QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related discipline and at least five to seven years of experience in a communications position, or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience
• Considerable experience implementing communications plans on complex and/or controversial topics
• Experience working with and communicating to diverse community groups
• Considerable experience serving as a media spokesperson or supporting other spokespeople on complex or sensitive issues
• Experience developing and making presentations to large groups
• Prior experience supporting public engagement or consultation on public initiatives or issues would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive literacy and ability to participate comfortably in discussions on social policy, homelessness, public arts, Reconciliation and JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) initiatives
• Demonstration of learning opportunities and / or experience working on Reconciliation projects considered an asset
• Thorough knowledge of current communications theories and trends
• Considerable demonstrated skill in developing and implementing all facets of a strategic communications plan
• Demonstrated ability to identify potentially contentious issues and quickly research the topic and recommend course of action, including responses
• Demonstrated ability to meet very tight deadlines and to juggle numerous tasks
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate communications needs, and identify and develop the best tools and best timing for providing effective information to various publics
• Demonstrated ability to be pro-active in establishing and maintaining respectful relationships with numerous and diverse stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with internal and external partners - both in routine and in controversial and stressful situations
• Demonstrated skill in writing plain language materials: taking complex and technical information and making it interesting and easy for a layperson to understand
• Demonstrated skill in public speaking, and in writing and making effective public presentations to groups
• Considerable knowledge of the processes of graphic design, photography, video production, print and web production, and social media channels
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, alert and high functioning under stressful conditions
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy
• Thorough knowledge of the media (both English and ethnic)
• Thorough knowledge of public processes/consultation techniques
• Thorough knowledge of government, particularly civic and regional government structures

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work a hybrid work week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.
Business Unit/Department: Office of the City Manager (1010)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Position Start Date: October, 2025
Position End Date: January, 2027
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-027: $47.62 to $56.27 per hour

MAIN PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

As a member of the Civic Engagement and Communications team, the Senior Communications Specialist, Engineering works on a variety of strategic communications projects in support of Engineering divisions at the City. This position is responsible for helping to educate the public and key stakeholders about major city programs, projects and initiatives with a key focus on communications needs and issues management for the Public Space and Street Use division. The position has a strong strategic focus including developing communications strategies that support successful business outcomes and creating or supervising the creation of various communications tools to inform the public about key initiatives, their expected impacts and the opportunities for public involvement.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and implements multi-channel communications plans to support key, one-time and multi-year initiatives, projects and programs
• Oversees development of a wide variety of publicity and informational materials including news releases, newsletters, notices, pamphlets and brochures, speeches, video, displays, social media campaigns and other digital content, advertising, etc.
• Skill in writing plain language materials, using CP style as well as taking complex and technical information and making it interesting and easy to understand
• Tracks the communications budgets for assigned projects including design consultants, print, translation services
• Works closely with subject matter experts to ensure information is accurate, timely and supports business objectives
• Informs and engages staff, providing relevant, timely information through regular channels. Ensures staff receive timely updates on projects, programs, events and news
• Serves as the primary liaison to the media, coordinates media responses and spokespeople as appropriate
• Leads issues management for projects including responding to time sensitive work, ability to identify potentially sensitive issues and developing recommend a course of action
• Ability to meet very tight deadlines and to juggle numerous and competing demands
• Ability to remain calm, alert and high functioning in stressful conditions
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy
• Ability to periodically work independently or unsupervised
• Directs the development and maintenance of web pages
• Liaises with related agencies and suppliers/contractors to ensure effective and timely coordination of information to the public
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned