Sr. Advisor, Communications

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

The City of Markham is currently accepting applications for the full time role of Sr. Advisor, Communication & Media Relations, in the Corporate Communications Department. Please submit your cover letter and resume on-line by November 30, 2025.

Job Summary:

This position provides strategic counsel, advice and direction on Markham's corporate communications, marketing, community engagement and public consultation initiatives to support Markham's strategic priorities, actions, and key business programs for senior management and Council.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide a high level of professional advice and counsel to senior decision-makers to support the development and implementation of Markham's communications, marketing, social media, media relations efforts, within budget.
• Communications lead for various City departments. Responsible for liaising directly with department subject matter experts (SMEs), building communications plans, working with graphic design, media and social media teams to execute various communications deliverables.
• Works closely with the City's Special Events team on corporately-supported initiatives and Signature Events to provide marketing and communications support and materials during event-lead up, day-of and post-event.
• Provides issues management/communications advice to support senior management and the City's brand reputation, as required.
• Responsible for writing website content (external and internal), eNewsletter content, social media, video storyboards/scripts, and other material as required.
• Liaise with Mayor's Office and SMEs to coordinate and write backgrounders, fact sheets, briefing notes, speaking notes.
• Working closely with Graphic Designers, Media Relations and Social Media/Digital colleagues to raise awareness and bring project visions to life.
• Identify, coordinate and maximize synergies between departments when an opportunity exists.
• Provide operational guidance to junior staff, vendors and consultants.

Minimum Requirements:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience working in a corporate communications, marketing communications or agency environment — providing support, advice and strategic planning to senior organizational leaders, with a strong political acumen.
• College or university degree (communications, public affairs, or related field of study is preferred).
• A strong ability to build and manage relationships and the ability to establish trust and confidence.
• Proven track record of effective, multi-faceted and creative, out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to developing and executing communications campaigns to reach a variety of audiences.
• Strong written and verbal English language skills and a keen attention to detail are essential to the success of this position.
• Familiarity with media relations best practices, including a knowledge of how to interact with media and existing relationships is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with ethnic media and ethnic cultural business practices and approaches is a definite asset, particularly public affairs and public consultation experience within the Asian and South Asian communities.
• Ability to stay on top of and flag any opportunities and/or contentious issues that require prompt response or action.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and AODA standards is highly preferred.
• Must be able to attend meetings, special events and activities outside of regular business hours, including on some weekends and statutory holidays.
• Ability to deal effectively with complex issues; to work well in a fast-paced and demanding environment;
• Ability to be an effective, solutions-oriented member of a professional team will be important for success in this position.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment and across all levels of an organization is important.
• Dedicated to customer service excellence with internal and external stakeholders.
• Previous work experience in public sector and/or municipal environment is preferred, but not required.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.

We thank all applicants who have applied. However, only those applications selected for an interview will be contacted.