Senior Communications Advisor Jobs

Req ID: 23313
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Number of Positions: 1
Closing Date: 05/08/2023
Job Summary
The Strategic Communications & Initiatives team is looking for a seasoned Senior Communications Advisor to provide expert-level advice to senior decision-makers, develop communications strategies for high-priority initiatives, and implement tactics for complex and special projects happening in Mississauga.
In this role, the Senior Communications Advisor will manage communications for a variety of city building initiatives and community engagement projects and will support the City’s Planning & Building portfolio. They will recommend, develop and implement internal and external communications along with media, social media and promotional strategies that help the City of Mississauga’s strategic plan, department action and business plans. They will provide day-to-day functional guidance and leadership to junior and intermediate staff and freelance and consultant service providers. Lead the development and writing of corporate messages on complex issues (e.g. city planning issues, growth and development and government relations). Work collaboratively with Department Communications team to execute complex communication strategies.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Successful Candidate Will

• Develop and implement strategic communication plans
• Ensure consistency, demonstrate effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance
• Develop engaging content for the City’s social media channels
• Research and write content (e.g., news releases, signage, advertising, feature articles, corporate reports, speeches, newsletter copy and staff messages) that support the business service area
• Participate in inter-departmental teams and/or act as a representative on committees as required
• Lead strategic communications for high profile community engagement projects
• Liaise with senior leadership to provide strategic communications counsel on messaging, strategic planning and the development of relevant core materials
• Understand target audiences and assess appropriate strategic communications needs and provide strong recommendations
• Provide strategic communications counsel/advice to Mayor’s Office and to Members of Council as requested
• Participate as a member of the Strategic Communication & Initiatives Emergency Management Team
• Attend City events, workshops and other initiatives to promote further understanding of the business area
• Work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders
• Provide issues management/communications advice and support to senior management as required on matters impacting the reputation of the business area
• Protect, support and maintain the City’s reputation and vision and support a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
• Must be able to attend meetings, events and activities outside of regular business hours and some weekends (e.g. meetings, events, emergencies or to meet deadlines)
• Perform other related duties as assigned
• Develop and foster strong relationships with internal business areas to effectively recommend and deliver strategic communications that support work plans

Skills And Qualifications

• Ability to communicate with honesty, sensitivity, diplomacy, confidentiality and deal tactfully in an open political environment
• Competencies required in all aspects of strategic communications including planning and management, issues management, content writing, media relations, speech writing, community engagement, event co-ordination and management and internal/employee communications
• Has a sound understanding of the media landscape locally, regionally and nationally and experience dealing with media/media inquiries
• Has a good understanding of how to tailor messages for different social media channels
• Excellent skills and knowledge working with MS Office, databases, spreadsheets, presentation software, Content Management Systems (CMS), social media technology and data analytics
• Act as an effective collaborator and team player, supporting the Strategic Communications & Initiatives Division’s overall goals and vision with a proactive and flexible approach to projects
• Ability to independently prioritize and manage several competing, complex and evolving projects at the same time
• Experience providing clients with strategic communications advice, counsel and expertise
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, writing content for diverse audiences, editing and production skills - familiar with Canadian Press Style
• Ability to problem-solve and look for creative and viable solutions
• A post-secondary degree or diploma in communications, mass media or public relations with a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in communications/issues management
• Ability to display tact and diplomacy when interacting with Senior Leaders, Mayor and Council and dignitaries
• Comfort with writing various materials that help garner media coverage and story generation
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) accreditation, Communication Management Professional (CMP), Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP), Accredited in Public Relations (APR) through the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), Master of Communications Management (MCM) is a desired asset
• Ability to work creatively and effectively as a member of a larger team
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to coach and mentor staff
• A Level 2- Criminal or Judicial Matters Check (previously Regular CRS) will be required of the successful candidate, as a condition of employment, at their own expense, to verify the absence of a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted
• Ability to work flexible work hours including weekends (as needed)
• Experience in a corporate and/or municipal sector is preferred
• Experience using and strong knowledge of how to develop engaging content and tailor messages for different social media channels/platforms and segmented audience groups

Hourly Rate/Salary: $ 85,155.00 - $ 113,541.00
Hours of Work: 35
Work Location: Hybrid, work from home and in person at Civic Center
Department/Division/Section: CMO/City Manager's Office , CMO/Strategic Communications&Initiatives , Corporate & Department Communication
Non-Union/Union: Non Union
A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (Level 2) or Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) will be required of the successful candidate, at their own expense, to verify the absence of a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted.
We thank all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. You can also check your application status in your candidate profile online.
All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the City of Mississauga will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.