Communications Officer (Temporary, 12 months)

The City of Guelph • Guelph, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Resumes are being accepted for the temporary position of Communications Officer within the Strategic Communications and Community Engagement department. The successful candidate will use their well-rounded knowledge and experience in communications to implement multi-faceted, integrated communications programs for the businesses of the organization, deepening communication and engagement between the City and those impacted by our work. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City’s Strategic Plan and five-year communications and engagement plan, and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will support the organization to build an engaged community that listens to and learns from one another to shape Guelph’s future.

Requirements

• Considerable experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through the completion of a post-secondary degree, diploma, or post-degree certificate in Public Relations, Corporate Communications or a related discipline and 4 to 5 years experience in the field of public relations.
• A critical-thinking, creative professional who delivers innovative communications solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Solid understanding of strategic public relations best practices with experience developing, implementing and evaluating comprehensive communications programs.
• Ability to work well under pressure, advance multiple projects simultaneously, and function effectively in a future-focused, fast-paced organization.
• Excellent writing, editing, research and project management skills.
• Ability to apply a digital lens to business challenges and opportunities.
• A passion for digital communication and proficiency with major social media platforms and social management tools.
• Proficiency with video and photo editing tools, digital media formats, and HTML.
• Ability to exercise good judgement, make data-informed decisions, think critically, and act with a client- and citizen-first focus.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to establish and maintain co-operative relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization, and representatives of external organizations.
• Business and political acumen.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and Word Press

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience and/or knowledge of municipal government is an asset.
• Professional membership and/or accreditation with CPRS and/or IABC is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the corporate communications and community engagement team to provide fully integrated communications services and solutions to the corporation.
• Develop communications strategies to support City projects, programs and services as assigned.
• Implement multi-faceted communications programs in support of organizational objectives.
• Create and curate content, from ideation and development to editing and dissemination, to reach broad and segmented audiences.
• Develop effective content strategies that are driven by goals; audience; citizen experience; metrics; and with thought to paid, earned, shared and owned channels.
• Assist in the creation and editing of written, video, and photo content.
• Make use of analytics to improve programs and campaigns.
• Take part in measuring and analyzing the effectiveness of communication strategies, report on results, and provide recommendations for improving future communications plans.
• Support the corporate media relations program by fostering good relationships with media, and supporting and coaching City employees.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Parental leave top up program
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree