Under the general direction of the Manager of Communications (Transit), the Communications Officer provides strategic communications expertise within their assigned portfolio. This position is responsible for delivering timely and accurate messaging to the media, the public, and to internal audiences. They will be required to take a complete and integrated approach to communications through collaboration with other branches, departments, and agencies, which may include, but are not limited to, social media, web, marketing, advertising, and public engagement activities, as well as integration with French language services.

As the Communications Officer, your duties will include**:**

• Coordinating the external and internal strategic communications initiatives for assigned portfolio.
• Identifying emerging issues and proactively and effectively manages issues to preserve an accurate and positive image for the City
• Coordinating logistics of communications-related events for assigned portfolio
• Working collaboratively as a part of the Customer Service & Communications team

Your education and qualifications include:

• Diploma in Creative Communications, Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Studies, or Journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and considerable experience in the field of public relations may be considered.

• Accredited Public Relations or Business Communicator is considered an asset

• Active membership in Canadian Public Relations Society is considered an asset

• Experience in the management of high profile public issues

• 3 years of experience in the field of public relations, including issues management, preferably in the public sector environment

• Demonstrated experience developing strategic communications plans/programs at the corporate level

• Ability to positively influence staff, exercise sound judgment, and execute decisions in a manner consistent with corporate values.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective, positive relationships with various stakeholders including with the public, media, elected officials, and senior management, etc.

• Demonstrated expertise in dealing with the media and establishing a network of media contacts (print, TV, electronic)

• Demonstrated expertise in internal communications

• Demonstrated knowledge of communications theory and best practices

• Strong organizational and project management skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize and coordinate work to a deadline in a high volume workplace with tight deadlines

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a high stress environment, initiating, planning, and completing communications projects with minimal direction

• Experience with, and proficient using a variety of computer applications; specifically Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), social media platforms/applications along with the aptitude for learning new software applications

• Demonstrated ability to build consensus, generate common understanding, and create shared vision in an environment of diverse stakeholders and interests

• Proven ability to exercise discretion, diplomacy, and confidentiality

• High level of political acumen

• 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://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
• The successful candidate must provide a valid Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, satisfactory to the employer.