Public Information Officer Jobs

Requisition ID: 9307 

Department: Transit Services Department

Service: Transit Strategic Communications & External Relations Service

Branch: Transit Communications & Outreach Branch

Employment Type: 1 Full-time Permanent  

Work Hours: 35.00 /hours per week

Affiliation: ATU 1760 

Salary Information: $68,544.84 - $97,215.3  annually (2023 rates of pay)

Location: 1500 St.Laurent  

City: Ottawa, ON

Job Category: Transportation 

Application Close: 31/07/2023

Job Summary

The mandate of Transit Strategic Communication & External Relations is to provide comprehensive communications and outreach support to the Transit Services Department (TSD) through strategic communications planning, marketing, media relations and engagement so that customers can effectively use transit services through a broad understanding of the work of the Transit Services department.

You are responsible for acting as the media spokesperson of Transit Services, providing clear, concise information on the services, programs and operations of OC Transpo. You build strong working relationships with media and influencers, corporate communications (PIMR), and other City of Ottawa services. You build a deep understanding of OC Transpo operations to better explain our work in all interactions. You act as the designated spokesperson on media inquiries and at public meetings/events; monitor and identify emerging trends in the media to provide recommendations to develop the brand; provide communication advice and guidance to the management team in the areas of media relations and development of information materials; research and identify communications and promotional opportunities; and make recommendations to the Director, Transit Strategic Communications and External Relations.

Education And Experience

Completion of 3 year university degree or community college diploma in media technology, mass communications, public affairs, public relations, or a related field.

Minimum of 5 years of directly related experience in media technology, mass communications, public affairs, public relations, or related field; experience using analytic methodologies

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers
• General knowledge of corporate/departmental policies and procedures related to Transit Services
• Various computer software applications including MS Office, publishing software and photo/graphic applications, web publishing software
• Research, environmental scanning, data survey techniques, data synthesis, validation and analysis methods and techniques
• Concepts of quality assurance, quality improvement, and outcome-based management techniques
• Project management, control and reporting techniques
• Social media analytics methodologies
• Public consultation techniques
• Theories and principles of communications, including writing and editing; presentation, consultation and negotiation techniques and current innovative communications practices; advertising, promotional and marketing techniques.
• Media relations and local media framework.
• Cost-benefit analysis, risk management and change management concepts and techniques

Competencies, Skills And Abilities

Ability to work with colleagues and clients/managers/staff to provide realistic and innovative approaches to resolve communications problems; effectively make presentations and produce reports; advise all levels of staff on communications issues and provide coaching on effective communications with the media/public

• Ability to work with a variety of software application including databases and spreadsheets to carry out the work
• Capable of multi-tasking, managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Ability to maintain integrity, and commitment to achieving results.
• Ability to continuously learn, assimilate and use new information at an above average rate
• Ability to develop a range of written communications products (including speeches, fact sheets, news releases, articles) and multi-media presentations.
• Customer service oriented
• Ability to implement and monitor effectiveness of communications plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• Ability to design surveys and other information gathering tools/methodologies; interpret and qualify/quantify results and apply outcomes to the development of communications strategies
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with other branches and departments
• Contribute to team work, foster strong working relationships with management and staff and colleagues
• Organized, methodological and detail oriented.
• Innovative, analytical, problem solver and results-oriented within an environment where risks must be continually balanced
• Problem solver

What You Need To Know

• Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.
• Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements.
• Language Requirement: Designated Day 1 Ready – immediate requirement for language proficiency: French: oral, reading, writing English: oral, reading, writing. Candidates must meet language requirement for position upon hire.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The City of Ottawa promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from members of Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and non-binary persons, persons of all ethnic origins, religions, sexual orientations, classes, gender identities and expressions.

Candidates are encouraged to self-identify as a member of one or more designated employment equity groups in the self-identification questionnaire.

The City of Ottawa provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the HR Service Centre (email: [email protected]) at 613-580-2424, extension 47411 HR Service Centre at 613-580-2424, extension 47411.