Communications and Engagement Advisor

City of Vernon; Vernon; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency is seeking a Communications and Engagement Advisor to lead various communications strategies. This role involves developing public engagement plans, coordinating emergency communications, and ensuring all materials align with strategic goals. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and experience in media relations, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years' experience in strategic communications, preferably within local government.
• Strong understanding of communications and issues management within public sector.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic communications and public engagement plans.
• Provide support to the Manager on emergent issues.
• Coordinate emergency communications ensuring accurate public information.

Skills

Communications

Media relations

Public consultation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related discipline

IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Cloud

Canva

Content management systems

Job description

Communications and Engagement Advisor

Exempt

Job Requisition: JR-2025-220 Communications and Engagement Advisor (Exempt) (Open)

Job Family: Exempt

Start Date: 2025-12-18

End Date: 2026-01-16

Application Closing Date: Jan 16, 2026

Salary Range: $90,725.44 - $106,735.81

Position Overview: Reporting to the Manager, Communications and Community Engagement, the Communications and Engagement Advisor (Infrastructure) is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating a wide range of internal and external communications strategies, advertising, and public and media relations programs. The position ensures that all communication efforts align with the City’s strategic direction, brand standards and public engagement best practices. The advisor also supports the Manager during planned and unplanned absences and plays a key role in emergency communications.

Duties

• Develop and implement strategic communications and public engagement plans for corporate initiatives and services.
• Provide support to the Manager, Communications and Community Engagement, on emergent issues.
• Ensure all communications align with the City’s visual identity and strategic communications plan.
• Develop and produce a variety of communications materials, including media releases, newsletters, marketing materials, advertisements, reports, speaking notes, presentations, and digital content.
• Support and coordinate emergency communications, ensuring timely and accurate information is shared with the public.
• Provide strategic advice and support to internal departments in the development of communication materials and engagement content for the City’s website, intranet, and social media platforms.
• Conduct ongoing market research of communication best practices, to make appropriate recommendations for adjustments to communication strategies, content and processes.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Provide coverage for the duties of the Manager, Communications and Community Engagement during planned and unplanned absences and in emergency response situations.
• All City of Vernon employees will be required to assist the City in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in strategic communications, media relations, public consultation, or public relations, preferably within local government.
• Experience with digital publishing tools such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva and video editing platforms.
• Familiarity with content management systems and social media scheduling tools.
• Valid BC Driver’s Licence, Class 5.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of communications, media relations, and issues management in a government or public sector context.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging messaging.
• Strong interpersonal skills, exhibiting professionalism, confidentiality and diplomacy when interacting with internal and external customers, elected officials, senior staff, the media and members of the public.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced work environment to meet tight deadlines.
• Understanding of public engagement strategies, techniques and approaches using the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) theory and values.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Certification in public engagement (IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation).
• Experience leading multi‑channel communications strategies for high‑profile or complex projects.
• Project management certification or training is considered an asset.
• Emergency management training and experience is considered an asset.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, quoting the appropriate competition online at vernon.ca/careers by selecting “apply” and creating a candidate profile. Internal applicants are asked to apply using their worker profile.

By making application, you are authorizing the City of Vernon to verify, through whatever means deemed appropriate, any information included in your applicant profile.

The City of Vernon wishes to thank all applicants; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Worker Sub‑Type: Permanent

Location: City Hall Building

Time Type: Full time

Supervisory Organization: Communications & Grants