Director, Communications and Engagement, Office of the City Manager

City of Edmonton•Edmonton, AB

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Director, Communications and Engagement, Office of the City Manager, serves as an integral strategic partner to the Chief of Staff and the City Manager. This role requires a keen systems thinker who can successfully position the City Manager and the Office's priorities to a broad spectrum of audiences. You will ensure appropriate engagement with Edmontonians, City Council, employees, media, union partners, and various levels of government, aligning all efforts with Council’s Priorities, The City Plan and the overall corporate business plan. You are a strategic partner and will provide counsel to advance key initiatives. This position leads a team of five staff, providing strategic advice and practical support to key groups within the City Manager’s Office, including the Office of the Chief of Staff, Legal Services Branch, the Office of the City Clerk, and the Office of the City Auditor. As a trusted and valued member of the senior team, you will be involved in high-level discussions and key decision-making, providing real-time counsel to advance the strategies of the Executive Leadership Team. Success in this role requires multi-dimensional problem-solving, integrating skills across external relations, marketing, and intergovernmental realms. Furthermore, you will act as the primary liaison between Administration and the Mayor’s office for communications related items, working diligently to build and protect the reputation of the City Manager and the corporation.

Requirements

Experience, knowledge, training, and/or education in Communications, Journalism, or a related field
Significant corporate communications experience in a senior leadership role within a large, complex organization
Experience with issues and reputation management within a large and complex public organization, ideally with another municipality or other levels of government
Demonstrated leadership abilities to cultivate focus, engagement, and commitment within diverse and complex environments
Proven ability to cultivate strong relationships across diverse teams and business partners, fostering collaboration, trust, and mutual respect
Flexible to navigate shifting priorities, maintain resilience, and lead inclusively amidst evolving landscapes
Results-driven approach, inclusive of strategy development and performance management
Proficient negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills for inclusive decision-making
Service excellence, embracing diversity and promoting inclusiveness
Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive communications and engagement strategies that advance the long-term goals of the Office of the City Manager, serving as the primary liaison with the Mayor’s Office to ensure strategic alignment
Provide strategic leadership for a five member communications team, driving a high-performance culture, and providing coaching, development, and performance management to build organizational talent and capacity
Ensure the effectiveness of Administration's messaging by reviewing Council reports, advising on sequencing to address complex issues, and proactively positioning key reports to the media and public while mitigating reputational risks
Collaborate closely with external relations partners to strategically position the City Manager in the public realm, developing critical support materials such as briefing notes and speaking points to ensure consistent and effective messaging
Champion political and corporate integration by participating in senior-level discussions to align communications across departments and ensuring the City Manager is fully equipped to speak and respond publicly on all major City issues and initiatives