Communications and Engagement Associate (Department Communications Advisor)
Top Benefits
About the role
Status
Permanent Full-Time
Temporary - Approximate length of assignment, in months
Type of Position
a Replacement
Start Date
Salary
Per hour
Salary Grade
$48.82 - $53.06
Department
York Region -> Community & Health Services -> Strategies and Partnerships
Location
Strategies&Partnerships Branch - 17150 Yonge Street - Newmarket, ON L3Y 8V3 CA (Primary)
Job Description (E)
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 that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local 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 Canada’s 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 a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
- Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re 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 department’s media relations, issues management and public engagement and outreach efforts; providing support for corporate-wide initiatives, programs, special projects and communications.
WHAT YOU'LL 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, audience-specific, 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.
- Evaluates the effectiveness of communication and engagement plans and programs and makes recommendations for improvement.
- 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 WE'RE 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, executive-level 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 executive-level support.
- Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation, Standards, Acts and Regulations and industry best practices.
- Demonstrated ability in the Region’s 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.
Council Approval Date
Scheduled Weekly Hours
35
Scheduled Shifts
Operational Hours
Close Date
July 16, 2025
of Hires Needed
1
Union
CUPE Local 4900
.
Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above. As an alternative, you can apply via e-mail to careers@york.ca .
All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75508. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.
York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email careers@york.ca or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75506. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.
About York Region
The Regional Municipality of York is made up of nine cities and towns, and we provide services to 1.2 million residents, 54,000 businesses and 650,000 employees. We have a two-tier government structure, with services provided both by York Region our local-area municipal governments.
At York Region, we know that a healthy and productive workplace is vital to the success of any organization. And year after year, we're recognized as one of the best employers because of what we offer to our employees. Our progressive, collaborative and accountable culture attracts top talent that is driven by a desire to shape and serve the growing community in which we live and work.
Communications and Engagement Associate (Department Communications Advisor)
Top Benefits
About the role
Status
Permanent Full-Time
Temporary - Approximate length of assignment, in months
Type of Position
a Replacement
Start Date
Salary
Per hour
Salary Grade
$48.82 - $53.06
Department
York Region -> Community & Health Services -> Strategies and Partnerships
Location
Strategies&Partnerships Branch - 17150 Yonge Street - Newmarket, ON L3Y 8V3 CA (Primary)
Job Description (E)
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 that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local 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 Canada’s 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 a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
- Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re 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 department’s media relations, issues management and public engagement and outreach efforts; providing support for corporate-wide initiatives, programs, special projects and communications.
WHAT YOU'LL 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, audience-specific, 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.
- Evaluates the effectiveness of communication and engagement plans and programs and makes recommendations for improvement.
- 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 WE'RE 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, executive-level 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 executive-level support.
- Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation, Standards, Acts and Regulations and industry best practices.
- Demonstrated ability in the Region’s 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.
Council Approval Date
Scheduled Weekly Hours
35
Scheduled Shifts
Operational Hours
Close Date
July 16, 2025
of Hires Needed
1
Union
CUPE Local 4900
.
Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above. As an alternative, you can apply via e-mail to careers@york.ca .
All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75508. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.
York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email careers@york.ca or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75506. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.
About York Region
The Regional Municipality of York is made up of nine cities and towns, and we provide services to 1.2 million residents, 54,000 businesses and 650,000 employees. We have a two-tier government structure, with services provided both by York Region our local-area municipal governments.
At York Region, we know that a healthy and productive workplace is vital to the success of any organization. And year after year, we're recognized as one of the best employers because of what we offer to our employees. Our progressive, collaborative and accountable culture attracts top talent that is driven by a desire to shape and serve the growing community in which we live and work.