Communications Advisor

City of Edmonton • Edmonton, AB

6d • CA$96,382 - CA$121,451 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Reputation and External Communications team is seeking an agile and dedicated out-of-scope Communications Advisor to support a vital portfolio. This role will be the primary driver behind communications plans and products that address the full collective bargaining cycle and labour relations business continuity activities, support communication needs for issues, emergencies and crises, and provide surge capacity for organizational media relations activities. This is a unique opportunity to provide sophisticated communications counsel that directly impacts employee experience and the community. The role requires an adaptable professional with experience managing emergent issues with creativity and poise. Operating in an out-of-scope capacity due to the highly confidential nature of this portfolio, the advisor will manage a heavy workload during periods of collective bargaining and emergency response. As part of the team that protects and enhances the City’s reputation, the advisor will act as a trusted partner to various business areas, ensuring that strategic messages are operationalized seamlessly across internal and external channels. This role balances long-term, proactive communication strategies with immediate, last-minute reactive requests under tight deadlines.

Requirements

• University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, combined with a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in a designated communications, public relations, public affairs, or crisis/emergency communications role OR Diploma in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, combined with a minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in a designated communications, public relations, public affairs, or crisis/emergency communications role
• A minimum of ICS 200 is required for this position. ICS 200 has a prerequisite of ICS 100. Applicants are preferred to provide proof of completed training. Applicants without ICS 200 will be considered, but must have the ability to achieve ICS 200 certification within 30 days of hire. A minimum of ICS 200 training is required or ability to complete this certification within 30 days of hire
• Extensive knowledge of mass communication principles, public relations techniques, and media relations best practices
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex, sensitive legal or financial details into clear text
• Strong consulting, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills to foster open collaboration across diverse departmental teams
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with a proven ability to perform well under pressure and manage shifting priorities
• Proficiency in digital communications, web content strategies, and navigating social media platforms within corporate guideline

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience developing communications strategies specifically within a labour relations or collective bargaining environment
• Experience working within an Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) or navigating corporate business continuity frameworks

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans, tactical products and content across the full collective bargaining lifecycle and business continuity stages
• Draft and coordinate approval of highly sensitive internal and external communication materials, including key messages, news releases, creative content, fact sheets, social media posts and Q&As
• Prepare proactive and reactive media responses in collaboration with internal subject matter experts
• Support the activation of corporate contingency and crisis communications plans
• Support the updating and maintenance of the Crisis Communications Program, Plan and training, ensuring Crisis Communications Team readiness
• Support organizational media relations as required
• Provide expert communications advice and tactical support to project managers, program managers, and directors across various departments
• Work closely with internal creative, social media, storytelling and digital teams, as well as external vendors and community partners, to coordinate consistent, brand-aligned messaging

Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement with flexibility to work from both home and the worksite
• Access to reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level