Senior Communications Consultant

The City of Red Deer•Red Deer, AB

20h•CA$45 - CA$47•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Red Deer is currently recruiting for a Senior Communications Consultant to fill an 18-month full-time term position. This role provides strategic communications advice on complex and longer-term communications issues, projects, and initiatives. The position is responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategic communications plans focusing on major corporate initiatives, budgets, strategic areas of emphasis, capital projects, strategic planning, media relations, and issues management. The role also provides leadership to department students and mentorship to Communications Consultant staff on a project basis. Responsibilities may vary, and Senior Communications Consultants may be hired for specific projects or to focus on specific corporate priorities.

Requirements

Knowledge gained through completing an undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, or related field, plus five years of progressively more complex communications experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Record of significant accomplishments in developing and managing effective high impact communications planning and implementation.
Applied knowledge of communication principles including public relations, issues management, promotion, branding, media relations, public consultation, publication development and production, special event planning, crisis communications as well as marketing and general public affairs.
Ability to assess communications issues/requirements and provide recommendations for resolution.
Ability to organize, clarify and communicate complex or ambiguous ideas effectively through engaging, easy-to-understand messages.
Creativity, superior writing and editing ability for all media.
Demonstrated understanding and application of new media technologies in a corporate communications environment.
Ability to effectively facilitate groups to cause understanding and solicit ideas and feedback.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate with honesty, sensitivity and diplomacy, maintain confidentiality and deal tactfully in an open and political environment.
Ability to foster and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders both within the organization and external to it. Demonstrates appropriate confidence to earn credibility with Senior Administration and Council, while also earning the trust and confidence of staff at all organizational levels.
Ability to independently prioritize and manage several competing, complex, evolving projects, including associated budgets.
Ability to deal with confidential issues, including human resource issues, in a professional manner and in accordance with City policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a municipal environment considered an asset.
IABC or CPRS accreditation considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Lead Strategic Communications Planning - Identify organizational communications needs and provide expert advice on communications and public consultation strategies.
Develop and Execute Communication Plans - Create, implement, and evaluate integrated communications and public engagement plans that support corporate priorities and sensitive initiatives.
Provide Strategic Communications Counsel - Advise Senior Administration, Council, and departments on communications approaches, risk management, and reputation protection.
Manage Issues and Reputation Communications - Anticipate and address politically sensitive or high-profile issues to maintain public trust and organizational credibility.
Develop Corporate Messaging - Lead the creation of clear, consistent messaging on complex topics such as strategic plans, budgets, growth initiatives, and confidential matters.
Create Communications Content - Write and produce communication materials including news releases, briefing notes, speeches, Q&As, newsletters, website content, advertising, and multimedia materials.
Manage Media Relations - Build and maintain proactive relationships with media, coordinate media events, and support positive organizational visibility.
Coach and Support Leaders - Provide media and communications coaching to staff and Council members, helping them communicate effectively and respond to public concerns.
Provide Leadership and Relationship Management - Mentor and supervise students and communications staff, while building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, community partners, and consultants.
Ensure Accountability and Resource Management - Manage project budgets, meet client expectations, track progress, and ensure all communications activities align with the organization's strategic plan and objectives.