Communications Specialist

Corporation of the Town of Midland•Midland, ON

4d•CA$0 - CA$34•Hybrid

About The Position

The Corporation of the Town of Midland invites applications for the position of Communications Specialist. This is a permanent full-time role, working 35 hours per week. The successful candidate will join an innovative team focused on providing exceptional municipal services and supporting employee professional development, well-being, and work-life balance. The Town is a scent-sensitive workplace and requires a Criminal Record Check. This IBEW Local 636 union position reports to the Manager, Customer Experience & Communications and is responsible for developing, delivering, and improving the Town of Midland’s corporate communications. The role supports the organization in informing, engaging, and building trust with the community while protecting and enhancing the Town’s reputation. Operating within a small, centralized communications function, this position is both strategic and hands-on, involving the development and delivery of communications products and initiatives, as well as providing professional advice across the organization. The role regularly supports senior leadership and exercises independent judgment in managing messaging, public engagement, media relations, and emerging issues. The position handles confidential and sensitive information and is expected to maintain a high degree of discretion and professionalism.

Requirements

College diploma or degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related discipline required. An equivalent combination of education and experience May be considered.
Minimum of two (2) years of practical experience in a communications, marketing, or public relations role.
Strong knowledge of public relations and advertising principles, especially as they relate to government or public sector organizations. Comfortable managing media interactions and requests.
Experience managing social media and digital marketing for an organization.
Skilled in writing, editing, and verbal communication, with a creative approach to storytelling and engagement.
Familiarity with desktop publishing, website management, and graphic design; photography and print production experience is an asset.
Ability to plan, launch, and evaluate campaigns, programs, and events, showing initiative and creativity in public engagement.
Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of Council and municipal government processes is an asset.
Strong interpersonal and consultative skills, with a commitment to customer-focused service.
Able to support forums, speaking engagements, and represent the Town in a positive, professional manner.
Sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

Nice To Haves

photography and print production experience is an asset
Knowledge of Council and municipal government processes is an asset

Responsibilities

Develop and implement communications plans that support Council priorities, corporate initiatives, and departmental projects.
Provide communications advice and recommendations to the Manager and, where appropriate, senior leadership, including the Mayor and CAO.
Identify communications risks and opportunities and recommend proactive approaches to messaging and engagement.
Support cross-departmental alignment by ensuring consistent, clear, and effective corporate messaging.
Develop, write, edit, and publish high-quality communications content across all corporate channels, including website, social media, email communications, and print materials.
Manage the day-to-day operation of the Town’s website and social media platforms, working with subject matter experts to ensure content is current, accurate, accessible, and aligned with corporate standards.
Translate complex municipal information into clear, engaging, and accessible content for diverse audiences.
Review, edit, and approve content submitted by departments to ensure consistency in tone, quality, readability, and brand alignment.
Maintain and evolve corporate templates, style guidelines, and messaging standards.
Lead the development and execution of communications campaigns and public engagement initiatives, including content creation, scheduling, and promotion.
Collaborate with departments to design communications approaches that support community participation and awareness.
Develop surveys, promotional materials, and outreach strategies to support engagement initiatives.
Evaluate campaign effectiveness using analytics and feedback and recommend improvements.
Draft media releases, public statements, key messages, and briefing materials.
Monitor media coverage and public sentiment to identify emerging issues and inform communications approaches.
Support the coordination of media responses, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency.
Contribute to the development and delivery of communications related to service disruptions, high-profile initiatives, and reputational risks.
Support the Town’s emergency and service disruption communications by developing and delivering clear, timely public information.
Assist in preparing communications materials for urgent or sensitive situations, requiring sound judgment and responsiveness.
Maintain composure and professionalism when communicating in high-pressure or rapidly evolving circumstances.
Provide guidance and support to staff across the organization on communications best practices, branding, and digital content.
Deliver training and resources to help departments communicate effectively and consistently.
Ensure compliance with legislative and corporate standards, including Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements.
Serve as an ambassador for corporate communications, supporting a culture of clear, consistent, and customer-focused service.
Handle confidential and sensitive information.
Support the development and delivery of internal communications related to sensitive issues, requiring discretion and sound judgment.
Exercise a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when working with senior leadership and corporate information not yet in the public domain.
Work as a team player promoting a positive and professional work environment and conduct role with integrity and respect.
Uphold the Town’s values of integrity, accountability, empowerment, purposefulness, and service excellence.
Act as an Ambassador throughout the community, positively representing the Town.
Abide by the policies and procedures of the Town.
Abide by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and work in a manner that is safe, reporting incidents immediately to direct supervisor.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet the overall goals and objectives of the Town.
Build and maintain knowledge and expertise in relevant fields.