Communications Officer

Company Biography
The County of Lambton is an urban-rural area in southwestern Ontario that is home to over 126,000 residents. The Corporation's seven divisions operate programs and services for the residents of Lambton County such as land ambulance, provincial offences court, three Long-Term Care Homes, 25 library branches, two museums, an art gallery, archives, local roadways, public health services, housing services, social services, building services and planning and development services. Lambton County is a community dedicated to economic growth, environmental stewardship and an enhanced quality of life through the provision of responsive and efficient services and collaborative efforts with its municipal and community partners.
Position Overview
Position Summary
The Communications Officer is responsible for the development and implementation of external communication materials that promote the programs and services offered by the Lambton County Library system. The Communications Officer will work in conjunction with the Division's Online Marketing Coordinator to ensure that communications materials are strategically developed and delivered.

**Responsibilities**:
**Public Relations and Communications**:

- Develop and implement communication plans designed to inform employees and the public of library initiatives
- Evaluate the effectiveness of communications activities
- Develop clear and concise messages for the media and develop communication tools such as news releases and media advisories and distribute them to the media

**Technology**:

- Maintain the department's website and social media platforms in conjunction and cooperation with the Online Marketing Coordinator
- Keep abreast of emerging technologies and make recommendations to management concerning new opportunities or developments

**Graphic Design**:

- Produce computerized images and drawings using various software
- Design a wide range of publications for use by internal staff and members of the public

**Special Event Planning**:

- Coordinate and assist in the planning of departmental special events such as all-staff training days, fall fairs, special events at branch libraries, etc.

**Clerical Duties**:

- Maintain necessary corporate files in accordance with the County of Lambton's Records Retention By-law
- Perform photocopying, sorting and distribution

**Customer Service / Communication Responsibilities**:

- Represent the library effectively in the community and respond to general inquiries
- Interact pleasantly and courteously with the public, community partners and staff, promoting a harmonious workplace
- Demonstrate effective oral and verbal communication skills, along with presentation skills

**Other Job Tasks / Responsibilities**:

- Deal directly with technology suppliers or members of the media where required
- May be required to travel to various facilities for purposes of employment

**General**:

- Incumbents must keep up-to-date on all relevant legislation, collective bargaining agreements, County Policies and Procedures, etc. ensuring that these are implemented as prescribed
- Incumbents must possess the physical ability to meet the duties and responsibilities of the job description and/or the requirements identified within the position's Physical Demands Analysis

These describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents in this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties in the classification. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision Requirements

**Direct Supervision**: None

**Indirect Supervision**: None

**Functional Authority**: None

**Qualifications**:
Minimum Formal Education
- University degree or College diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or Journalism or a combination of education and experience relevant to the position

Experience
- Minimum six months' experience working in communications / public relations
- Interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
- Experience in word processing, graphic design, and related technical abilities to undertake the preparation of communications materials
- Demonstrated oral, written, presentation and reporting communication skills