The Manager of Protocol is responsible for providing strategic leadership and coordination of the City’s internal and external protocol activities. This role oversees the planning and execution of official functions, diplomatic visits, and international travel for the Mayor and Councillors, as well as major events from a municipal perspective.

The position offers expert corporate protocol guidance to the Mayor’s Office, City Council, Senior City Officials, and the public. The Manager of Protocol ensures that all protocol decisions and event strategies reflect an understanding of the political environment, support the City’s strategic priorities, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders. The Manager effectively manages complex, high-profile assignments while navigating sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion.

The role carries the responsibility of ensuring that the City of Winnipeg is represented professionally and positively at all official events and engagements

As the Manager of Protocol, you will:

• Manage and coordinate logistics and planning for all protocol functions and receptions
• Manage official events and official visits
• Develop strategy, goals, objectives and programs for the Protocol Branch
• Manage a portfolio for Civic Elections and By-Elections

Your education and qualifications include:

• College diploma / Certificate in business, public relations, journalism, communication or related field.

• 3 years of experience in hospitality or tourism administration or public relations may be considered in place of formal education requirements.

• Certification relating to special events, meetings or conference management would be considered an asset.

• Three (3) years’ related experience

• Experience working with news media using diplomacy

• Ability to take initiative and capable of working independently with minimal direction

• Strong political acumen with significant experience in engaging and collaborating with multiple levels of internal and external stakeholders.

• Working knowledge of project management theory and practice

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship and interact effectively with a variety of stakeholders including elected officials, senior managers and department staff as well contacts outside the organization.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills.

• Excellent verbal communication skills with an ability to speak clearly, calmly and professionally.

• Strong written communication skills.

• Computer software skills.

• Ability to generate common understanding and create shared vision in an environment of diverse stakeholder interest related to event planning.

• Ability to effectively coordinate and/or lead cross functional work groups to accomplish set goals.

• Ability to independently manage and prioritize workload, meet deadlines and work in high stress fast paced environment.

• Fluency in French with a demonstrated ability to speak clearly, calmly, and professionally is an asset.

• IMPORTANT: Applicants who have been educated outside of Canada must have education which is comparable to the minimum qualification in Canada. Applicants submitting foreign credentials require an official academic assessment report issued by a recognized Canadian assessment service https://www.canalliance.org/en/ at application.

Conditions of employment:

• The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.
• A Police Information Check satisfactory to the employer will be required from the applicant(s) or successful candidate(s), at their expense.
• Required to work evenings, weekends and statutory holidays as required.
• Ability to travel abroad, as required.