HR Communications and Culture Specialist

Strathcona County • Sherwood Park, AB

3d • CA$89,180 - CA$111,420

About The Position

Join Strathcona County’s Human Resources team as our Specialist, HR Communications and Culture, where you will play a key role in influencing and delivering strategic communications that enhance employee engagement, strengthen workplace culture, and support corporate and HR priorities. Reporting to the Manager, Organizational Effectiveness, this role serves as the primary point of contact for communications within Human Resources—leading the development, integration, and execution of communications strategies that support a wide range of HR initiatives and programs. In addition to communications leadership, this role contributes directly to advancing Strathcona County’s workplace culture through key initiatives, including co-chairing and coordinating of the People Plan Stewardship Committee and support to diversity and inclusion priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Human Resources, Communications, Public Relations or related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of related experience
• Solid understanding of communication principles and practices within the field
• Excellent planning, organizational and project management skills
• Demonstrated solid written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work under time restraints and adapt to changing job priorities
• Ability to advise cross-departmental teams to create synergy in achieving communications goals
• Strong interpersonal communication skills that include active listening, critical thinking and problem-solving, professionalism, tact and teamwork
• Strong proficiency in a computer environment (Microsoft Suite, web content, and database software) and ability to make best use of technology

Nice To Haves

• Internal communications and/or change management experience in a public sector environment is preferred
• Previous Human Resources experience or Human Resources focused communications is preferred
• Membership in a communication professional association (IABC or CPRS) is an asset
• Graphic design software and photography/image editing skills and experience is an asset
• Strong understanding of change management methodologies and practices is an asset

Responsibilities

• Support the Human Resources department in developing communication and change management strategies to heighten employee awareness and engagement in various initiatives and projects
• Develop communication and change management tools to support various HR and corporate initiatives, programs and policies
• Recommend effective communications tactics based on project objectives. Write and edit communications materials, including copy for print, web, presentations, speaking notes and display copy, reflecting the themes and key messages established by the project lead.
• Contribute to and collaborate on corporate communications strategies and initiatives to enhance internal communications for the organization of events managed by Human Resources ensuring successful awareness, participation and execution
• Incorporate brand messaging in communications and ensure visual identity and writing style guidelines and standards are met to advance brand/reputation
• Provide communications support as required during an emergency incident or crisis
• Co-chair and oversee coordination of the People Plan Stewardship Committee (PPSC), supporting enterprise initiatives that advance the County’s workplace culture
• Support the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC) through communications that advance inclusion and employee experience
• Lead employer brand initiatives, including top employer award submissions and storytelling that strengthens the employee value proposition
• Support HR's Talent Acquisition team with recruitment marketing initiatives for the County's careers website (i.e., Linkedin) and job fairs as required
• Liaise with Corporate Communications to ensure HR is aware of and follows current processes and protocols when communicating on internal website, and with Mayor, Council, Executive Team, Senior Leadership Team and County employees
• Initiate, create and post dynamic content to online channels (social media, intranet) to support internal business and communication objectives
• Support Corporate Communications in liaising with media in relation to project or event news and messaging as required
• Evaluate current communication processes and recommend changes for improved effectiveness and efficiencies
• Identify emerging issues and opportunities where communication activities can contribute to reaching overall corporate objectives
• Participate in communications-related communities of practice (CoP) to share best practices with colleagues and build effective working relationships.

Benefits

• Extended health and dental coverage
• Health and wellness spending account
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement and pension programs
• Earned day off program
• Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

What This Job Offers

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