Public Engagement Advisor

City of Edmonton•Edmonton, AB

1d•CA$89,997 - CA$112,988•Hybrid

About The Position

The City Operations Public Engagement team is looking for a dynamic and skilled Public Engagement Advisor to join the City Operations team! In this role, you will play a key part in delivering on the City's Public Engagement Policy, ensuring that the City engages with its residents and stakeholders in an authentic, meaningful, and inclusive way. This position will primarily support the department’s Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) branch, with a focus on leading public engagement for key public transit initiatives, such as ridership research and engagement, with a focus on equity analysis and customer satisfaction. At times, the position may also support other branches within City Operations’ varied portfolio, including Waste Services; Parks and Roads Services; and Fleet and Facility Services. In this role, you will be responsible for developing engagement strategies, plans, and tactics that are clear, effective, and transparent. This includes managing all aspects of public engagement activities, from developing materials and hosting events to analyzing feedback and reporting results. Additionally, you will identify complex and sensitive issues that may impact engagement success and develop strategies to mitigate risk. If you are passionate about public engagement and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply!

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Planning, Communications or Public Relations, or a related field
A minimum of five years of experience in the design and delivery of public engagement processes and strategy, including understanding of the theory, best practices and application of public engagement, and data analysis and reporting
An equivalent combination of work and other experiences will be considered
Experience in the planning, design and delivery of public engagement events, including gathering, analyzing and summarizing public engagement data, including producing writing reports and summarizing engagement results
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume, deadline-driven environment with a focus on prioritization, multi-tasking, and attention to detail
Ability to work autonomously and make independent decisions within established policies and procedures
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
Ability to manage interactions with the public and stakeholders that demonstrate a range of concerns and emotions with diplomacy, tact, and political savvy
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Experience with inclusive approaches to engagement (e.g., Gender Based Analysis+)
Experience managing and evaluating consultant teams
Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion

Nice To Haves

International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) or other formal training in public engagement
Proficient in using Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs and Google Meet; an aptitude for learning other software
Experience planning and delivering engagement events; facilitation experience

Responsibilities

Provide strategic advice and guidance to project/program teams, and business areas on public engagement best practices, frameworks, policies, tools, and techniques with achievable strategies, action plans and timelines
Collaborate with the Senior Public Engagement Advisor to develop public engagement strategies and plans
Work collaboratively with project/program teams to understand their engagement needs and identify resource requirements and timelines for public engagement, including approaches for building respectful and meaningful relationships with colleagues and community partners
Implement both digital and in-person public engagement activities including the selection of approaches, tools and techniques and developing engagement material
Plan, organize and facilitate public and stakeholder engagement events including implementing strategies to manage participant concerns and mitigate issues
Identify and understand complex and sensitive public issues that may impact public engagement strategies and/or the City's reputation
Gather, analyze and share public engagement feedback
Encourage and evaluate engagement participation
Participate in the development of policies, processes, and tools to support common and consistent engagement activities across the City
Provide guidance and support to external public engagement consultants as required
Provide support to the Senior Public Engagement Advisor, External Relations Advisor and Lead Strategists
Perform other related duties as required