Program Manager, Deptartmental Communications

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 two-tier 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 full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking 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 day-to-day 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 Manager CHS Promotion and Education is responsible for providing expert advice consultation and support for departmental communications needs; leading the development implementation and continuous improvement for departmental communication projects and processes; aligning and implementing communications with departmental engagement and creative services requirements; participates in performance planning activities and supports management in the development and implementation of performance plans; provides guidance and communications support to senior management; leads develops and implements crisis and emergency communication for the department; identifies and supports project needs in conjunction with internal stakeholders; supports and leads project management for department communication projects and in the development of communication campaigns.

WHAT YOULL BE DOING

Leads departmental communication program components including projects process procedures and guidelines.
Develops implements monitors and continually improves departmental communications processes and procedures.
Creates metrics and measures to track communications projects and initiatives.
Leads crisis and emergency departmental communications and develops protocols in collaboration with other branches and Corporate Communication to plan and implement.
Liaises with department management Corporate Communications and other internal and external stakeholders as needed to address the needs of the department for key messages reputation management.
Provides contentious and/or risk communications leadership communications advice strategies and tactics to the Commissioner and branch heads management/program leads.
Assists the Manager in developing annual business/work plans and in developing service plans and staffing proposals.
Provides input into budget and business plan development policies and procedures.
Develops policies and procedures for program area and makes recommendations for implementation.
Supervises staff including recruitment selection hiring scheduling assigning and monitoring work determining training and development needs coaching and mentoring conducting performance appraisals and determining/recommending disciplinary action up to and including dismissal in accordance with collective agreements Regional policies and practices.
Ensures that operating staff work in a safe manner and utilize all required health and safety equipment and protective devices and follow all measures and procedures as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and Regional Policies.
Responds to customer enquiries directly and/or resolves difficult or highly sensitive complaints either verbally or in writing.
Liaises fosters and maintains positive relationships with internal staff and external contacts government and non-government agencies and the public.
Implements customer service strategies to ensure that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
Assumes functions of the Manager in that persons absence as directed.
Performs other duties as required to meet Divisional/Branch and Departmental objectives.

WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR

Successful completion of a University Degree in Communications Journalism Public Relations or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum three (3) years of demonstrated experience in communications development and implementation of communication plans and demonstrated minimum of one (1) year of direct supervisory experience.
Experience communicating with senior management and providing communications advise on sensitive materials.
Ability to synthesize complex information and present it in a clear concise manner.
Exceptional verbal written and presentation skills.
Strong project management and coordination skills to foster cooperative and collaborative working relationships with cross-functional teams and staff at all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Standards Acts and Regulations.
Knowledge of digital and social media platforms.
Leadership competencies including operating strategically leveraging diversity and differences customer focused ensuring accountability managing complex problems financial management employing interactive and effective communication fostering collaborative relationships cultivating engagement to drive vision and purpose managing and developing talent establishing and maintaining trust displaying self-awareness and demonstrating resiliency.