Sr. HR, Organizational Development Communications Advisor - TFT

Department and Commission : People Services, Office of the CAO Affiliation: Non-Union Vacancy Type: New Position (2 year contract) Posting Date: August 10, 2026 Application Deadline: August 23, 2026 Duration: 2 years The City of Markham is consistently ranked among Canada’s top municipal employers. In 2026, the City received its sixth consecutive Canada’s Best Employers recognition from Forbes and Statista Inc., placing third among municipalities and 15th overall in Government Services. An award-winning municipality, Markham is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovative urban planning, and strong fiscal management. Serving a diverse and growing community of more than 370,000 residents, Markham combines rich heritage with a vibrant local economy and offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that helps strengthen the community we serve. The City of Markham is currently accepting applications for the temporary full time role of Sr. Organizational Development Communications Advisor, in the People Services Department. Please submit your cover letter and resume on-line by August 23, 2026. Join us and make a lasting difference! Job Summary Reporting to the Sr. Manager, the successful candidate will work closely with People Services and the Transformation Office to provide project leadership advice and communication and engagement best practices to department senior management that support Human Resources programs, organizational transformation, enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation, digital modernization, organizational development (OD), and change management initiatives. The position is responsible for developing, planning, implementing and providing clear engaging, and effective communications that enable successful adoption of organizational and technology changes while enhancing the employee experience. Key Duties And Responsibilities Strategic Communications Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies supporting PS initiatives, culture and business transformation, and ERP implementation. Develop integrated communication plans, stakeholder analyses, key messages, communication schedules, and success measures. Provide strategic communications advice to PS leadership, executive sponsors, and project teams. Ensure messaging aligns with corporate priorities, organizational values, and brand standards. ERP & Digital Transformation Communications Lead communication planning and execution for HR technology initiatives, including ERP implementation, digital tools, and process modernization. Develop communication strategies supporting system implementation, testing, training, deployment, adoption, and post-implementation stabilization. Create employee-focused communications including implementation updates, readiness communications, FAQs, user guides, training materials, quick reference guides, videos, and executive updates. Partner with PS, Information Technology, vendors, project managers, and change management teams to coordinate communication activities throughout all phases of ERP project. Monitor employee readiness and communication effectiveness, recommending adjustments to improve awareness, engagement, and adoption. Organizational Change & Transformation Develop communication strategies supporting organizational redesign, business transformation, service delivery improvements, culture & business initiatives, and change management programs. Collaborate with People Services Department to develop communication and engagement strategies throughout the employee change journey. Conduct stakeholder assessments, identify communication risks, and develop mitigation strategies. Evaluate communication effectiveness using employee feedback, analytics, and performance measures. Organizational Development & Employee Engagement Support employee engagement, leadership development, organizational culture, and change readiness initiatives through strategic communications. Develop communication campaigns that reinforce organizational values and desired behaviours. Support employee surveys and communicate results, action plans, and organizational progress. Digital Communications Manage HR and transformation-related content on the corporate intranet and digital communication platforms. Recommend innovative communication channels and digital engagement approaches to improve employee awareness and participation. Ensure communications remain accessible, current, inclusive, and aligned with accessibility standards. Responsible for writing internal communications, eNewsletter content, and other material as required Required Skills & Competencies A minimum of 7 years of experience working in a corporate communications, marketing, communications environment — providing support, advice and strategic planning to senior organizational leaders, with a strong political acumen. Certification in Change Management (e.g., Prosci), Communications, Project Management (PMP), Human Resources (CHRL/CHRP), or Organizational Development is considered an asset Demonstrated knowledge of organizational change management and employee engagement principles. Experience supporting ERP, HRIS, or digital transformation initiatives. A strong ability to build and manage relationships and the ability to establish trust and confidence. Proven track record of effective, multi-faceted and creative, out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to developing and executing communications campaigns to reach a variety of audiences. Strong written and verbal English language skills and a keen attention to detail. Ability to communicate complex business and technical concepts in clear, employee-friendly language. Excellent project management, planning, and organizational skills. Proficiency with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, intranet platforms, digital collaboration tools, and content management systems. Strong analytical skills with the ability to measure communication effectiveness and recommend continuous improvements. High level of political acuity, professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion. Ability to stay on top of and flag any opportunities and/or contentious issues that require prompt response or action. Knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and AODA standards is highly preferred. Ability to deal effectively with complex issues; to work well in a fast-paced and demanding environment; Ability to be an effective, solutions-oriented member of a professional team will be important for success in this position. Ability to work independently and in a team environment and across all levels of an organization is important. Dedicated to customer service excellence with internal stakeholders. College or university degree (communications, public affairs, or related field of study is preferred). Previous work experience in public sector and/or municipal environment is preferred, but not required CORE BEHAVIOURS Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization. Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change. Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships. Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening. Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation. Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example Core Values At the City of Markham, our work is guided by a shared set of core values that shape how we serve our community and support one another. Service Excellence: the consistent delivery of high-quality efficient and customer-centric service that exceeds expectations. Accountability: our obligation to be responsible and accountable for our actions, decisions and performance. People-Focused: putting people first. Trust: the confidence we place in each other to act with integrity and fairness. Innovation: Investing in each other and the way we deliver our programs and services. We are looking for candidates who bring these values to life through their actions, decisions, and leadership approach. Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in an office environment and may include the following working conditions: Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support operational needs. Hybrid work arrangement Conditions of Employment As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters check. AI Disclosure At the City of Markham, we value transparency and fairness in recruitment. While our system (ADP Workforce Now) includes AI-powered features, we do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants. All evaluations are conducted by people. The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process. Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.

The role provides project leadership and strategic communication advice to support HR programs, organizational transformation, and ERP implementation. It focuses on developing engaging communications to enable the successful adoption of technology and organizational changes while enhancing the employee experience.

Requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in corporate communications or marketing with a degree in communications or a related field. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint is required, and certifications in Change Management, PMP, or HR are considered assets.

• Project managementPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Strategic Communications
• Change Management
• Organizational Development
• Employee Engagement
• ERP Implementation
• Digital Transformation
• Stakeholder Analysis
• Project Management
• Internal Communications
• Political Acumen
• Content Management
• Corporate Communications
• Risk Mitigation
• Digital Collaboration Tools
• AODA Standards
• Public Sector Communications

• Human Resources
• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Marketing
• Administrative

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

7+ years

Apply by

Sep 9, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level