Communications Coordinator (Transit) (11338)

at  Region of Waterloo

Communications Coordinator (Transit) (11338)
Job Number: 1611
Job Type: Temporary Full-Time
Temp Contract Length: 24 months
Location: 250 Strasburg Rd - Transit-Strasburg Road Ops
Job Category: Transportation
Number of Positions:1
Department: Marketing, Communications and Community Relations
Division: Transportation Services
Hours of Work: 35
Union: CUPE 1883
Posting Date: September 24, 2024
Grade: CUPE 1883 Grade 010
Salary Range: $35.74-$40.45

ABOUT US!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core values emphasize caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.
Dish with One Spoon Wampum:

Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Recognizing our shared humanity and land
• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core values, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and skills are normally acquired through a 3-year degree/diploma in a related field (e.g., Marketing, Communications, Journalism), plus 2 years of related experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Knowledge of copy writing, online and email marketing, digital media, current social media platforms, promotional concepts, public speaking, and content creation.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, related legislation (e.g., Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, privacy, anti-spam legislation) and Canadian Press Standards.
• Knowledge of divisional services.
• Demonstrated ability to write effectively in plain language and a range of voices and creative styles for varied audiences and delivery methods (e.g., print, web, video).
• Ability to leverage social media to drive customer engagement and audience development, and enhance social networking.
• Ability to create visual content as part of informational/operational communications (e.g., video, photography). Ability to edit and rework content into formats appropriate for digital communications platforms.
• Analytical, research, and organizational skills to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards; evaluate campaign performance; and work independently and as a team member to complete projects and balance competing demands.
• Human relations and communications skills to promote programs and present a positive, consistent image and identity of the Division via in-person and online channels; respond to questions from the public; build and maintain customer and stakeholder relationships; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read, summarize, and explain media, newsletters, journals, and reports; and understand and interpret social media and web-specific terminology. Ability to write, edit, and proof materials, including written instructions as part of training guides/manuals for divisional programs.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, desktop publishing programs, and web-based technologies to update and maintain website and social media accounts (e.g., iCreate, Association Suite, Joomla). Technical skills/understanding to troubleshoot technical issues and perform basic coding.
• Ability to keep current on best practices and technologies/platforms in communications.
• Ability to adjust working hours for presentations, special events, and may be requested to work weekend hours for same.
• Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.
  The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. The Region of Waterloo invites applications from all qualified individuals. We are strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourage applications from Black, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.
  The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400, TTY number (519-575-4608) to request an alternate format.
  Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).

THE ROLE

Coordinates and performs marketing and communications functions for the Division, including developing print, website, and social media content materials, maintaining social media/online channels, and participating in outreach activities/events to promote programs and initiatives. Participates in developing and actioning the strategy to promote and increase media and public awareness of transit products, services, and service expansion.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates with management on communications strategy and related activities to promote and increase media and public awareness of transit products, services, and mandate (including service expansion projects).
• Works with management to develop key messages, including crisis and emergency communications, as needed. Identifies trends and potential issues that could negatively impact the Division and Region.
• Produces/coordinates a range of promotional materials (e.g., press releases, stories, blog posts, newsletters, social media posts, flyers, brochures, signage, handouts). Compiles information from staff on program and service offerings, and creates plans and materials for dissemination across various channels. Reviews promotional proofs and recommends edits. Ensures materials comply with guidelines, design standards, and branding.
• Develops visual content for operational/informational communications, including social marketing initiatives (e.g., photography, videos).
• Writes press releases, blog posts, and social media content. Maintains and updates webpages and online calendars. Responds to/redirects related inquiries. Monitors social and website use and recommends content updates, new pages/sections, and layout changes.
• Participates to evaluate the effectiveness of communications projects, including community relations and outreach activities.
• Researches and identifies promotional opportunities, including community events, to support programs and initiatives. Assists management to maintain active communications and community engagement programming, including participating at events, communicating with event organizers and partners, and coordinating production of advertising and promotional materials.
• Assists to develop and implement internal communications strategies and initiatives to foster timely distribution and receipt of information amongst staff and improve employee understanding and engagement. Contributes articles for newsletters. Supports internal communications through the staff portal and provides intranet-publishing services to the Division.
• Develops resource requirements for management approval and allocates funds to promotional campaigns. Has a p-card. Recommends program supplies and equipment to management. Ensures digital cameras and video equipment are maintained in good working condition. Contacts vendors for equipment servicing.
• Interacts with creative multimedia services for graphic design and printing requests, and corporate communications regarding media releases and new projects.
• Performs related duties as assigned.