We acknowledge that the City of Kingston is situated on traditional Anishinabek (Ah- nish-in-ah-bay), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat) territory and is the home of many Indigenous peoples. We are grateful to reside and work on this land.
Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government. Kingstonians enjoy a high quality of life with access to world-class education and research institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment and tourism activities.
We take our core values of Trust, Respect, Integrity and Pride seriously and apply these standards to everything we do. We foster a working environment that reflects our community’s diversity and respects people’s dignity, ideas and beliefs. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and encourages people from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, Persons with Disabilities and persons who identify as members LGBTQ+ communities, to apply.
Position Summary
The City of Kingston is seeking an experienced Communications Officer 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 communications and supporting public engagement campaigns 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 closely with your customers and 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 and have a deep respect for deadlines. The City is looking for an outstanding strategic communicator for this exciting, progressive and smart-thinking city.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
In collaboration with departments, assist with the design of community consultation initiatives utilizing effective strategies and techniques to encourage participation and the involvement of various stakeholders
Promote, facilitate and advise on public engagement efforts for City departments
Lead the design, development and execution of innovative marketing and promotional campaigns
Provide assistance with consistent branding to ensure the professional presentation of written documentation, advertising, and other promotional/marketing materials
Develop, edit and publish various written materials including, but not limited to, news releases, webpages, articles, editorials, publications, newsletters, and other written communications
Review analytics, assess communication programs and report findings with recommended improvements for future communication
Take media calls as the primary media contact and provide advice and interview preparation to clients as required to assist with the inquiry
Identify appropriate communication tactics for target audiences and approaches utilizing various media, including but not limited to, video, online, social media, print, radio, briefing notes, news releases, reporting out and photography
Assist in the provision of general information to the public and media to keep residents apprised of events happening within the municipality, promoting opportunities for residents to participate and/or submit feedback
Assist in the provision of information to City employees, to keep employees apprised of internal events and promote opportunities for them to participate and/or submit feedback accordingly
Take a strategic, coordinated, seamless, corporate-wide and consistent approach to all communications initiatives, with attention and focus on the customer’s needs
Communications outputs need to include a coordination of marketing, advertising and educational material. Identify appropriate communication tactics to support departments and ensure appropriate audiences are engaged
Assist departments to communicate and inform residents and/or other stakeholders about City programs and services while promoting a customer centered approach to service delivery
Liaise with the communications and public engagement team on behalf of the department being supported
Coordinate graphic design, video, radio, filming and the execution and implementation of all materials that support the communication plan
Qualifications, Competencies
Diploma or degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field
3 years of recent and relevant progressive experience in communications and marketing
Recent and relevant project management experience
Recent and relevant print, social media, web, and photography experience
International Association for Public Participation (1AP2) foundations training would be considered an asset
Marketing and event coordination experience is preferred
Skills, Abilities, Work Demands
Experience with operating a digital SLR camera and digital video camera
Must be able to attend meetings, special events and activities outside of regular business hours and some weekends
Strategic and creative thinking, flexibility, organization and political sensitivity
Ability to manage large projects with multiple resources
Must have excellent communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills with the ability to influence others
Bilingualism is an asset (English/French)
Strong, effective customer service and interpersonal skills
Ability to work in a team environment, liaise with key stakeholders and to function effectively with minimal supervision
Advanced computer skills including MS Office, Excel, presentation software, and Content Management Systems (CMS)
Strong time and project management skills with the ability to multi-task
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to gather and interpret information
Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to formulate solutions to complex issues
Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check at candidates’ expense
Non-Union Position - To Be Determined
Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier-free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC)and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process. We’re happy to provide more information if you email us at HRCity@cityofkingston.ca.
Your resumé must demonstrate how you meet position requirements. Please upload to your profile any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position. We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
