Special Assistant to The Mayor

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
The Special Assistant to the Mayor provides a wide variety of professional, technical and logístical support to the Mayor. This position represents the Mayor at meetings and/or events when required and appropriate. The Special Assistant to the Mayor provides extensive professional assistance and recommendations on City issues and performs highly responsible administrative work covering a broad range of municipal activities. This is a professional position requiring extensive experience and exceptional communication and social media skills.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and implement detailed communication strategies and event plans related to key areas of focus including, but not limited to, Community/Council recognition and ceremonial/official events and activities. Coordinate news releases, quotations and video recording sessions for the Mayor. Photograph the Mayor in various professional settings as required. Provide professional consultation and advice to others in handling politically sensitive issues and formulate strategies to respond to political situations. Manage multiple media relations including but limited to Facebook, Twitter and monthly community newsletter

Build and maintain positive relationships with media outlets and leverage those relationships to enhance the Mayor/City profile, when possible (example - From the Mayor’s Chair, positive working relationships with radio and assignment managers)

Manage the image of the Office of the Mayor by leading the design, development and execution of external communications and promotional items; letters of welcome for publication, letterhead, business card, pin card, in cooperation with the Mayor’s Office Assistant

Manage and/or provide protocol and etiquette advice in the development and organization of a wide range of events and activities including anniversary celebrations, official City events, partnership and community events (ranging in scope from small informal community-based gatherings to large internationally recognized public presentations that profile the City in a positive manner and are politically and culturally sensitive)

Compile, synthesize and analyze public relations issues affecting the municipal sector in general and the City of Kingston in particular. Monitor developments that may impact the City’s ability to provide services to the public, including news articles and social media related to legislation, intergovernmental policies and trends or developments in other jurisdictions, and brief the Mayor on such developments. Provide research, briefings and follow up on issues raised by Councillors and the public and apprise the Mayor of same

Build and maintain positive relationships with key community stakeholders to foster greater engagement in City matters and facilitate opportunities for community consultations and input

Interact effectively with the CAO’s office, collaborating on key internal issues that are often politically sensitive and confidential in nature. Liaise with various departments on integration of messaging and on matters of media interest and sensitivity relating to the City and the Office of the Mayor. Respond in a timely manner and with discretion to media requests for information

Implement highly effective and organized processes to manage the Mayor’s schedule with multiple demands, stakeholders, issues and customers. (At times may be required to respond to inquiries from the Mayor at irregular hours. This position is required to work evenings and weekends, depending on the Mayor’s event schedule)

Qualifications, Competencies
Degree or diploma in Political Science, Communications, Public or Business Administration or a directly related field

Experience using Microsoft Office, Word and Outlook (may be tested)

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work in a demanding environment

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Strong grammar, writing (may be tested), and editing skills, with attention to detail

Excellent interpersonal, communication, planning, organizational, time management

Strong customer service skills, including the ability to establish good working relationships with a variety of internal and external clients and the