Manager, Communications - Closing August 12, 2026

Municipality of Port Hope • Port Hope, ON

5d • CA$93,838 - CA$109,778 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Communications is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of the planning, creation, and delivery of a variety of internal and external communications, including, but not limited to media relations, issues management, crisis communications, advertising, digital content, brand alignment, public education and Mayor and Council communications.

Requirements

• University degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years progressive experience in a communications role, journalism or public relations; experience working within the broader public sector would be an asset.
• Expert knowledge of strategic communications planning, media relations, public engagement, and crisis communication
• Excellent verbal communication skills including courtesy, tact, discretion, explanation, persuasion, interpretation, negotiation, judgment and presentation skills.
• Excellent written communication skills including flexible writing style to meet the varied requirements of the work and medium being used; ability to translate technical and complex information into plain language for diverse audiences.
• High level of knowledge and proficiency in use of MS Word, PowerPoint, website management, social media platforms.
• Organization and time management skills, including ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• High degree of professionalism, political astuteness and interpersonal skills.
• Valid and satisfactory ‘G’ drivers license and access to own vehicle.
• Valid and satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within the broader public sector would be an asset.
• Experience in, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, HTML, Graphic Design, Web design or Print production is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership, support, planning, and management of all communications, engagement, and overall business priorities in alignment with municipal policies and procedures.
• Drives positive perception of the Municipality with the community through the development, planning and oversight of proactive communications and public education campaigns.
• Oversees creative design, advertising, video production, photography, and digital content. Ensures all communication materials are developed in accordance with the branding guidelines and are reviewed for accuracy and readability.
• Creates communication plans for major initiatives or issues management, including media monitoring, briefing notes, speech writing and presentation materials.
• Monitors and tracks progress of assigned communications requirements to ensure delivery, budgets and timelines are met, and risks/issues are proactively addressed.
• Provides oversight and review of metrics to evaluate effectiveness of communications strategies quarterly and oversees reporting of metrics to departments.
• Identifies new trends in communications and marketing practices; develops new policies and guidelines for the implementation of new communications and marketing initiatives
• Acts as expert resource for leaders and corporate teams in the development, creation, and implementation of their communication requirements that educate and inform the community.
• Attends Council, Committee of the Whole, and – as required - Special Council meetings, and prepares strategic briefing materials, including backgrounders, speaking notes, and speeches, demonstrating strong judgment, political acuity, and advanced communications expertise to support the Mayor and Council.
• Demonstrates an understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and their applications in communications, including content development, citizen engagement, and process optimization. Ensures all AI-assisted content adheres to municipal standards for accuracy, accessibility, privacy, and transparency. Initiates and maintains positive professional relationships with the media and oversee all aspects of media relations including placing feature articles in the media, coordinating media relations campaigns and crisis communications e.g. crisis response and general risk communications.
• Demonstrates positive leadership through the supervision of staff, including hiring, directing/guiding work assignments, performance management, coaching, identifying and implementing professional development, absence management, motivating and empowering staff.
• Prepares and submits the annual capital and operating budgets for the Communications Division in consultation with the CAO.
• Acts as the Municipality’s Emergency Information Officer when the Emergency Operations Centre is activated, and leading and coaching emergency communications for staff and Council, when required.
• Adheres to high standards of ethical behaviour and demonstrates their understanding that their personal actions impact the public’s perception of the Municipality.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the CAO or designate.

Benefits

• Employer paid Group Health, Dental and Life Insurance after three months of employment
• OMERS Pension Plan from the date of hire
• Professional Development and Skill Based Training Opportunities
• Alternate Work Arrangements
• Wellness, Social and Staff Ambassador Committees
• Employee and Family Assistance Plan
• Perks and Savings Partnerships

What This Job Offers

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