Communications Advisor

at  City of Edmonton

Job Number: 50913
Are you a talented communications professional with a keen interest in urban planning, growth management and land development? Are you invested in the future of Edmonton and have passion to help shape an urban, healthy and climate-resilient city?
The City’s Urban Planning and Economy (UPE) Department is recruiting a Communications Advisor to provide integrated services to support the business goals of the department and the City. Urban Planning and Economy is a forward-looking department that plans, promotes and advocates change that moves this city towards the Edmonton envisioned by the residents we serve.
The Communications Advisor is responsible for creating and implementing marketing and communications plans for high-profile planning and development projects. They will manage media relations, public information sharing, and public engagement to support these projects. The role involves developing creative content strategies across various channels, ensuring consistent messaging, and managing potential issues. The Advisor will also collaborate with other departments to raise public awareness of the benefits of land use planning and growth management. Overall, the goal is to manage public expectations and maintain the City’s positive reputation while aligning with the vision of the Urban Planning and Economy department and the City of Edmonton.

SKILLS REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS:

• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills with extensive knowledge of communications practices, principles, and techniques and considerable background experience or knowledge or allied fields, such as advertising, creative services, audio and visual production, social media and content creation
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels of an organization, including senior leaders managing operational and policy/program areas, and contractors or consultants
• Superior issues identification, management and media relations skills
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Strong project management and event planning skills
• Experience and proficiency with contemporary computer technologies (e.g., Google platform, Microsoft Word, Adobe suite, etc.)
• Alignment to our Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments
• Alignment to our Leadership Competencies
• Applicants may be tested
  The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

Qualifications:

• Degree in a communications, public relations, or related field, supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs, marketing or public information position OR;
• Diploma in a communications, public relations or related field, supplemented by a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs or public information positio

• Lead, develop, manage and implement integrated marketing and communications plans and projects for both external and internal audiences
• Identify opportunities and emerging issues and provide timely strategic advice and effective communication strategies
• Manage media relations and potential issues, including reviewing reports for City Council, planning and managing media events, developing strategies and messaging, coaching spokespeople and serving as a spokesperson
• Maintain a broad perspective on corporate priorities, as well as those of council, stakeholder groups and other orders of government
• Work with clients, designers and suppliers to help create effective communication and advertising products
• Lead and support marketing and education initiatives as well as client responses to citizen inquiries
• Provide communications support to public engagement initiatives, involving residents in the development of projects and initiatives
• Write news releases, public service announcements, media advisories, brochures, newsletters and other communication products
• Edit, develop and update web and 311 content for programs, projects and initiatives
• Use social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter) to advance business goals and enhance internal and external communication efforts
• Related duties as required

Qualifications:

• Degree in a communications, public relations, or related field, supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs, marketing or public information position OR;
• Diploma in a communications, public relations or related field, supplemented by a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs or public information position