Communications Specialist

**Communications Specialist**:
At Halton Region, we treat everyone with respect, honesty, fairness and trust. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse population we serve. Halton Region is committed to providing accommodation to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Over the next 4 years, the Region’s goal is to become a Digital First organization that is committed to delivering high-quality services in the digital age. Our Digital Mission is to offer 125 of our most used customer-facing services and the top 50 internal processes and staff experiences as complete digital services by 2025.

Through collaboration, innovation, digital and information decision-making models, accountability, and partnerships, Halton Region aims to Build a Strong Digital Culture. The Region aims to invest in education, and training, celebrate and showcase successes and build a community of practice that will share knowledge and tap into individual skills.

There is no better time to join Halton Region as we transform our conventions and practices to better serve our community and employees.

**As an employer of choice, Halton Region recognizes the many benefits of hybrid work arrangements including flexibility and better work-life balance for our employees. This position is eligible for our Hybrid Work Program.**

**Posting ID**: 1946
**Department**:Digital & Information Services
**Division**: Communications
**Pay Range**:$75,743 - $100,992

**Job Type**: Permanent
**Hours of Work**: 35 hours per week
**Work Location**: Halton Regional Centre - 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville
**Employee Group**: OCT
**Posting Date**:May 3, 2023
**Application Deadline**: May 16, 2023

**Job Summary**:
The Communications Specialist is an experienced communications and marketing professional with strong writing and visual storytelling skills. The Specialist works in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, to deliver communications and marketing strategies that achieve Halton Region’s priorities.

**Duties & Responsibilities**:

- Leads the development and implementation of strategic, multi-faceted marketing campaigns that support the priorities set out in Halton Region’s Strategic Business Plan.
- Creates and implements innovative and fresh marketing techniques that optimize digital channels, reach target audiences and extend market reach; ensures audiences are receiving the most effective message on the right channel.
- Creates dynamic and engaging social media content and visuals to achieve campaign objectives and increase reach and following (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.); supports the overall social media strategy.
- Works closely with graphic designers to develop creative briefs for advertising campaigns; ensures campaign objectives and messages align with visual concepts and final products.
- Tracks and analyses brand performance, key indicators and trends; provides advice on results-based approaches, channel optimization and continuous improvement; delivers post-campaign reports with recommendations.
- Manages projects from start to finish using project management techniques.
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with program staff and partners across the organization.
- Supports issues management, crisis communications and emergency response.
- Coordinates and manages the use of external communications vendors.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

**Skills & Qualifications**:
**Essential**
- Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media or equivalent disciplines.
- Five years of practical and progressive experience in a large organization, or public sector delivering marketing strategies across multiple channels.
- An equivalent of education and experience will be considered.
- Advanced writing and editing skills with the ability adapt tone and voice for various platforms and audiences, with a proven ability to create catchy and engaging content.
- Strong visual storytelling skills and keen eye for graphic design.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to lead multiple communications projects, prioritize and work under tight timelines; demonstrated flexibility and adaptability.
- Knowledge of graphic design programs, including Adobe Creative Suite, website content management systems and demonstrated basic website skills (HTML/CSS).
- Working knowledge of key social media platforms and management tools (e.g., Hootsuite).
- Strong attention to detail and political acuity.
- Comfortable taking the lead and ownership of core responsibilities; can work independently and collaborate with the team.
- Approach challenges with positivity and a focus on solutions.
- Demonstrated interest and knowledge in current and emerging digital marketing best practices, channels and trends.

**Preferred**
- Basic experience with photography and videography production, includ