Strategic Communications Advisor

Guided by our mission to inspire passion for the human adventure of discovery, the Science Centre: - Believes science, technology and innovation will help us shape a better future for society and our planet - Provides opportunities to explore, learn and collaborate - Makes a positive and enduring impact on the lives of individuals and communities The Science Centre welcomes 900,000 visitors each year, and offers interactive experiences and insights into science and technology that help visitors of all ages understand and contribute to the world around us. **OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism**: We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace. Visit the **OPS Anti-Racism Policy** and the **OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint** pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service. We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's **Human Rights Code**. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation. **What can I expect to do in this role?**: As Strategic Communications Advisor, you will contribute to the Centre's mission and brand by providing communications expertise and leadership in the planning and development of external and internal communications strategies. You will: - Provide support to Marketing, Communications, Membership and other departments in identifying project timelines, objectives, deliverables, target audiences, etc. for key initiatives - Develop and execute communications plans and strategies to support organizational priorities and objectives - Help to identify target audience requirements, environmental factors and communications channels when writing key messages and positioning - Lead issue management strategies including drafting key messages, Q&As and issues notes - Assist and attend media-related announcements, events, programs, seminars, etc. (which may occur outside of business hours) that are directly related to the Centre's strategic priorities - Support on-site media interviews and serve as a liaison to camera crews as needed **How do I qualify?**: **Communications Knowledge & Skills**: - Extensive knowledge of communications theory, principles and practices - Experience building close working relationships with targeted journalists at key media outlets and can provide ongoing guidance and support with media relations - Superior project management and communications planning skills, ensuring the timely and effective coordination and evaluation of communications activities - Experience planning, leading and coordinating the design and implementation of strategic communications projects and products - Excellent oral communication skills to provide advice and guidance to senior executives, respond to inquiries for information, lead/coordinate meetings, deliver presentations and provide advice and guidance in relation to communications and issues - Exceptional writing and editing skills to produce top-quality communications presentations and products on tight deadlines - Strategic thinking skills to conceptualize responses and solutions to complicated issues, problems and opportunities involving a multitude of stakeholders **Project Management Skills**: - Project management skills to lead and coordinate strategic communications projects and ensure successful completion - Ability to lead project teams, and plan and coordinate action plans, activities, programs and projects for comprehensive communications strategies - Ability to prioritize issues and projects in order to manage a number of projects concurrently - Excellent project management skills to plan and manage communication projects from inception to implementation **Interpersonal and Relationship Management Skills**: - Excellent advisory and influencing skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and client groups - Ability to promote partnerships, joint initiatives and consultation with internal/external stakeholders on integrated communications strategies and plans - Facilitation skills to lead and participate in inter-departmental communication projects - Ability to build support for the adoption of new initiatives and ideas, and influence management level decision-making using tact, diplomacy and persuasion **Research, Analytical and Evaluation Skills**: - Knowledge to develop performance measurement mechanisms to evaluate programs and initiatives, and provide accurate environmental communications assessments and measurement analysis - Ability to gather, analyze, organize, and synthesize information to develop communications options and solutions, and provide strategic communications recommend