Position Summary
The City of Kingston is seeking an experienced Communications Officer (Graphic Design, Web and Video) to work as part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team. As a key member of the Communications and Customer Experience department, you would be responsible for designing proactive and strategic communication materials that aim to reach a range of audiences, including internal and external stakeholders and the news media. As someone who thinks outside the box, you will work alongside colleagues whose goal it is to build and lead scalable projects for leaders working throughout the Corporation.
The City of Kingston is a results-oriented, customer-focused organization that is on a path to building a smart and livable 21st Century community while empowering citizens to connect and communicate in meaningful ways. The Communications Officer is someone who understands the City’s mission and brings to their job a sense of pride for the Corporation’s mission to build collaborative partnerships, seek innovative solutions and harness the incredible assets in this community. As an ideal candidate for this position, you are an effective communicator and listener with superb organizational and project management skills; you possess a sophisticated understanding of social media channels, video and have a deep respect for deadlines. The City is looking for an outstanding graphic designer for this exciting, progressive and smart-thinking city.
The Communications Officer (Graphic Design, Web, and Video) is responsible for providing on-going departmental support in the areas of digital imaging, graphic design, video. This position provides specialist services to groups and departments in conjunction with the group/department communications officer - generalist.
The Communications Officer (Graphic Design, Web, and Video) plays a key role in engaged, coordinated and proactive communications services support that is accessible, creative and professional.
Responsibilities
Planning – In collaboration with colleagues, you will design materials for initiatives utilizing effective strategies and techniques to encourage participation and the involvement of various stakeholders. Lead the design and development of innovative marketing and promotional campaigns. The position provides technical assistance with consistent branding to ensure the professional presentation of written documentation, advertising, and other promotional/marketing materials.
Service Delivery – Perform work to service delivery standards and modes. Identify and recommend more efficient processes and solutions. Support internal and external communications that promote and enhance the image of the City of Kingston internally and externally and promote and/or support the effective delivery of services the groups and/or departments.
As part of the Communications team, this specialist position responds to challenges and opportunities within portfolios of Generalists to promote a coordinated, seamless, corporate-wide and consistent approach to all communications initiatives, with specific attention and focus on the needs of the clients (departments) and the individuals who live, work, learn and play in Kingston.
Communication – Communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely to individuals and/or groups. Respond in a timely, efficient, and effective manner to support the Generalist function by providing specialized capabilities to internal clients.
Customer Focus - Support City departments by understanding the challenges and opportunities within their areas. Take a strategic, coordinated, seamless, corporate-wide and consistent approach to all communications initiatives, with attention and focus on the customer’s needs. Implement service practices that meet customer and corporate needs.
Results Orientation - Ensure all outputs are clear, informative, consistent, professional, and accessible and presented in plain language. Communications outputs need to include a coordination of marketing, advertising and educational material. Work with the communications team to identify appropriate communication tactics to support departments and ensure appropriate audiences are engaged. Use measurement methods to monitor progress toward goals.
Teamwork - Work collaboratively with all members of the communications and public engagement team. Develop materials for print, video, digital, filming and the execution and implementation of all materials that support the communication plan.
Participate in emergency planning activities and assume responsibility in the event of an emergency.
Qualifications, Competencies
Degree/diploma in Graphic Design, Web Design, Digital Media, or a related field.
3 years of related experience providing design and digital media services, preferably in a communications and/or marketing environment.
Experience using InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Adobe Premier, Adobe After Effects or Adobe Audition, and NCH Wavepad, and/or other video and audio editing software.
Social media, video, radio, and photography experience.
Experience using a variety of web software including HTML editing software.
Experience with operating a digital SLR camera and digital video camera.
Skills, Abilities, Work Demands
Proficiency in writing and editing for various communication channels for content and accuracy.
Demonstrated understanding of social media and social media management platforms and trends.
Advanced customer service skills.
Strategic and creative thinking, flexibility, organization and political sensitivity.
Ability to manage large projects with multiple resources.
Strong written and verbal communications skills, including editing.
Excellent skills and knowledge working with MS Office, Excel, presentation software, and Content Management Systems (CMS).
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic fast paced organization with multiple competing priorities.
Ability to establish credibility and build relationships at all levels of the organization.
Proven ability prioritize work and understand all contributing factors.
Must be self-motivated and able to practice good judgment in making decisions both independently and within a team.
Knowledge of new technologies and technological advances.
Support team, programs, new initiatives, and perform other duties as assigned including acting as a back-up for team members.
Must be able to attend meetings, special events and activities outside of regular business hours and some weekends.
Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.
Knowledge of related policies, procedures, legislation and initiatives.
Demonstrate integrity; adhere to professional standards, regulations and corporate policies and procedures (e.g. Code of Conduct).
Valid class “G” Ontario driver’s license.
Required to obtain and maintain satisfactory criminal record check at own expense.
$61,621.00 - $76,567.00 per annum
