Careers

Description

Working for the City of Burlington

A great career is closer than you think. Come work for the City of Burlington, where you’ll be joining an innovative and progressive workplace focused on building a 21st century city that respects the diversity of our residents, visitors and employees; and prioritizes continuous opportunities for you to learn and grow.

We don't just spend time attracting the best talent. We spend time and resources to keep the best talent. This may include: flexible working hours, mobile and hybrid working arrangements, a great pension and benefits package, as well as programs to foster innovation and leadership.

Location

This position is eligible for a hybrid work model. When attending an event or meeting in person, your primary office location will be based out of City Hall, 426 Brant Street. Work location is subject to change at the discretion of the City due to operational demands.

Position Overview

The Communications Advisor ensures high-quality communication products are delivered on behalf of assigned internal and external clients. These include the development of communication strategies, public engagement, crisis communication, issues management, media relations, coordination of special events, internal (employee) communications, research and media training.

Responsibilities

The Communications Advisors’ primary responsibilities:

• Provides expert communication advice and services to internal departments, project teams, members of City council, and Council- appointed advisory committees as required. Develops and executes communication plans and strategies. Responsibilities also include crisis management, reputation and brand management and liaising with community partners and area municipalities.
• Researches, plans, writes, and edits a wide variety of print and electronic publications (including reports, media releases, video and audio scripts, web/social media/creative content, articles, issues notes, briefing and speaking notes, backgrounders and advertisements) on behalf of clients, including members of Council as required, to communicate and increase the public understanding of City projects, initiatives and issues, as well as to engage the public in local government.
• Responsible for contributing to and/or co-ordinating City publications such as City Talk (external community publication), newsletters and internal publications.
• Develops marketing plans for projects. Works with internal departments, media, photographers, videographers and partners to determine advertising needs, timelines, associated costs, and tactics.
• Supports media monitoring efforts and monitors daily media coverage of City, municipal and government issues. Work with third-party media monitoring vendor as required.
• Serves as member of the City’s crisis communications team and supports emergency operations by liaising with media, coordinating media conferences and creating and disseminating information to support the City’s emergency response.
• Delivers and updates the corporate media training program and coaches all City spokespeople.
• Engages with media on a regular basis. Manages media requests. Act as City spokesperson when required.
• Demonstrates ability and knowledge to deal with confidential matters and information.
• Working knowledge of social media and web platforms, video, photography, engagement and communications trends and best practices.
• Measures and evaluates the effectiveness of communication programs and initiatives, identifying areas for improvement or policy development. Responsible for tracking and creating analytics reports as required.

Requirements

Qualified applicants will have a degree in Communications Studies, Public Relations, Journalism or related field. A Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Communications is an asset. The role requires 3-5 years experience in communications or public relations, preferably with previous experience in municipal government or public sector. The qualified applicant will have exceptional written and verbal communication skills and have an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams. Proficient in application of Canadian Press Style guide standards.

This position may require occasional travel between sites and/or City facilities. This position will require weekend and holiday work according to predetermined standby schedule.

Accommodations

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the City of Burlington accommodates the individual needs of applicants with disabilities within the recruitment process. Please call us at 905-335-7602 or email us at: hr@burlington.ca if you require accommodation to ensure your equal participation in the recruitment and selection process.

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