This position involves leading the strategic communications in a center-led delivery model, collaborating with departmental communicators, setting policies and standards, providing key support to executive members and councillors, and overseeing media relations to ensure corporate communication needs are met.
The Manager oversees the development and implementation of corporate change management standards to support seamless operational transitions and project integration across the organization. This includes advising on complex issues, driving innovation, and promoting continuous improvement to enhance organizational effectiveness.
As the Manager you will play a critical role in crisis communication and emergency management, serving as a key member of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to provide strategic guidance during emergencies and develop crisis communication plans tailored to local government operations.
This role may be eligible to participate in our hybrid work program. The successful candidate will be required to reside within 2 hours of Sherwood Park, Alberta.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic development, implementation, and delivery of the County’s communications and change management functions
- Provide leadership, coaching, and strategic guidance to the communications and change management teams
- Govern strategic communications for the County in a center-led delivery model
- Direct the creation of comprehensive communication policies that align with governance principles, ensuring clarity and consistency in public messaging
- Develop and execute communication strategies that support the municipality’s governance objectives and ensure regulatory compliance
- Ensure all communications are delivered with a focus on transparency and accountability, supporting effective governance
- Initiate and collaborate on inter-departmental initiatives, providing leadership and advisory support to drive successful project outcomes
- Provide strategic guidance and direction to ensure successful adoption of changes across departments and stakeholders
- Develop corporate change management standards and ensure the availability of comprehensive change management services for projects and significant operational changes across the organization
- Provide strategic communication counsel and support to senior leadership, executive team members, and councillor
- Coordinate communication efforts during critical incidents or issues affecting the municipality, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination
- Serve as a key member of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), providing strategic communication guidance and coordination during emergencies, natural disasters, or crisis situations
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience working in a professional communications role, with demonstrated expertise and experience in leading strategic communications
- At least 5 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role, demonstrating strong managerial skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively
- Completion of a professionally accredited change management certificate project or equivalent professional accreditation (Prosci, CCMP, ACM Specialist) is an asset
- Government or political experience is a requirement
- Comprehensive understanding and familiarity with change management principles and methods
- Excellent facilitation, internal consulting, problem-solving, analytical, and systems-thinking skills
- Ability to lead and inspire a team in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
Salary Range: $120,684.20 - $150,859.80
Who We Are:
Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.
Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
- Extended health and dental coverage
- Health and wellness spending account
- Life and disability insurance and critical illness programs
- Retirement and pension programs
- Paid and unpaid leave programs
- Earned day off program
- Employee and family assistance program
- Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
- Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace
Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.
Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
