Department Communications Advisor, Office of The

**Job Description**:
**POSITION PURPOSE**
This position is responsible for developing and implementing program communications for departmental programs and projects. Supports the development of communication plans and develops communication approaches and content for digital media including social media, intranet, and corporate website. Supports the department’s media relations, department issues management and partner relations efforts. Aligns and implements communications with department engagement, supporting departmental communication needs. Develops and delivers communication campaigns and provides advice and support to clients. Develops communication documents for internal and external audiences. Provides support for corporate initiatives, programs, special projects and communications.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Collaborates/works with partners and follows the corporate strategic leadership, planning and direction related to this function.
- As directed by management develops, implements, monitors, and continually improves program communications processes and procedures for the department.
- Collaborates with colleagues, departmental staff and others to identify communication solutions, including the development and implementation of internal and external communications plans.
- Leads discussions with internal partners to identify and implement priorities and meet departmental program needs.
- Ensures consistency, strategic alignment and integration with other Branches, Departments, and corporate communication strategies.
- Drafts, writes, develops, and executes a variety of communications materials for departmental programs including media releases, briefing notes, key messages, responses to sensitive issues and multimedia.
- Prepares and provides input to reports, briefing notes and presentations.
- Researches and provides support on communications projects and high priority initiatives.
- Liaises with department management team and others as needed to address the needs of the department for key messages and reputation management.
- Develops and maintains tools, templates, and guides to support department communications functions.
- Represents the department with internal partners and is responsible for ensuring products and work aligns with corporate branding and other corporate standards.
- Provides input into and/or prepares reports, briefing notes, presentations, statistics, and analysis.
- Responds to stakeholder inquiries and resolves concerns, as appropriate.
- Ensures services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
- Participates on committees, meetings, work groups and special projects, as directed.
- Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards. Performs other duties as required to meet divisional/branch and departmental objectives.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Successful completion of a University Degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years’ communication experience in the development and delivery of strategic communication plans, communications support and advice, issues management, internal communications, and stakeholder relations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation, Acts, and industry standards.
- Experience dealing with confidential materials and exercising good judgement and discretion in dealing with politically sensitive and confidential matters.
- Strong knowledge of communication practices and theory, including strategic communications, issues management, internal communications best practices, and social media.
- Highly developed writing, editing, and presenting skills and able to work to tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability and skill in effective planning, initiative, problem solving as well as critical and strategic thinking.
- Demonstrated ability in the Region’s core competencies.
- Strong ability to develop relationships and work in a welcoming and inclusive environment, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential.
- Advance skills in MS Office Suite and knowledge of use of virtual platforms.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with a range of internal and external partners while focusing on fostering collaborative work relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and with teams and with ability to manage competing priorities.
- Ability to travel to offsite locations, as required.
- Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required.