Director, Communications

Position Summary

Reporting to the Commissioner, Corporate and Financial Services, the Director, Communications will establish a strategic vision, provide people leadership, thought leadership, and financial direction for the daily functions of the division. As a key member of the management team, you’ll head up an integrated team responsible for communications planning, content delivery, digital innovation, and issue management. In a dynamic work environment, you will provide creative problem solving in dealing with complex communications issues and be responsive to changing needs.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop end-to-end internal and external communications frameworks and strategies that promote and build public awareness of municipal services and programs
• Build an insights-driven practice that influences policy development, program delivery, and communications approaches
• Oversee the web and social media presence for the City, including all online engagement
• Develop, implement, and update communications policies
• Lead short-term and long-term City-wide planning by identifying strategic communication considerations and internal and external stakeholders and their interests
• Act as the City spokesperson when media requires comment on items pertaining to the City
• Respond effectively to complex and sensitive issues, including operational changes, budget decisions, and social media issues
• Manage and maintain effective media relations, and write media messages
• Provide media coaching to departmental spokespersons, the Executive Leadership Team, and the Mayor
• Serve as the City’s Public Information Officer in the event of an emergency
• Identify emerging issues and make recommendations to ELT, the Mayor, and Council on appropriate responses
• Responsible for division budget preparation and financial controls

Education and Experience

• Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science or related discipline
• Post-Graduate Diploma/Degree in Communications Required
• Minimum 10 years progressively responsible experience managing communications, working with the media, and acting as a spokesperson
• Experience as an senior leader in a large, complex organization, leading teams of managers and professional staff to deliver results
• Proven experience developing, managing and implementing large-scale, multi-faceted strategies that are comprehensive and effective in accomplishing a specific organizational goal

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of web content management systems and social media platforms
• Expert facilitation and presentation skills
• Broad knowledge of the communications field, including web and social media channels
• Understanding of the municipal government environment
• Demonstrate the City’s corporate values of care, collaboration, courage, and service
• Required to be available after hours for communications-related emergencies

Leadership Competencies