Under the direction of the Manager, Communications and Change Management, you will develop and oversee a robust communications program, ensuring effective media relations, and providing strategic advice on communication processes. Your role will involve building strong business relationships across the organization, leading corporate communications initiatives, and ensuring alignment with our corporate strategy and priorities.
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:
- Collaborate with associate commissioners, department directors, managers and departmental communicators to assess communication needs and allocate resources effectively
- Work with the Manager to identify and address Council and Elected Official communication needs
- Develop a comprehensive corporate communications plan that supports departmental business needs and promotes cross-functional collaboration
- Create communication strategies to address emerging issues and opportunities ensuring media relations quality control
- Lead the development of corporate communications initiatives such as policy development, strategic projects and branding
- Coordinate communications activities for county-wide initiatives affecting multiple departments or municipalities
- Assemble and lead teams to plan, implement, and evaluate communication activities
- Provide expert communications advice and services, including publicity, promotion, advertising, media relations and special events
- Advise and provide support in the development of communication materials for print, web, news media, and other channels
- Provide guidance to departmental teams on corporate strategic direction, branding, and communication policies
- Participate in planning and training for crisis communications
- Serve as the lead for crisis communications and be part of the on-call rotation for after-hours emergencies
- Support issues management to ensure effective responses from senior leadership and elected officials
- Lead, coach and supervise a team of communications professionals
Qualifications and Skills:
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, or a related discipline
- 5-7 years of experience in a communications role, with expertise in corporate branding, strategic communication planning, and crisis management
- Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and guide a team
- Membership in the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) of Canada is an asset
- Strong writing and editing skills across various formats (e.g., copywriting, speech writing, web)
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and experience in influencing others positively
- Ability to assess multiple, possibly competing, priorities, and develop an approach that makes best use of the available resource for maximum impact
- Ability to understand and analyze complex issues and identify communication approaches to address them.
- Strong political acumen and the ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism
Salary Range: $97,388.20 - $121,739.80
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.
