Communications Coordinator

***

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Communications Coordinator performs duties related to coordinating and implementing the Village’s communications and community engagement strategies. This position also involves working with senior management and Council to prepare and provide input into departmental communications and marketing plans and processes, and assisting with refining the Village’s Communications Strategy, guidelines and evaluation methods.

The Communications Coordinator researches, compiles, consolidates, writes and/or edits a variety of information materials for print and digital communication and community engagement, including news releases, newsletters, promotional materials, community surveys and posts for social media and the Village website. Using templates, the Communications Coordinator also develops basic graphic design and digital content for a variety of audiences in a variety of formats.

The Communications Coordinator will contribute to a collaborative and positive work environment, ensuring relevant, professional, and timely communications.

**CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE**
- Ability to adapt to and communicate the Council’s values and priorities
- Understanding of the legislative framework of local government governance, services and regulations
- Understanding and awareness of accessible and barrier-free communications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Independence of judgment and strong initiative
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Team-oriented worker
- Efficient
- Ability to multi-task
- Strong computer and website knowledge

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

**Below is a partial list of Key Administration Responsibilities**

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for administering the Village’s external and internal communications. Duties may include, but are not limited to:
**Communications Planning, Policies and Processes**
- Coordinates and assists all departments in the implementation of the Village’s Communications Strategy and communications plans for departmental initiatives and projects.
- Drafts communications policies, procedures, checklists, schedules, and templates that guide Village staff.

**Writing/Research/Digital Communications**
- Assists with the writing and editing of reports, plans, correspondence, media releases, speaking notes and other communication tactics to support public communication from copy, draft, or oral instructions.
- Coordinates image acquisition.
- Applies templates in graphics software, develops communication tactics such as print and digital advertisements, social media graphics, posters and web graphics.
- Assists with the overall management of the municipal social media platforms and website including uploading documents, adding and maintaining content, monitoring media and social media when required, responding to public inquiries and liaising with service providers.
- Provides communication advice and edits communication and community engagement materials for Village Council and staff as required.
- Coordinates the content, design, production and dissemination of communication materials, messages and advertising.
- Identifies and develops content for stories and information to share with the community.

**Event Planning**
- Assists with planning and coordination of Village events, open houses, and community events when directed, including: o Developing event plans and agendas o Preparing and disseminating promotional materials related to the event o Coordinating event plan logistics o Implements the event, including troubleshooting and dealing with unexpected issues as they arise

**Community Engagement Support**
- Collaborates with staff, Village partners and key community groups to promote engagement and awareness of key community issues.

**Media Relations**
- Coordinates media inquiries for the Village media relations primary contact.
- Supports the preparation of material for spokespeople for media interviews. Understand media needs and the news cycle to provide high-quality media relations services.
- Identifies target audiences and media outlets to maximize the impact of announcements.
- Works with reporters to understand their requests, liaise with Village staff to prioritize and develop media responses, and support the Council/ staff with appropriate materials for interviews, and meet media deadlines.

**Issues Management & Emergency Management Support**
- Assists in managing issues, including proactively identifying issues or potential issues.
- Prepares issues notes, key messages, Q&As and public/media statements for use in responding to issues.
- Provides advice on mitigating or responding to issues, including developing communications plans to manage issues.
- Acts as an Information Officer in the Village of Cumberland Emergency Operations Centre.

**Communications Administration**
- Develops an annual work plan to track and create content for annual c