Strategic Advisor to the Mayor

Strathcona County is seeking a highly skilled Strategic Advisor to provide trusted strategic communications coordination and issues management support within the Mayors Office. This role plays a key part in ensuring the Mayor is well-informed prepared and supported through clear messaging accurate briefings and effective information flow aligned with Council priorities community interests and municipal initiatives.

As Strategic advisor you will prepare briefings and materials for meetings and engagements drafts a wide range of written communications and supports issues management by monitoring emerging community and key partners matters. The position also assists with digital engagement correspondence management and inquiry triage playing a key role in supporting transparent responsive and effective communication between the Mayor Council administration and the community.

This role requires a solid understanding of municipal governance CouncilAdministration relationships and emerging public issues along with the ability to exercise sound judgment discretion and professionalism. The position works closely with the Mayor and must be able to establish a trusted effective working relationship adapting to the Mayors leadership style priorities and expectations while representing the Office of the Mayor with credibility and integrity

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a trusted advisor by providing strategic coordination analysis and guidance to support the achievement of the Mayors priorities ensuring alignment with Council direction corporate objectives and community interests
• Monitor the internal and external environment to identify emerging trends issues and potential risks and proactively provide timely well considered briefings to the mayor support informed decision-making
• Track and assess community concerns partner perspectives and external developments identifying sensitivities risks and opportunities that may affect the municipality or the Mayors Office
• Review and analyze reports correspondence and information from multiple internal and external sources synthesizing complex content into clear concise and actionable briefings tailored for an executive audience
• Coordinate and prepare high-quality briefing materials background information and summaries to ensure the mayor is thoroughly informed and prepared for meetings events and time sensitive issues
• Prepare and refine briefing notes memos speeches correspondence and public statements ensuring accuracy clarity professionalism and alignment with the mayors voice Council priorities and corporate standard
• Develop clear and effective speaking materials to support internal and external engagements public events and media opportunities informed by research and issue analysis
• Assist in coordinating digital and social media content monitoring engagement and identifying emerging themes or concerns to support effective and responsive online communication
• Draft responses triage inquiries and support timely professional communication with residents partners and organizations on behalf of the Mayors Office
• Coordinate daily information flow and interactions with elected officials the Executive Team and senior administration to ensure alignment consistency and timely communication
• Establish and maintain collaborative professional relationships with elected officials senior leadership municipal departments other municipalities and partner organizations to support effective governance and issue resolution
  

Qualificationsand Skills:

• Postsecondary degree or diploma in Communications Public Administration Political Science Business Administration or a related field with 5 years of progressively related experience in ideally within an executive office or public-sector environment
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear concise and high-quality written materials for executive and public audiences including briefings correspondence speeches and formal communications with a high degree of accuracy consistency and attention to detail
• Proven experience synthesizing complex information into succinct actionable briefings and materials that support informed decision-making and effective preparation for meetings events and public engagements
• Solid knowledge of government roles responsibilities and decision-making processes across all levels of government with the ability to navigate and support intergovernmental relationships in a politically sensitive environment
• Working knowledge of public-sector governance frameworks legislation policies and administrative processes with the ability to apply this knowledge to communications issue management and advisory support
• Experience supporting or managing digital communications including social media platforms with an understanding of public engagement messaging risks and reputational considerations in a government context
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment maintain confidentiality and operate with tact and professionalism while handling sensitive information and supporting elected officials in a high-profile politically dynamic environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to balance competing priorities respond to changing demands and maintain accuracy and composure under pressure
• This role operates in a highprofile politically charged environment and requires a strong professional fit with the Office of the Mayor including flexibility responsiveness and alignment with the Mayors strategic priorities

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canadas most livable community where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity respect safety fairness and cooperation.

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage
  • Health and wellness spending account
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement and pension programs
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace
  

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive respectful and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.