Communications and Engagement Associate (Department Communications Advisor)

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home making it one of the largest regions in Canada and the fastest growing with a population thats expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography which is comprised of about 1800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities is as beautiful interesting and diverse as our government is organized in a twotier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canadas Best Employers by Forbes we offer a collaborative progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace aligned with our vision to create strong caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a fulltime employee and includes employermatched contributions.
• Employer of Choice Recognized as the highestranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Programand corporate discounts and purchase plans for daytoday products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce Were committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential participate freely in society and live with respect dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Program Manager Department Communications is responsible for developing planning implementing and providing strategic communication and engagement advice to department clients; providing project leadership advice and communication and engagement best practices to department senior management project teams and interested groups; leading the development of briefings communications and presentations on behalf of department management; developing communication and engagement guidance documents for staff; in conjunction with Corporate Communications supporting the departments media relations issues management and public engagement and outreach efforts; providing support for corporatewide initiatives programs special projects and communications.

WHAT YOULL BE DOING

Provides communications (including social marketing) and engagement counsel to client groups to determine most appropriate communications media relations issues management and engagement and outreach approaches and strategies.
Leads the development and implementation of strategic audiencespecific communication and engagement initiatives campaigns events and tactics aimed at increasing public awareness information sharing and outreach and advancing the delivery of department programs and services.
Proactively monitors and evaluates progress of communications and engagement plans to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and recommends and implements options and/or course of action; provides strategic department communication and engagement advice and tactics.
Conducts research on best practices as directed to support effective communications and engagement.
Drafts reviews edits and coordinates approvals of communications and engagement products such as but not limited to brochures pamphlets articles and newsletters in conjunction with management and all aimed at providing residents and interested parties clear and consistent messages and information.
Researches various legislations policies and programs for background material as required.
Supports the department in responding directly to residents and other interested party inquiries and help resolve concerns through education information and consultation.
Represents the department with interested groups and is responsible for ensuring representation aligns with Departmental and Regional strategic priorities.
Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
Participates on committees work groups task forces and special projects as assigned.
Manages information in accordance with applicable legislation and corporate standards.
Coordinates with Corporate Communications where applicable on communications and engagement projects and initiatives.

WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR

Successful completion of a University Degree in Public Relations Communications Journalism Public Policy and Administration or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of three (3) years experience in the development and delivery of strategic communications and/or engagement plans executivelevel communications and engagement support and advice.
Strong knowledge of communication and engagement practices and theory including strategic communications issues management and outreach best practices.
Highly developed writing editing and presenting skills using plain language best practices and Canadian Press Style Guide.
Demonstrated experience fostering cooperative and collaborative working relationships leading multiple projects overcoming change and adversity.
Experience dealing with confidential materials and exercising good judgement and discretion in dealing with politically sensitive and confidential matters.
Proven political acuity and skills to respond to and deescalate issues and provide astute executivelevel support.
Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation Standards Acts and Regulations and industry best practices.
Demonstrated ability in the Regions core competencies.
Demonstrated experience and demonstrated ability and skills in media relations and training.
Computer literacy utilizing Microsoft Office software applications including word processing spreadsheet and presentation software.
Proven experience and skills at building internal and external partnerships.