As Strategic advisor you will prepare briefings and materials for meetings and engagements, drafts a wide range of written communications, and supports issues management by monitoring emerging community and key partners matters. The position also assists with digital engagement, correspondence management, and inquiry triage, playing a key role in supporting transparent, responsive, and effective communication between the Mayor, Council, administration, and the community.
This role requires a solid understanding of municipal governance, Council–Administration relationships, and emerging public issues, along with the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism. The position works closely with the Mayor and must be able to establish a trusted, effective working relationship, adapting to the Mayor’s leadership style, priorities, and expectations while representing the Office of the Mayor with credibility and integrity
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a trusted advisor by providing strategic coordination, analysis, and guidance to support the achievement of the Mayor’s priorities, ensuring alignment with Council direction, corporate objectives, and community interests
- Monitor the internal and external environment to identify emerging trends, issues, and potential risks, and proactively provide timely, well considered briefings to the mayor support informed decision-making
- Track and assess community concerns, partner perspectives, and external developments, identifying sensitivities, risks, and opportunities that may affect the municipality or the Mayor’s Office
- Review and analyze reports, correspondence, and information from multiple internal and external sources, synthesizing complex content into clear, concise, and actionable briefings tailored for an executive audience
- Coordinate and prepare high-quality briefing materials, background information, and summaries to ensure the mayor is thoroughly informed and prepared for meetings, events, and time sensitive issues
- Prepare and refine briefing notes, memos, speeches, correspondence, and public statements, ensuring accuracy, clarity, professionalism, and alignment with the mayor’s voice, Council priorities, and corporate standard
- Develop clear and effective speaking materials to support internal and external engagements, public events, and media opportunities, informed by research and issue analysis
- Assist in coordinating digital and social media content, monitoring engagement, and identifying emerging themes or concerns to support effective and responsive online communication
- Draft responses, triage inquiries, and support timely, professional communication with residents, partners, and organizations on behalf of the Mayor’s Office
- Coordinate daily information flow and interactions with elected officials, the Executive Team, and senior administration to ensure alignment, consistency, and timely communication
- Establish and maintain collaborative, professional relationships with elected officials, senior leadership, municipal departments, other municipalities, and partner organizations to support effective governance and issue resolution
Qualifications and Skills:
- Postsecondary degree or diploma in Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field with 5 years of progressively related experience, in ideally within an executive office or public-sector environment
- Demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise, and high-quality written materials for executive and public audiences, including briefings, correspondence, speeches, and formal communications, with a high degree of accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail
- Proven experience synthesizing complex information into succinct, actionable briefings and materials that support informed decision-making and effective preparation for meetings, events, and public engagements
- Solid knowledge of government roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes across all levels of government, with the ability to navigate and support intergovernmental relationships in a politically sensitive environment
- Working knowledge of public-sector governance frameworks, legislation, policies, and administrative processes, with the ability to apply this knowledge to communications, issue management, and advisory support
- Experience supporting or managing digital communications, including social media platforms, with an understanding of public engagement, messaging risks, and reputational considerations in a government context
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and operate with tact and professionalism while handling sensitive information and supporting elected officials in a high-profile, politically dynamic environment
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities, respond to changing demands, and maintain accuracy and composure under pressure
- This role operates in a high‑profile, politically charged environment and requires a strong professional fit with the Office of the Mayor, including flexibility, responsiveness, and alignment with the Mayor’s strategic priorities
Conditions of Employment:
- Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
Salary Range: $89,180.00 - $111,420.40
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
- Retirement and pension 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.
