Department Communications Advisor

**Job Description**:
**POSITION PURPOSE**
This position is responsible for developing, planning, implementing and providing department communication advice, supporting the department’s media relations, issues management and stakeholder relations efforts; and providing support for corporate-wide initiatives, programs, special projects and communications.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES**
- Collaborates with corporate stakeholders and follows the corporate strategic leadership, planning and direction related to this function, supports the development and implementation of corporate initiatives, programs, processes, policies and protocols.
- Provides advice to determine strategic approaches to internal and external communications, media relations, and issues management.
- Researches and supports the development and delivery of communication strategies, programs and services.
- Leads the development and implementation of campaigns, events and tactics aimed at increasing stakeholder awareness and advancing the delivery of Department programs.
- Monitors and evaluates communication plans, identifies opportunities for continuous improvement, makes recommendations and implements options.
- Develops departmental presentations and/or speaking notes, briefing material, reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Develops and executes print and digital communications materials including media releases, briefing notes, key messages etc. as required.
- Supports the management team in taking complex information and identifying ways to make it relatable and easily understood for different audiences.
- Works with staff to develop creative content for print, web, e-newsletter, social media and other media
- Liaises with internal and external stakeholders and makes recommendations for communication-related efficiencies, opportunities and partnerships.
- Assists management in preparing, recommending, monitoring and controlling campaign-specific budgets.
- Responds directly to stakeholder inquiries and help resolve concerns and ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
- Participates on committees, work groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned;
- Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.
- Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Successful completion of a University Degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years' communication experience in the development and delivery of strategic communication plans, executive-level communications support and advice, issues management, internal communications and stakeholder relations.
- Strong knowledge of communication practices and theory, including strategic communications, issues management, internal communications best practices, traditional and social media.
- Highly developed writing, editing and presenting skills, using plain language best practices and Canadian Press Style Guide.
- Experience with Wordpress, various social media platforms, iStock, MailChimp, Survey Monkey and other communications and content management tools
- Demonstrated experience fostering cooperative and collaborative working relationships and leading multiple projects.
- Experience dealing with confidential materials and exercising good judgement and discretion in dealing with politically sensitive and confidential matters.
- Demonstrated knowledge, experience and ability in event planning, media relations, website content management, communications, social media, art direction and photography.
- Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation, Standards, Acts and Regulations.
- Understanding of York Region, the local municipalities, municipal government and the programs and services provided.
- Demonstrated experience and demonstrated ability and skills in media relations and training.
- Demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies for this level.