Communications Specialist

Are you passionate about effective communication with our community and key partners? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where your creativity and strategic thinking can make a real difference? If so, we want you to be a part of our team as a Communications Specialist with Strathcona County

The Communications Specialist works as a key member of a creative team of professionals responsible for providing robust communications and engagement services.

As a valued member of the Corporate Communications team, this position is responsible for providing generalist communications support for Senior Advisors, department partners and may act as the primary point of contact for communications support services to elected officials.

**This posting is for two temporary full-time positions for 12-18 months**

**Responsibilities**:

- Develop and implement communication strategies to facilitate clear and targeted messaging to designated audiences, setting objectives, defining target demographics, refining messaging, selecting tools and tactics, and implementing evaluation measures
- Support Senior Communications Advisors to implement communications initiatives and programs on a variety of division and department directives
- Write and edit communications materials, including copy for print, web, social media, advertising, presentations, speaking notes and display copy, reflecting the themes, and key messages established by the project lead
- Implement communications strategies using creative and cost-efficient approaches, including use of publicity, various advertising mediums, online channels, and promotional opportunities
- Identify emerging issues and opportunities where communication activities can contribute to reaching overall corporate objectives
- Provide communications support to a variety of internal stakeholders that may include elected officials
- Social media monitoring, analytics, and key performance indicators as a standard for evaluating the effectiveness and best practices
- Incorporate brand messaging in communications and ensure visual identity and writing style guidelines and standards are met to advance brand/reputation
- Plan and implement events managed by the Communications department, achieving successful awareness, participation and execution
- Provide support during emergency incidents or crisis, including participating in the Emergency Operations Centre and PIO (public information officer) on-call phone rotation

**Qualifications and Skills**:

- A degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations or related discipline with a minimum of four years directly related experience
- Membership in a communications professional association is an asset (IABC, CPRS)
- Government and/or political experience is an asset
- Incident Command System training is an asset
- Solid understanding of communications principles and practices, including plain language writing and editing skills
- Working knowledge of graphic design and layout would be an asset (graphic design software and photography/image editing skills)
- Strong computer proficiency (i.e. WORD, Outlook, web content and database software)
- Excellent planning, organizational, project management, written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work under time restraints and adapt to changing job priorities
- Strong interpersonal skills and team qualities with the ability to work creatively with confidence to share communications expertise

**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.