with the staff assigned to major projects and other key personnel; ensure proactive communications and timely responses to emergent issues as required.

Monitor media coverage, identify potential issues and develop issues management plan and related briefing materials for leadership and others as required.

Respond to public enquiries about City of London projects and initiatives and compile reports regarding public input.

Engage in public outreach at community events.

Assist with the development and distribution of community updates and reports relative to major projects and the City’s Strategic Plan.

Attend planning and strategy meetings for major projects and Strategic Communications; attend Committee meetings as required.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience

Honours Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business or equivalent.  Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) designation or Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation is an asset. 

Four years of experience as a proven communications professional with experience in issues management and brand/strategy development.

Specialized Training & Licenses

Skills and abilities in the following areas are necessary:

Superior interpersonal skills; effective written and oral communications skills.

Demonstrated capacity in the effective use of social media and a range of communications platforms.

Technical knowledge of graphic design, print, audio/visual productions and desktop publishing.

Experience coordinating communications events such as launches, community  information events and press conferences.    

Compensation and Other Information

$59,287 - $86,176 (Level 15)

This position is currently under review.

Other Information:

Current hours of Work: Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These hours of work are subject to change in accordance with the Collective Agreement and may include evening hours and Saturdays.

NOTE: Applicants may be required to complete a job related test.

As an inclusive employer, we are committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. Please contact us at any time during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible supports you may need.