Junior Communications Officer

**Opening Statement**

We acknowledge that the City of Kingston is situated on traditional Anishinabek (Ah
- nish-in-ah-bay), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen-dat) territory and is the home of many Indigenous peoples. We are grateful to reside and work on this land.

Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government. Kingstonians enjoy a high quality of life with access to world-class education and research institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment and tourism activities.

**Position Summary**

**Note this is a temporary position covering full-time hours for up to 36 months**

The Junior Communications Officer will have a passion for customer service as this individual will be responsible for supporting Communication Officers in the design, development and execution of communication plans and other department project work.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
In support of Communications Officers, assist with the delivery of community consultation initiatives utilizing previously planned strategies and techniques to encourage participation and the involvement of various stakeholders. Support the promotion of public engagement efforts. Support the development and execution of innovative marketing and promotional campaigns lead by a Communications Officer. The position aids with consistent branding to ensure the professional presentation of written documentation, advertising, and other promotional/marketing materials.

Draft, edit and publish various written materials to support Communications Officers including, but not limited to, news releases, webpages, articles, editorials, publications, newsletters, and other written communications. Review analytics assess communication programs and report findings with an opportunity to recommend improvements for future communication. Take media calls and seek clarity to support Communications Officers to prepare clients with the inquiry.

Support the use of appropriate communication tactics for target audiences and approaches utilizing various media, including but not limited to, video, online, social media, print, radio, briefing notes, news releases, reporting out and photography. Assist in providing information to the public and media to keep residents apprised of events happening within the municipality, promoting opportunities for residents to participate and/or submit feedback. The position also assists in the provision of information to City employees, to keep employees aware of internal events and promote opportunities for them to participate and/or submit feedback accordingly.

Support the work of the Communications and Public Engagement Division that work with City departments by understanding the challenges and opportunities to support their areas. Support a strategic, coordinated, seamless, corporate-wide, and consistent approach to all communications initiatives, with attention and focus on the customer’s needs.

Support ensuring all outputs are clear, informative, consistent, professional, accessible and presented in plain language. Communications outputs could include a coordination of marketing, advertising and educational material. Identify appropriate communication tactics to support departments and ensure appropriate audiences are engaged. Assist Communications Officers and departments to share information and inform residents and/or other stakeholders about City programs and services while promoting a customer centred approach to service delivery.

Other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications, Competencies**

Diploma or degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.

Demonstrated knowledge through projects, placement or professional experience in communications and marketing.

Experience with and understanding of social media platforms and digital marketing and communications trends.

Exceptional customer service experience, an asset.

Project management knowledge, an asset.

Print, social media, web, and photography experience, an asset.

Marketing and event coordination knowledge, an asset.

Experience with operating a digital camera and digital video camera, an asset.

Must demonstrate Corporate Competencies: Customer Focus, Results Orientation, Integrity, and Teamwork.

**Skills, Abilities, Work Demands**

Proficiency in writing and editing for various communication channels for content and accuracy.

Knowledge supporting the creation, planning and delivery of tactical communication and social media plans demonstrating creativity and innovative thinking.

Customer service skills.

Creative thinking, flexibility, organization and political sensitivity.

Ability to support communication plans and projects for the communications department.

Strong written and verbal communications skills, including editing