Specialist, Communications and Public Relations

**Job Req ID**:1134**Department**:Paramedic ServicesSpecialist, Communications and Public Relations (Paramedic Services)

**Job Number**:1134**Job Type**: Full-Time
- **Location**: 1001 Erb's Rd - EMS - Paramedic Fleet HQ
- **Number of Positions**:1
- **Department**: Paramedic Services
- **Division**: Public Health and Paramedic Services
- **Hours of Work**: 35
- **Union**: Management/Management Support
- **Grade**: Management/Management Support Grade 05
- **Salary Range**: $43.98 - $54.97 per hour**Our Story**:

- Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect and innovation.- This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.The Role
Leads communications, public relations, public engagement, and marketing activities to promote Paramedic Services programs, initiatives, and campaigns to the public. Represents Paramedic Services to the media and public regarding significant incidents. Maintains divisional website and social media accounts, and represents the Division in the community, including delivering education and training as part of public awareness campaigns.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Supports divisional communications needs by coordinating the development of resources and communications to promote programs and public awareness campaigns for Paramedic Services.
- Works with and/or participates as a member on departmental, corporate communications, and Paramedic Services leadership teams to respond to communications requests and formulate communication plans containing sensitive and confidential information such as risk-based, legal, employee information, complaints against employees and/or the service, lawsuits, and strike communications.
- Works closely with Paramedic Services leadership and staff in the management of significant incidents and investigations that could impact public trust and credibility. Compiles information and acts as a liaison between Paramedic Services and the departmental communications team. Represents Paramedic Services to the media and public.
- Assists departmental communications and project teams to meet campaign timelines (e.g., coordinating approvals) and arranges for speakers, presentations, staffing, and promotional material for events. Responds to media inquiries or supports other staff or leadership in media engagements.
- Coordinates public awareness campaigns by developing and delivering education programs, communications, and promotional materials. Drafts news articles, announcements, stories, and reports, in collaboration with other staff and in consultation with the departmental communications team.
- Represents Paramedic Services in the community to promote programs to the public (e.g., schools, businesses, organizations, other audiences), increase public awareness, and enhance the Division’s image in the community.
- Tracks, monitors, and reports on campaign and program results and activities to measure impact and effectiveness. Recommends and implements improvements.
- Maintains and monitors Paramedic Services webpages and social media accounts. Develops and posts content. Responds to inquiries and requests (e.g., program participation, requests for paid special events, lost and missing items). Coordinates with other program staff, senior management, and the departmental communications team as needed.
- Represents Paramedic Services on the service first contact centre working group. Develops scripts and provides updates, monitoring effectiveness and making adjustments in collaboration with the contact centre team.
- Monitors and ensures alignment and compliance with departmental and corporate policies and procedures related to communications and promotions.
- Plans and organizes Paramedic Service Week and other employee recognition events. Coordinates long service medals and participates with management to distribute appreciation certificates.
- In collaboration with the departmental and corporate communications teams, promotes Paramedic Services branding.
- Participates in planning and discussions and creates/works with materials containing sensitive labour relations information, such as labour disputes and contingency plans, in collaboration with corporate communications.
- Additional Duties/Responsibilities
- Administers and maintains the community public access defibrillator program, including training and education. Coordinates with the vendor and program participants (businesses, organizations) on require